Infiniti EX35 small SUV

qbrozen

Heck, at 64 cu ft, it matches the '98 Forester we used to own, and we found that was deceivingly large inside. I used to be able to stuff alot of crap in there!

g2memphis

Remember, the 64 c.f. figure from Infiniti was with the rear seats DOWN ... I bet the Forester c.f. was with the rear seats UP. I have owned an FX for 3.5 years and I find the rear area to have about 2/3 usable for cargo ... that is if you want to actually see out the rear window when you drive!

qbrozen

I bet the Forester c.f. was with the rear seats UP.

Nope. That is total cargo area with the seats folded. Have you every seen a '98 forester? It is not a big car by any stretch of the imagination.

To put that and the EX into perspective, the new CRV has 73 cu ft total cargo capacity. A Pilot has 88 and an FX only has 65, believe it or not. (that last one is kinda making me doubt the EX number ???? OR Edmunds has the FX wrong???)

samiam_68

The Forester cargo area is very squared off. A LOT of stuff fits into it. The EX has a very sharp slant, which limits the usefulness even though the cubic feet are in the same ballpark.

msu79gt82

They were thinking, "we already have the FX, so this needs to be smaller." I just can't get why people are so hung up on this. There are many many other larger vehicles out there.

I used to own an FX35 and traded it for an M35; the EX and FX are very different cars apart from cargo space; the EX could have the same space as the FX and still be uniquely different. We are looking to downsize from an MDX and thus are NOT interested in the many "other larger vehicles out there" - surprisingly there are NOT a lot of smaller luxury SUV's to choose from out there. When the EX was first announced I had hopes for a Lexus RX size vehicle in an Infiniti package - alas I still have to hope for one.

Another user said it best calling the EX a CuV - an EXcellent Crossover that is very small in the "u" part of SuV.

msu79gt82

I tried to edit my above post, but it wouldn't let me. :confuse:

The Lexus RX dominates the smaller CUV market. The Acura RDX is a turbo-four, the BMW X3 has that hideous (to ma anyway) boxy styling the old Jeep CJ series had that started the SUV craze :surprise: ... anyway the point is that there is very little to choose from in the smaller CUV market. I had very high hopes that the EX would be my "dream" car of an RX size vehile with killer Infiniti style - while I confess the style is there it falls a bit short for some of us in the size department.

True it is a perfect size for some folks, it shouldn't be too surprising that some of us see it as a tad small. Surely there are many folks like me who no longer needs the 7-seat capacity of the large SUVs and would love to see Infiniti come out with a Mazda CX size product - in fact the new Mazda's are very nice in many ways, but it is a Mazda

jaxs1

The next FX might be the choice. I assume it will do everything the EX does with more room, but for more money and even worse fuel economy.

qbrozen

OK, I just checked. The FX is 3 inches longer and 3 inches wider than an RX, while being about a quarter inch lower. So not a big difference. The RX, on the other hand, offers far more interior capacity.

The EX comes in at 7 inches shorter than the FX and 3-4 inches lower. I think that's a fairly adequate difference. If they made it closer in size to the RX, it just wouldn't make sense next to the FX.

The CX7, by the way, is close to the EX (the EX is about 2 inches shorter and lower).

928

will any Infiniti EX35 owners please so kind give me a measurement from the floor to the top of the tailgate (hatch door) when its open? I have a low ceiling garage, just want to make sure it will fit before buy one. Delearship is 100 miles away and no saleman would do this extra mile to help me. Thanks!

richqd

My dream also, waited 2 1/2 months for the EX to appear, pretty much loved everything, except from the front seatbacks back......If it had the space of the Acura RDX or close, rear seat and cargo area, I would be going on month #4 of EX ownership. We'll build you a small small cuv, not very accomodating with space, not great gas mileage, but it's got GADGETS! Hey, let me get my $45,000 out right now! NOT!

qbrozen

Surely there are many folks like me who no longer needs the 7-seat capacity of the large SUVs and would love to see Infiniti come out with a Mazda CX size product

HUH? I'm confused. Isn't that what the FX is?? Or did you want something larger than the FX? But still smaller than an MDX? I think the FX is smaller than the CX7, but I'd have to check the numbers to be really certain. It SEEMS smaller to me.

