Indeed, the new JX has proven to be a hit for Infiniti, both in Canada and the United States. While not selling in the kinds of numbers Lexus puts up with the similarly-priced RX350, the 2013 JX35 is now a common sight in the suburban driveways of well-off families.
For families who can't take a giant leap to the $73,200 QX56 or won't sacrifice space in a $53,350 FX, an opportunity now presents itself in the form of the JX. The JX35 is relatively affordable, seats seven, and fits the desired image of those who seek an upwardly mobile lifestyle. A lifestyle which includes children. And sadly, even the friends of their children.
But does that mean you want to own it, or even lease it? After all, there are seemingly countless JX alternatives from both mainstream and premium auto brands. I wanted to find out just how well a 2013 Infiniti JX35 could handle the rigours of classy suburban family life. So I drove a JX out of the city a ways, past Bedford's new four-pad hockey facility, and parked in my wife's cousin's driveway to explore the JX's cabin.
Then I loaded my senior citizen parents inside for proper space analysis - my generation will soon be housing our parents, right? - and toured the Clayton Park area. If ever there was a challenge for a modern family car, surely it's a drive through a provincial political riding that's named after a 53-year-old developer of suburban housing developments.
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| All Photo Credits: Timothy Cain ©www.GoodCarBadCar.net |
The JX's second row of seating requires knees to point skyward at a slightly uncomfortable angle, but space is plentiful. The third row isn't awful - not bad at all for kids - but exiting is awkward. Because of the vast glass roof, rear-most passengers will at least enjoy abundant light. Space behind the third row is sufficient for a family's grocery load and you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover a small well beneath the floor. With the third row folded, the JX's 40.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity is up 0.8 cubic feet on the two-row Lexus RX350 but down a bit from the Acura MDX's 42.9 cubic feet. Furthermore, power-operating tailgates are awesome.
Continuously variable transmissions are often controversial. The JX's won't be. Yes, you'd prefer Mercedes-Benz's 7G-Tronic automatic, but the JX's CVT doesn't drone or whine or feel as though horsepower is being withheld.
Drivers will undoubtedly enjoy effortless steering at parking lot speeds, better than average brake feel, and an overall feeling of lightness that makes the JX35 drive through suburbia like a much smaller vehicle. A minivan this is not.
In fact, the balance Infiniti's engineers struck between the dynamic qualities of the FX50 and Nissan Quest is admirable.
But we do what we have to do. Just because our kids play minor hockey, just because they splash in mud puddles, and just because our spouses expects us to get some gardening done doesn't mean we can't enjoy the transportation part of our lives. Yeah, we do what we have to do, but hopefully we can drive what we want to drive. Overall, the JX looks nice, carries big loads, keeps seven humans safe, and maneuvers with ease.
From a premium brand perspective, no three-row crossover can touch the JX on price. Admittedly, a BMW X5 xDrive35i fosters a greater aura of desirability, but it costs at least $17,000 more. Without some hidden major failing we're not aware of, one wonders why the 2013 Infiniti JX35 doesn't itself cost a bit more.
| THE GOOD Base price Manageable size Awfully good for a CVT Ride quality Looks the part | THE BAD Some minivans are quicker Noise on the highway CVT only Oversized grille |
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