Nissan hasn't really marketed it as such (and I commend them for that), but the EX35 could easily be considered part of the "premium four-door crossover coupe" crowd, along with the likes of the BMW X6 and the Acura ZDX. Of course, the attractive first-generation Infiniti FX35/45 could also be lumped into that group, if not for the fact that adults can actually fit in the FX's back seats.
Unlike the aforementioned vehicles, though, the EX comes in a more compact package, which better suits its predilection as a surprisingly sporty wagon, rather than as a compromised SUV. The Infiniti's shape also means that rear headroom isn't sacrificed as severely as in the Acura and the BMW, although back-seat legroom and cargo space are quite poor, as we documented extensively during a year with our recently departed Four Seasons silver-on-black EX35. That vehicle held up quite well, but I still found it refreshing to get into a newer EX. I particularly liked this example's tan interior, which likely wouldn't have aged well under our yearlong care but makes the cabin look and feel larger. I'm not such a big fan of the "moonlight white" paint, however, which doesn't flatter the EX's svelte lines as nicely as other hues.
Rusty Blackwell, Copy Editor
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