I think the Lexus RX is too big, too. Bigger than an FX, is it not?

jaxs1

This is what the new FX will look like:

msu79gt82

HUH? I'm confused. Isn't that what the FX is?? Or did you want something larger than the FX? But still smaller than an MDX? I think the FX is smaller than the CX7, but I'd have to check the numbers to be really certain. It SEEMS smaller to me.

As I stated above, I traded an FX35 ('04) for an M35 and I consider the FX and the EX very different cars independent of size. The FX is a loud, stiff, sporty SUV along the likes of the Porsche Cayenne. I see the EX as a much more refined, quite, smoother, riding CUV. Since the two are so different it appeals to different folks apart from the size. I would like it even more if it had more functional cargo space.

At least give me room for 4 sets of golf clubs, or two sets of clubs and a reasonable amount of luggage.

msu79gt82

Why can't I edit posts? Sadly I am not a very good typist!

jaxs1

Maybe the new FX will be more refined and quiet. If not, the new Murano is nice and will be closer to the price range of the EX.

stever

I noticed some server issues a few hours ago (took me about 10 minutes before I could edit one of mine in fact). Seems better now, but sometimes the servers go off-line for updating (usually a note flops up at the bottom when this happens). And sometimes a server just seems to get out of sync with the other ones and fights you. Apologies.

qbrozen

The FX is a loud, stiff, sporty SUV along the likes of the Porsche Cayenne. I see the EX as a much more refined, quite, smoother, riding CUV.

OK. Now I understand your position better. Thanks for clarifying.

Well, as someone else said, maybe the new FX will be more refined. I'd say it has a very good chance of being so since it seems every generation of all the Infinitis has gotten better and better. The FX is now in its 6th year, so its pretty old in the great car timeline.

epineda

We are a new owner of the Infiniti EX35. I read almost all the reviews you can find both good and bad. Despite the negative aspect of the tight rear seat space which is often mentioned, there are more positives. I would rate this vehicle a 7.5/10 (it would rate higher if they can fix the rear seat space).

If you have been to Europe and Japan, the rear space issue might not be that of a big issue (correct me if I am wrong) since they are more practical and used to small cars in general relative to North Americans who are more attuned to bigger vehicles. Again, this is on average.

We did test drove the BMW X3 and Acura RDX which is the closer peer group. The Acura RDX engine feels whiney even though it is a 4 cylinder turbo and the interior is comparable to the EX. The BMW X3 looks cheap in terms of the overall look especially considering it is a luxury brand and the price you pay for it. I had friends who owned the BMW X3 and X5 and maintenance is very costly over time for these vehicles relative to Lexus, Acura and Infiniti.

msu79gt82

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/25/infiniti-kicks-off-euro-invasion-with-305-hp-- ex37/

PRESS RELEASE
INFINITI EX37: THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL COMPACT CROSSOVER
The EX37, as its moniker suggests, is powered by the new 3.7L VQ V6 that's also used in the G37 cars. In the EX37, it produces a RAV4-humbling 305 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic rather than the five-speed auto used in the States. Suddenly, the 3.5L V6 in the EX35 we just reviewed with 297 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque just doesn't seem to cut it. The 3.7L V6 should make the EX37 one of the fastest compact crossovers in the world, as well as one of the best handling since its based on the same platform as the G37 and Nissan 350Z.

msu79gt82

I know I for one will almost definitely wait and see when Infiniti brings the EX37 to the US market. I can't imagine them not doing so soon; why produce two versions of the "same" car?

epineda

coool.

Usually the European versions are getting the better treatment. The Ford and Honda Civics there look nicer than the ones you see here.

jaxs1

The difference in power is pretty minimal. Maybe it can't pass US emissions testing and if it does pass emissions, maybe they still won't bring it so people will have more reason to upgrade to the new FX other than body size.
I surprised they are comparing it to the RAV4 instead of something in the same price range.

msu79gt82

Maybe it can't pass US emissions testing ...

