I have a 2013 FX37 AWD and it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. There are some good and bad so let me list them from my experience starting with the bad: The interior electronics is outdated and counter-intuitive, like he said. The navigation is so bad that I just use Google Maps on my Android for GPS. The back seats and trunk space could be bigger, but I don't have any kids nor do I work construction, so that doesn't matter to me. I also only average 18.5 MPG (50/50 city and highway). If you have kids, you will probably want something roomier and more gas efficient like an MDX, RX350, or something similarly boring. If you're a selfish, young professional like me, then this is the car for you! Driving it in "Sport" mode is great fun - a little too fun - and it handles like a car. Whether you're cruising downtown on the weekends or going to a fancy business dinner, you fit right in. The AWD works great in the rain and light snow; as soon as there's a "slip" it gets corrected by the computer. We don't get deep snow or ice, so I can't speak on that. I've done all the scheduled maintenance and the reliability is what you'd expect from a Japanese car. My cousin has an Audi Q5 and it's constantly in the shop for minor things - something minor in a German car will cost you big. One word of advice: get really good tires. I see people getting cheap tires on their $45K+ SUVs and it makes no sense. To maximize the ride comfort, handling and performance, get the best tires you can get.
I love Cooley. My opinion is that all cars have good stuff but for once there is a reviewer that talks about the negative. Even my car got bashed on his review n I find it ok. Every car company is advertising their positives but I rather seee the negative. Plus Cooley is honest.
Thisn is my 3rd FX and still love them but agree the tech has fallen behind. I noticed that my 2013 around view camera is horrible but my 201309 was perfect. Anyone else notice that?
People think this is a Family SUV, this is a performance car. If you want something luxury, look for a Yukon Denali. I’m loving my 2017 Denali I wouldn’t change it for anything
I really like the monochrome LCD in the instrument cluster of my G37. It's easy to use, gives the gist, and it isn't brightly colored. I hate the way that other makers (i.e. Ford and Chevy) set it up, just give me the traditional needles!
Brian didn't mention the QX70 currently sells for about $6700 off MSRP. You see, Brian, old car designs may lack some newer gizmos but they cost less. Well equipped this is about $50,000 now. Price an X6 and get back to us.
+Bruno TaTa Its a "luxury" car. Its supposed to have tech. Its just a bit embarrassing when a Kia pulls up next to you and has nicer tech. Nobody at this price point is racing their SUV either. They drive it on real roads.
They focus so much on making the car cheaper to run. But the design of the interior is still so messy. Way too many buttons and user interface is last generation. Also the dash board in the old infiniti looks so much better.... without the LCD screen. That LCD screen make me feel like this is a nissan. If you want to put a LCD screen in the dash board. at least make it mean something. Personally I think the car looks great, but the little things really puts me off and make me wanna go for the audi Q series instead.
+james hawkins It's also one of the best handling crossovers, one of the most reliable crossovers, is a top scoring car in safety, even by more stringent european standards, it has one of the best dealer network experiences, gets to 60mph in 6.2 seconds, and resale is strong. But yeah, looks is about it.
I really liked this review. Where most reviewers kiss the arse of the company for which they are reviewing, you tore these guys up, which they deserved. Infiniti needs to get its head out of its hind parts with respect to tech, especially in the cabin. We test drove a 2016 QX70 versus a Nissan Murano Platinum last year, and ended up with the Murano. The QX70 felt dated and old, while the Murano feels like piloting an aircraft, and at a lower price tag. I'm in the market now for a second mid-sized SUV and am looking now at the F-Pace, the Q5, and the X5. I figured I would stop by and see if the QX70 (which has the coolest exterior styling of anything on the road in my opinion) would appeal to me. I got my answer on the tech. No thanks. Excellent review.
I actually like this car thing whatever it is. but Nissan c'mon you're selling this this as a style over substance alternative to the rest of the markets crossovers. $58,000 IS AN UTTER RIPOFF with yesterdays interior. its a Nissan so all the mechanicals are going to be awesome. sad thing is Nissan already has a new infotainment system. Its this awesome dual monitor setup like HONDA/ACURA but it controls everything not just infotainment. I think its in the Q50.
You had to get out of the car the other night to park?... all that technology must be turning you into a non-driver. It's an Infiniti not a Lamborghini Gallardo
Too much focus on infotainment and how large and nice the screen looks, if I can connect my iPod and USB I'm a happy driver. Focus on driving, reliability, resale values and such... The Bose sound system on my 2015 is monstrous.
Oh yeah, and as for that crunchy led screen not toggling between Nav and Media, yes, the Germans do it better. My 2014 Buick Regal GS does it A LOT better!
This review was useless. You claim you had to get out of the car to park blaming the rain and cameras, what happened to your mirrors ?..did they malfunction due to the rain too ?? Looks like you were around before cars had computers and any technology so why the drama ??? Why go OCD for 3 of the 8 minutes on the NAV ? How about a "Real" review next time without all the BS.
Brian M LOL Did he just really compare Santa Fe to Infiniti's QX70? No wonder people buy all kinds of vehicles that are just boring and subtle grocery getters. They are oblivious to differences or any actual dynamics.
How's it working out for you being a fan boy? The reality is that the FX/QX70 is in desperate need of a redesign. They changed the name to something even more confusing than before, but it's still the same antiquated crap that they released in 2003. They're being left behind by Porsche, and yes, even Hyundai, in the sport SUV segment. The Hyundai's handling isn't as good, but the Hyundai's drive train is definitely superior. Nissan as a whole needs to step up their game, but as of now nearly every car they make is ONLY available with a crappy CVT transmission.
I've got 2003 Nissan Pathfinder, which I bought 5 years ago. It had 44K Miles. Now it has 82K Miles and I've experienced only 2 minor problems and everything works as jaymum23 noticed.
