2013 Infiniti JX35

Launched in the spring of 2012, the 2013 JX has only one engine option: Nissan’s 3.5-liter, DOHC V-6 with 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. There are only two models—front drive and all-wheel drive—but Infiniti has plenty of extra options available, including a backup collision-intervention system.

The exterior of the 2013 Infiniti JX35 comes standard with 18-inch painted alloy wheels and the option for 20-inch forged wheels. Also standard is a rear spoiler, which makes an attractive addition to the exterior styling. The headlights are bi-xenon, the taillights are LED, and fog lights come standard. The exterior also includes heated mirrors, a sunroof, and a power liftgate hatchback for access to the cargo area. The Premium package adds front and rear parking sensors to the JX35, and the deluxe touring package adds the 20-inch wheels, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic sunroof. Unfortunately, the deluxe touring package requires the theatre package, which is a bit frustrating for consumers looking to pick and choose their options.

The JX35 is designed on top of the Nissan Murano platform, but it measures longer and wider than the Murano. The extremely large design may seem over-the-top, but it allows for the large, family friendly interior. Privacy glass is standard fare, and the liftgate window does not open or close. Exterior options include roof rails, roof railing crossbars, a towing package, and a rear bumper protector.

Overall, the exterior of the Infiniti JX35 looks large and attractive. The lines and curves are aesthetically pleasing, and the neutral color options keep the JX35 attractive without relying on obnoxious colors to turn heads.

The interior of the 2013 Infiniti JX35 comes standard with leather upholstery. Front seats are bucket seats with multi-level heating. The driver's seat features an eight-way power adjustment control and adjustable lumbar support. The passenger seat features six-way power adjustments, and both seats can be raised or lowered in height. The second row of seating is a split-folding rear seat with reclining seats. The third row allows for manual adjustments, and all rear seating features ventilation ducts with fan controls.

Other standard interior features for the 2013 Infiniti JX35 include power windows and locks, a trip computer, and cruise control. The steering wheel features audio and cruise controls, along with tilt and telescopic adjustment. A rearview camera comes standard, and roadside assistance and destination download become available with the SYNC feature. The automatic climate control covers three zones, and interior air filtration keeps the interior fresh.

The standard entertainment system includes a six-speaker AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 playback, an auxiliary jack, and a USB connection for integration of audio devices. XM satellite radio also comes standard, but it requires a subscription. Interior options include a theatre package with a dial DVD entertainment system for both rear rows. Maple accents can also be added to the interior, which do a lot to make it look even better. Materials are high-quality throughout the cabin. The seven-passenger seating proves ideal for larger families. Cargo area totals only 15 cubic feet with all of the seats in place, but with the seats folded down this improves greatly.

The 2013 Infiniti JX35 comes standard with anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, and traction and stability control. Airbags include head airbags for all three rows, front side-mounted airbags, and full-length curtain airbags, totaling six all together. The 2013 Infiniti JX35 also comes with an anti-theft alarm system to help protect from thieves, auto-delay headlamps, fog lights, and tire pressure monitoring. With available SYNC technology, the JX35 can be tracked if stolen, an alert sends to a smartphone if the vehicle alarm goes off, and emergency help service responds when needed.

Optional safety features include a lane departure warning system, a 360-degree camera system, and a blind-spot warning system that works with intelligent brake assist to stop possible crashes. These options require expensive package upgrades, many of which must be purchased together. This makes adding safety options difficult for consumers.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has acknowledged complaints about the emergency braking assist having some faulty operations, although they have not linked any accidents to this claim. The JX35 has also received some recalls based on faulty fuel gauges, which may be an area of concern. Overall, these small instances do not appear to be typical experiences, and the safety of the JX35 appears to be relatively high quality.

The 2013 Infiniti JX35 comes standard with a 265-horsepower, 3.5-liter, V-6 engine that produces 248 lb-ft of torque. The JX35 is available with either front drive or all-wheel drive. Both feature a continuously variable automatic transmission. This transmission features a sport mode that acts like a stepped transmission. During driving tests, the 2013 Infiniti JX35 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which is decent for a very large SUV, but it is slightly slower than some of the competition.

Fuel economy for the JX35 is estimated at 18/24 mpg city/highway for the front-drive models and a nearly identical 18/23 mpg city/highway for all-wheel-drive models. Overall, the JX35 is more luxury than sporty, and while it is extremely comfortable, it doesn't perform as well as it might. Slow-speed turns prove to be a bit troublesome, and the transmission tends to make acceleration a bit frumpy. The plus side is the great fuel economy.

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