Nope, the European EX37 uses the same engine as the G37 Coupe - there is not an issue with emissions. It is a yet undisclosed marketing decision :confuse:

jaxs1

Yes, I mentioned the new FX as an alternate reason.

msu79gt82

I still think it is a very odd move. I see the EX35 and FX to be very different vehicles, regardless of 3.5 engine or 3.7 engine in the EX; IF Infiniti thinks an EX37 will rob FX37 sales THEN Infiniti has bigger problems on their hands - i.e. one of them is redundant! There has to be more of a difference than engines!

Clearly the EX35 is not jumping off the lots as fast as Infiniti would like; reminds me of Acura's RL disaster) and now we find that there is a "better" EX out there? Why should I buy one now?

charlesb

It seems a very strange marketing decision for a Japanese manufacturer to bring the smaller less powerful engine to the states and the larger to Europe.

I think some buyers (as opposed to lookers) may just jump to the wait and see camp with a more powerful motor in the offing elsewhere in the world.

A curious vehicle with curiouser marketing just got a bit stranger .

Nissan was just admitted to emergency with a self-inflicted bullet wound to the foot.

jmess

I drove both today. The EX 2wd felt noticeably faster than the AWD 328ix but the 328ix has better steering and a little better handling feel. The interior of the 328 is really a drab affair though and looks really cheap compared to the EX. Other than having more cargo room with the back seats down I was under whelmed by the 328. Optioned up it is more expensive than the EX.

BMW's sales pitch is we are more expensive but we get better MPG, 4 years free maintenance, and our resale value is better. Based upon the $3K-4K higher price for a loaded 328 it probably is about a wash at the end between the EX and the 328. I generally do my own basic maintenance which is cheaper time wise than taking it to the dealer.

The resale value of the EX could be a problem though due to a pretty narrow market segment that would consider a used car like this. People buy used BMWs for a variety of reasons some of which is the name. Pulling up in a used EX wouldn't draw much attention from the neighbors.

inteller

how can BMW say their resale value is better? I look at X3 prices in my neck of the woods and they are abysmal. 2004 going for $20k? That has to make you sick after paying almost $50k new.

jaxs1

$50K was a lot to have paid, but a 2004 is around 4 years old, it is smallish and a gas guzzler, and many were probably purchased in 2003. The X3 should be due for a complete redesign soon.

http://www.internetautoguide.com/usedcars/11-int/bmw/x3/index.html

epineda

Don't forget about how costly it is to maintain BMW's relative to the Infiniti's, Acura's and Lexus It eats up the value of the car over time.

jaxs1

The cost of maintenance of a BMW is not an issue until after 4 years, You get 50,000 miles of free maintenance on a new BMW.

qbrozen

And maintenance is only expensive if you go to a dealer.

My Hondas have been no cheaper to maintain than my euro cars.

rangerwalker

Lexus routine maintenance is expensive (within warranty period, unlike BMW). Everyone seems to agree that the dealers provide excelllent service - but it isn't inexpensive.

cdoom

We (athletic, white collar, kid-less couple) were very enamored with the EX35 after multiple show room visitations and a fair bit of forum browsing and online research. A protracted [2 hr.] test drive changed that perception. We can't justify purchasing an EX35 due to these 5 observations: 1. One of us could not find a comfortable driver's seat position, despite the myriad options, 2. Sight lines, when looking backwards from the driver's seat (all points), were very poor and potentially dangerous, 3. Engine/transmission noise was offensive for most acceleration events and during sustained [highway] speeds above 70 mph, 4. Ingress/egress to the passenger seats was very awkward, 5. Absence of a power liftgate. These observations seemed to confirm what others have reported, and became tangible only after actually road testing the vehicle. FYI.

jmess

I found the local Honda dealer was marking up the higher volume maintenance parts 10-20% over Honda's recommended selling price. When you buy Lexus oil filter at the Lexus parts department and it cost less than a Honda oil filter something is wrong. I now buy all my parts online.

healeysandjags

>>1. One of us could not find a comfortable driver's seat position, despite the myriad options, 2. Sight lines, when looking backwards from the driver's seat (all points), were very poor and potentially dangerous, 3. Engine/transmission noise was offensive for most acceleration events and during sustained [highway] speeds above 70 mph, 4. Ingress/egress to the passenger seats was very awkward, 5. Absence of a power liftgate.<<

Huh? The drivers seat has 8 way adjustable seats. Next to my Volvo I couldn't find a bad seating position. 2. Agree on sight lines - not great but no worse than hundreds of other cars being designed today. HIgher seating position helps a lot in this regard. Not a problem for me. 3 Quietest engine and cabin I've been in except Lexus. I really disagree with this statement. The engine growls under hard acceleration and it is quite pleasing to me. 4 Passenger seating is ok, not great. I have no problem getting in and out and I'm a big guy. 5. This one I really don't get. The EX has a hydraulic lift rear gate and takes a slight nudge of the finger to lift it. Virtually effortless.

