Last week we had the ride of our lives, literally.
We were lucky to be given a fully-loaded Infiniti JX35 to test drive and review for one week by Infiniti Canada and experience the Infiniti difference.
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| We loved the JX! |
The JX only comes in one model starting at a base of $44, 900 with available options.
Our JX included all options such as: Premium, Theatre, Deluxe Touring & Tech (includes Drivers Assistance Package) with the price totaling $58,400 (before taxes, delivery & destination).
As a busy family that's constantly on the go -- appointments, work, meetings, errands, etc., it was so important that we review a vehicle that was accommodating to our hectic lifestyle.
We needed good space, reliability, decent-good fuel economy, great safety features and of course, it doesn't hurt for it to look stylish and beautiful at the same time.
The Infiniti JX fit the bill!
With the ability to carry up to 7 passengers (this includes 3rd row reclining seats), I was surprised at how spacious it still was given the amount of passengers. I know because we had a few extra family members join us on an evening cruise in the JX which prompted us to utilize the extra seats in the back. It's definitely not for the long legged person though; I'd recommend children or shorter passengers in the extra seats in the back.
On top of that, it provides one-handed easy access for sliding the 2nd row seats forward even with a car seat & child still on it. Amazing!
Before I ramble on with all the fabulous features this vehicle has to offer, let me talk about our top 3 features first.
Our Top 3 Infiniti JX Features
1) The world's first Backup Collision Intervention
2) Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Front and Rear Sonar System
3) Infiniti Intelligent Key with power rear liftgate and available remote start
The first on this list, many have already seen on the TV commercial. Simply put, when backing up from a parking spot or driveway, the sensors will a detect moving object (i.e. a child or bike or both!) that will stop the vehicle for a full second if you're not on the brake pedal.
This safety feature is very useful in child-friendly neighborhoods such as ours and gives us peace of mind whenever we're backing out of our driveway.
The 2nd feature on our favourites blew our minds!!! We've never seen this technology in a vehicle -- this is the world's first!
The ability to see a bird's eye view of a vehicle and moving objects around it in real-time is absolutely astounding.
The Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection will pick up movement from vehicles, people and objects and will warn you if one is coming too close to your vehicle by an amber light and a beep on both the inside of the driver and passenger side doors. You will also be able to see this on the monitor.
The Front and Rear Sonar System is especially helpful in regards to your blind spots while driving or changing lanes.
On an especially dark evening, we were on an uphill road in a not-so-well lit street and as we proceeded to change lanes from the left to the right, a speeding vehicle fast approached us at the same time we were changing lanes -- at that moment the amber light on the front passenger side turned on and started beeping to alert us that a vehicle was in our blind spot.
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| When reversing, this is what you will see on the monitor. Amazing! |
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| Front view on monitor -- notice you can see a moving person in front + what's going on on the sides. |
This was a great one for moms that almost often are carrying so many things (including children!) in and out of vehicles.
Getting in and out of the vehicle was effortless as this Inifinity Intelligent Key provided keyless entry, one-touch button to open and close liftgate automatically, Illuminated Push Button Ignition and remote start (this was an additional added option).
More of the impressive features in the Infiniti JX includes:
- 265 HP 3.5-litre V6 engine
- Infiniti Connection System with safety and security services
- 15-speaker Bose Cabin Surround 5.1-channel sound system
- 60/40-split folding, sliding second-row bench seats with available heated outboard seats
- 50/50-split folding, third-row seats with recline
- Infiniti Intelligent-View Display
We found 265 HP was adequate enough speed on daily city driving and passing. Mind you, this is no sports car and geared more towards a comfortable and safe ride.
The suspension was great in absorbing bumps and imperfections on the road and we felt that it was in between a Lexus RX350 and an Acura MDX (having been driven and in both vehicles which family members own).
Considering we were riding on 20's which are the biggest wheels the JX offers, the ride was pretty smooth and comfortable. So comfortable in fact, every ride put our three year old straight to dreamland.
There was even a time we took her for a quick drive around the neighborhood to calm a tantrum and get her to sleep and it worked!
In regards to style this vehicle will definitely get noticed on the road.
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| Now that is one stylish, sophisticated and beautiful vehicle! |
With distinctively flowing lines and boasting a charismatic appeal with its prominent grill, Infiniti insignia and chrome accents sprinkled around the vehicle, the JX shouts pure luxury and class.
The interior materials is no less appealing than it's exterior.
Considering all the technology this vehicle offers, the controls were easily accessible.
We loved the feel of the leather seats and the fact that our vehicle also offered not just heating BUT cooling front seats as well (Climate-controlled front seats). This I LOVED especially during this extremely humid weather!
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| Cooled seats in sticky-hot weather? Yes, please! |
Some of the other great features in the interior that we loved (there are just so many great ones to mention) included:
- Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control system with microfilter
- 8 cup holders and 6 bottle holders
- Front centre console with armrest, dual-level storage compartment, 12-volt power outlet, auxiliary input jacks and USB connection port
- Cargo net tie-down anchors in cargo area
- Heated steering wheel
- Sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and overhead ambient light
- Moonroof
Let's get down to the affordability factor.
We think it's fairly priced considering all the tech and features if offers compared to it's competition (i.e. the Acura MDX). For a luxury SUV, Infiniti really stretched the dollar on this one.
If you're in the market for a luxury mid-sized SUV, definitely add this to your list of top-picks (it's definitely on ours!)
We had an enjoyable week reviewing the Infiniti JX and are gracious to Infiniti Canada for giving us the opportunity to review this wonderful vehicle. It truly did leave us inspired.
For more information and details, head over to www.infiniti.ca.
You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter @infiniticanada.
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Disclaimer: We were given the Infiniti JX35 to review for one week to conduct this review; however the opinions expressed are our very own.
6 comments:
Now those are some serious features right there. Every SUV should have them.
Especially liking the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Front and Rear Sonar System.
Cool review.
This is a gorgeous suv. We've seen the commercials for it, the one with the backup collision intervention and was wondering if that truly worked. Glad to know it did! I like reviews like this... rare I see car reviews done from a women's (let alone a mom's) perspective. Thumbs up!
How timely is this review post? We are currently on the search for our new family vehicle and the Infiniti JX was one of the ones that caught our eyes. We were at first a bit averse given the price tag, although we knew that's usually what you will pay for a quality luxury suv. This is different though... doing research on it's competitors and seeing your thoughts on it from a mother's angle, I can see why you favor it so much.
It offers way more than I think it's competitors do.
Thanks for this! Really, really helped us!
Thank you all for reading the review! Glad it could be helpful in your future purchasing decisions.
Fab Frugal Mama: Those were 2 features that we really loved!
JB: Truly one of our top features! Have not seen nothing like it!
Anonymous: Yes, the Backup Collision Intervention worked perfectly. We were pleasantly surprised. :)
Ashley: That is SO wonderful to hear. As a mother, I can agree that it's tough to do research on vehicles when usually the larger demographic writing them are males. You want to read something from women just like you!
Believe me when I tell you that it's sure to be a welcome and loved addition to your family.
NICE! I bet it was hard to return it at the end of the week. Looks like a sweet ride.
lucky you!! what a nice ride!!
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