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Welcome to the review and comparison between the 2012 Infiniti FX and the Lexus RX. New to Australia the FX that was released elsewhere in the world back in 2009 although you would not be able to tell. Likewise the Lexus was a 2009 release too but unfortunately it does show. The Lexus RX model has been updated for 2012 which include cosmetic and equipment upgrades, the biggest change is the introduction of the RX270 variant with a new 4 cylinder engine.
We’ve driven the Lexus RX a while ago and can report that it is a decent family friendly SUV for road touring. The quality of materials are good and the design acceptable although not exactly inspiring. The drive experience is not impressive in a good way, its steering too light and with no feel. It relies on electronic systems for handling rather than physical engineering. We also think there’s too much plastic for 2012 and the cheap looking LED clock really needs to be replaced. The exterior is very conservative aka bland and not exactly attractive or ugly. Apart from these things there is little complain about.
The drive is typical Lexus with very light steering with very little feel until you get used to it and a very quiet interior, excellent smooth ride and vibration control. The power from the engine is silky smooth and you get little sense of real power as it has been typically Lexus-fied (don’t think there’s such a word). It is overall very conservative and safe. The overall impression you will get after a drive in the RX is that is is a more expensive Toyota since there a a number of parts from lessor Toyota’s. It’s great for cost control but not so good for the Lexus brand image.
The Infiniti FX was release in September 2012 and by all accounts it will be a decent sellor. For those who don’t know yet the Infiniti brand it is the Nissan equal of Toyota’s Lexus. We love the FX exterior and interior design which is the complete opposite of the RX. They have done a great job of producing a SUV that is ahead of its time. You could never confuse the FX for any other model yet wouldn’t knock it for being over designed. That’s what we think anyway. Lets hope Nissan does not ruin this difference in the Infiniti brand.
The engines are all high performance and not aimed at being particularly fuel efficient. The FX30 diesel should be a hoot to drive with 500Nm of torque and likewise the FX50 is probably one of the fastest SUVs in any gear with a V8 producing 287Kw with 550Nm. Unfortunately not many will be able to sample it’s power since the RPP for the V8 is a ‘mere’ $114,000 eekk.
The European design trend of minimising buttons and equipping cars with a single screen for the interface is old school. The Infiniti proves that buttons look fantastic and works just as well. As a result we would go for the Infiniti FX if we were in the market for this type of SUV.
| Infiniti FX | Lexus RX |
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| Engines | |
| FX30D – V9X V6 Diesel DOHC VVTi EFI 3.0 Litre (2993cc) Claimed 175Kw @ 3750RPM Claimed 550Nm @ 1750RPM |
2GR-FE V6 Petrol Quad Cam with VVT EFI 3.5 Litre (3456cc) Claimed 204Kw @ 6200 RPM Claimed 346Nm @ 4700 RPM2 |
| FX37 – VQ37 V6 Cylinder Petrol DOHC VVT EFI 3.7 Litre (3696cc) Claimed 235Kw @ 7000RPM Claimed 360Nm @ 520RPMFX50 – VK50 |
V6 Petrol (GR-FXE) Quad Cam with VVT EFI 3.5 Litre (3456cc) Claimed 188Kw @ 6000 RPM Claimed 317Nm @ 4800 RPM Front: 123Kw 355Nm Electric motor Rear: 50Kw 139Nm Electric moto |
| V8 Cylinder Petrol DOHC VVT EFI 5.0 Litre (5026cc) Claimed 287Kw @ 6500RPM Claimed 500Nm @ 4400RPM |
IL4 Petrol (91 Octane) 1AR-FE DOHC with VVT EFI 2.7 Litre (2699cc) Claimed 138Kw @ 5800 RPM Claimed 252Nm @ 4200 RPM |
| Weight | |
| Kerb weight FROM 2036Kg Towing capacity up to 2200kg |
Kerb weight FROM 1975 – 2205kg Towing capacity up to 2000Kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| 90 litres V9X Diesel 9 litres per 100km VQ27 Petrol 12.1 litres per 100km VK50 Petrol 13.1 litres per 100km |
65 litres IL4 Petrol 9.7 litres per 100km V6 Petrol 10.8 litres per 100km V6 Petrol Hybrid 6.4 litres per 100km (95 Octane and above only) |
| Other specifications | |
| 5 speed Auto Overall height/width 1680/1925 Overall length/wheelbase 4865/2885 NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
6 Spd Auto or CVT transmission Overall height/width 1720/1845 Overall length/wheelbase 4770/2750 ANCAP 5/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach ??? Departure ??? Breakover ??? 4WD system: AWD with selectable modes Minimum ground clearance xxxmm |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach ??? Departure ??? Breakover ??? 4WD system: AWD with selectable modes Minimum ground clearance xxxmm |
| Performance | |
| 2GR-FE 0-100kph 7.8 secs 2GR-FXE 0-100kph 7.8 secs 1AR-FE 0-100kph 11 Secs |
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| Pricing | |
| 2012 $83,900 – 114,900 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, on-roads and specials accessories etc… |
2012 RX270 From $69,900 AUD 2011 RX350 From $82,900 AUD 2010 RX450h From $89,900 AUD |