If there is one automaker out there capable of infusing the soul of a sportscar into a crossover utility vehicle, it is Infiniti. Borrowing much of the same mojo that makes Nissan’s Z car such a joy to drive, the 2010 Infiniti FX is a midsize utility vehicle that crosses boundaries in order to stir the soul of those behind the wheel.

The original FX, which debuted in 2003, was the first CUV to abandon the boxy look favored by the competition and dared to be different, displaying a fluid body design more commonly found on high-end coupes. This attitude continues with the second generation of the crossover, which has grafted on a thicker, wider-mouthed front end complete with sinister flared “eyebrows” over the vehicle’s headlights. The original, sharply rearward sloping roof is still present and so is the tall ride height that gives excellent sightlines to drivers. Not only does it look good, the 2010 Infiniti FX (MSRP $42,400) can also backup its superstar appearance with performance to match. Available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the entry-level FX35 makes use of a version of the same 3.5-liter V6 found under the hood of the G37 sports coupe. In crossover guise, it produces 303 hp along with 262 lb/ft of torque, helping accelerate the FX to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Fuel mileage for the rear-wheel drive Infiniti FX35 comes in at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Performance junkies in search of even more explosive power under their right feet would do well to opt for the FX50. Replacing the V6 with a fire breathing, 5.0-liter V8, the FX50’s 87 extra hp knock more than a full second off its zero-to-60 mph time. The 369 lb/ft of torque on tap doesn’t hurt, either. The FX50 is only available with all-wheel drive, and both versions of the crossover feature a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission that offers manual shift control complete with rev matching. Fuel mileage for the V8 comes in at 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Of course, the engine and transmission are only half the story when it comes to a performance crossover. The 2010 Infiniti FX has a chassis tuned specifically to be rugged, yet at the same time is capable of keeping the driver connected to the road. The crossover’s engine sits behind the front wheels in an effort to balance out the vehicle’s weight distribution; the result is a 52 percent/48 percent front/rear split for the rear-wheel drive FX35. This improves the agility of the FX immensely, and its four-wheel independent suspension and the extensive use of aluminum throughout help keep the FX pointed in the right direction no matter how hard it is put through its paces. Infiniti has also taken steps to ensure that both driver and passengers will be able to enjoy a sumptuously appointed interior. The crossover seats five and has enough cargo space available to haul 62 cubic feet of camping gear or any other supplies that might be needed during a weekend adventure. Both the FX35 and the FX50 come standard with leather seats and leather trim, dual climate controls, a moonroof and reclining rear seats. HID headlights and a powerful Bose stereo system are also included. The FX50 adds in extras such as climate controlled front seats, a navigation system, Infiniti’s blind-spot monitoring technology (dubbed “Around View”) and 21-inch Enkei alloy wheels. The 2010 Infiniti FX is also outfitted with the finest in safety technology. Along with active front head restraints, standard frontal airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags, the FX includes stability and traction control and, of course, tire pressure monitors. If buyers choose Infiniti’s intelligent cruise control system, then the vehicle is additionally equipped with seatbelts capable of automatically tightening in the event that a crash appears imminent.

In a world of cookie-cutter crossovers, the 2010 Infiniti FX continues its commitment to breaking the mold and provides drivers with a midsize crossover possessed by the spirit of a sportscar.