Just another opinion...
Randy

cdoom

Good counterpoints healeysandjags. Funny the Volvo reference; the driver in question prev. owned a '96 850T wagon for 9 yrs. with no comfort issues - methinks seat comfort is a more subjective measure than most consumers realize - simply pointing out the danger in trusting what appears to be critical consensus (which seems to be the case for Infiniti seating). Agreed the EX cabin is quiet - but compared to a BMW 328iT the EX35 is noticeably noisier at higher R.P.M.s - to borrow your words I would pose that if the EX growls, the 328iT purrs in response to identical stimuli. Regarding rear passenger seat access, we were well aware that this was a controversial feature, so we went into the testing phase with a very open mind - alas, aside from having to be a bit of a contorsionist, hind seat passengers had better not be expecting to keep light-colored clothing clean - your pants/skirt/shorts WILL drag over/along the rear wheel well combing that protrudes into the rear door opening. Finally, granted the virtues of a power lift gate for opening are not so compelling, but powered closure is awfully convenient (see Benz's ML350 - [big red liftgate button] for how it should be done in a luxury 5-door utility vehicle). Minor points all, but things to consider when about to spend a sizeable chunk of one's annual salary on a set wheels.

healeysandjags

Apologies for my confusing post regarding seating. My S80T6 Volvo had the most comfortable seat I had ever experienced. The Infinity seat is not as good for me, but it does compare well with everything else I have driven so far (except the Volvo). I also own a Lexus - it has a comparable seat but not better. My father's MB S500 seat is superior but of course that seat is bolted to a $110k car.
Seating is indeed subjective.

Randy

waltaz

Anybody using the EX factory rack (rails + crossbars) to rack bikes, mountain or road? Meaning you are using a Yakima or Thule bike mount on top of the factory crossbars?

Or is anybody using the EX factory rails and mounting Yakima or Thule crossbars and bike mounts?

I need to know as I am going to pull the trigger on one and absolutely need to rack bikes.

Thanks!

rubbersidedown

waltaz, I saw your post, and as a biker, I signed up just to respond. I purchased the factory crossbars, but found they were too close together to allow a stable mount AND allow you to open the rear hatch. Took them off. Using Yakima or Thule crossbars will allow you to move the bars up further (over the sunroof) and may solve the roof mounting problem with the factory rack. I did not do that, as I found that my bike fits in the back easily. I did not explore a hitch either. I know that saris has a new suv rack that might work and I might investigate that one day.

Bottom line: this car is so fun to drive, that despite my change of plans to rack the bike, I'm driving with a smile to the trails - and everywhere else!

chasv

" 5. This one I really don't get. The EX has a hydraulic lift rear gate and takes a slight nudge of the finger to lift it. Virtually effortless. Just another opinion... Randy "

I get it.

The convenience of a power liftgate isn't so much about opening the door. It's about closing it. When you're carrying something heavy out of your car, it's so much nicer to be able to click the button on your keychain and have the liftgate close automatically, instead of having to leave it open and return to the car after putting down the object. Especially in the rain.

waltaz

http://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198229

qbrozen

or carrying something heavy TO the car. Like from a store.
Or carrying a kid AND something heavy, which I often find myself doing.

pharmboy3

First time poster, long time car enthusiast. My wife and I just leased a Scarlet Silver with Walnut interior EX35 Journey+Premium package. Just drove it home yesterday. The reason why we purchased the EX35 was for several reasons:
1) Good compromise between a small SUV and Sports Car
2) My wife (5'7") and I (6') are slim and felt very comfortable
3) It looked like a car we could be seen in and loved the interior

We chose this over other luxury wagons/SUVs because I won't pay $36k for a turbo4, don't like techno interior, hate SUVs that look like a soccer moms car, needs better than average projected reliability (via Consumer Reports), and it's only two of us, not a herd of children. We looked at Outbacks,RDX, Audis and others but got a better deal on the Infiniti through the March finance offers.

