Strengths

Sleek, sexy design with pleasing styling inside as well; luxurious cabin; proven front-midship chassis; excellent engine and drivetrain; competitive pricing.

 

Changes

For 2009, the Infiniti EX35 gains a few new standard features, including leather seat trim and Infiniti's clever All Around View Monitor rear parking camera system.

The EX35 shares its capable front-midship chassis and excellent, free-revving, 297-horsepower 3.5L V6 with several other Infiniti models (G35, M35, FX35), and that power is put to the wheels through an advanced 5-speed automatic. The EX35 comes in two trim levels-base and Journey-and with rear-wheel or intelligent all-wheel drive.

The 2009 Infiniti EX35 is available in 7 colors: Moonlight White, Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Black Obsidian, Scarlet Silver, Blue Slate and Dark Currant. Pricing starts at just under $34,000.

 

Value

Infiniti was one of the first car companies to emphasize the "sport" in sport utility vehicle, and the 2009 EX35 furthers that philosophy. By blending world-class performance, advanced technology and a luxurious, user-friendly interior, the EX35 will leave drivers wanting for nothing. The fourth-generation 3.5L V6 that powers the EX35 has been one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for more than a decade, and the car wears the same familiar, attractive face that many of its Infiniti siblings wear. For 2009, the Infiniti EX35 offers more power than both the Acura RDX and Lexus RX 350, and is priced less as well.

 

Overview

The Infiniti EX35 utilizes a sleek design in keeping with Infiniti's overall look, and in terms of sheer style, it seems more elegant the more sedate lines seen on Acura and Lexus SUVs.

The EX35 is available in either base or Journey trim, and with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Infiniti's terrific VQ35HR 3.5L V6 powers the vehicle, putting out 297 horsepower at a 6,800 rpm and 253 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. An electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is also standard, and it features Infiniti's clever Downshift Rev Matching and Drive Sport (DS) mode, which help keep the emphasis on driving dynamics.

The entry-level EX35 comes with a bevy of standard features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, LED taillights, dual power mirrors, speed-sensing wipers, a rear integrated spoiler and dual chrome exhaust tips. Also standard is Infiniti's pioneering Scratch Shield Paint, a clear coat that "heals" minor imperfections like scratches and polish swirls.

Inside, creature comforts abound, with leather seats, a rear-view camera monitor system, push-button ignition, automatic temperature control, power locks and windows with remote Infiniti Intelligent Key, a 12V power outlet, power adjustable seats, and a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls. The standard audio system is a 6-speaker CD stereo with Radio Data System and XM satellite radio.

The EX35 Journey models add a power moonroof, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.

AWD models use Infiniti's Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split (ATTESA E-TS), which means the EX35 has a sporty rear-wheel drive bias under normal driving circumstances, but the system actively senses and adjusts to slick conditions to allow complete traction when necessary.

Several optional packages are available for the EX35 which features power front seats and xenon HID headlamps. The Bose & Navigation package includes an 11-speaker premium Bose stereo and a hard-disk drive-based navigation system with voice recognition. The Technology Package features two of Infiniti's most ingenious innovations: Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) actively adjusts the EX35 through individual wheel braking and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) to avoid wandering out of the lane of travel, as well as intelligent cruise control with forward collision warning.

Like all Infinitis, the 2009 EX35 is loaded with standard safety features such as dual-stage front air bags, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, side curtain air bags front and rear, active head restraints, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, stability control, and a tire pressure monitor.