This SUV does have some glaring negatives. It has a very small in the interior. The "shoe" silhouette really eats up in interior headspace with the slopping back and sides windows angled inward. Cargo space is very limited and the back seat is vestigial for all intense purposes. Even the Audi A3 has better interior space. It may not have SH-AWD, but the ATTESA AWD is very well respected, besides stability control is more important. For the price we paid, it should have HID lights ans an auto up/down tailgate feature on the key, something others have stated. Also, its MPG suck.

So, we leased the car. WHY? We (just the two of us) saw it as a nice stylish & sporty hatchback that gives some utility in the back while being very quiet and with a comfortable ride on long trips. I don't care who has the best 0-60 or AWD, but like the fact that it has spunk and drives easily. If I need to carry or haul something, I have a Toyota Tacoma for that. If it starts to snow (rarity in NC), I stay at home or drive our other SUV, a Jeep Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Drive. The car was a good fit for us. Just remember, no car fits all, especially this EX35. It is sold as a unique brand identifying vehicle, not designed for the masses. Hince the high price of entry and that Infiniti will sell only 30k every year.

g2memphis

I wished I had 'met' you guys earlier ... your observations and car searches mirrored those of my wife and me right to the "Outback, RDX and Audi" comment! The negatives of the 'EX' were just too much for us to overcome, however, so last night we also took advantage of the March $$$ offers and signed on for a 2008 'G35' Sedan. We gave up on the SUV'ness of the EX, but more than made up for it with the human comfort and space of the 'G'. I owned a 'G' prior to the FX35 I traded in last night so it is like coming home to an old friend! I am truly glad my "waffling" about the 'EX' is finally over and I can think about something other than "rear seat legroom" and "all-around camera view" for a change.

Best of luck for all of you who are still 'on the fence' ...

I can finally end my 'blog' with :shades: instead of the :confuse: that I have been using lately!

waltaz

I would have strongly thougt about getting another G35 (purchased one for my wife a month ago), but in addition to not necessarily wanting two of the same car in the garage, there is no way at this time (neither Thule nor Yakima) to put a rack on top of a G35 to carry bikes. And a key criteria for me is racking bikes. I had no interested in some sort of a hitch-like setup, so the G was out. I have a great Thule rack setup on my EX and am thrilled with the vehicle.

jaxs1

People can also buy bikes where both wheels come off and they can throw them in the trunk of a G35, They even make mountain bikes and road bikes that fold down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiGKAFceZj8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvXKbWQzIxU

waltaz

I'm a pretty hard-core rider and cart my bike around each week. I have to take my front wheel off to rack it, which is no big deal, but having to also take off the rear wheel each time, and stuff the frame + two wheels + gear into the truck is not practical, nor would it all fit, IMO. And no way would I stuff it into the back seat (like a friend used to do in a BMW M3). Plus, I sometimes have two bikes, and that would not be an option at all with the G.

The roof rails on the EX enable a roof rack, and the vehicle itself provides much more utility...hey, it's a...CUV!!! How 'bout that! Perfect!

pharmboy3

I may be the only person who has resisted the ipod craze until now. I use my cell phone and a PDA as a MP3 player , so never went around to purchasing one of those ipods. So why does a techno-car like the EX35 only have a cable for ipods? Anyone know if they are developing other types of data cables to connect to MP3 players? Didn't get the techno-package and the car does not have a USB connection. Come On! Even Ford's SYNC has this feature.

jmess

As other have said this car isn't perfect but it quickly wins you over by how nice it drives. It has a pleasant balance of comfort, handling, and performance. I am using this car to replace two cars: 05 C6 Corvette and 04 Honda Odyssey. The C6 was so fast you could hardly ever fully use the power. The Odyssey drove nice in a straight line but it is an under steering pig in the corners.

I didn't really want the tech package but have quickly grown to appreciate the around view monitor in tight spaces. I have yet to really use the active cruise control. I doubt I will ever use the lane departure warning and lane departure prevention features.

Thumbs up for the active Xenon head lights; having them turn with the steering wheel helps you see better at night.