EX35 Second Year Ownership Impressions

[Sea Doom]

In case others might benefit from a perspective beyond the "honeymoon" phase, here goes. Based on an ’08 RWD equipped with every option available. Overall, this little crossover is best suited for two passenger duty, with minimal demands on its limited cargo capacity. It can accommodate another couple in the passenger seats, but you'd better make the trip a short one. There is plenty of leg and headroom up front (me 6'3" with long torso), even with the power moon roof option. Our baby-boomer hips very much appreciate the EX35's "neutral" seat height - a design aspect that was a key factor in our purchase decision – for ease of ingress/egress. The general feel of the front cabin is techno and "cozy" (tan interior). Road and engine noise is minimal, except during hard acceleration - interestingly, a fully-optioned Murano we test drove before purchasing the EX35 was slightly quieter. Performance and maneuverability is very nice, although [understandably] not on par with its stable-mate's (X5) throttle and wheel responsiveness. For urban duty and rare forays into the foothills with two passengers plus a little luggage, we've been quite pleased with the suspension dynamics. We are very happy with the stock rims and tires that offer more cushion between the aforementioned hips and the atrociously maintained streets of this nearly bankrupt city by the sea. Technology features of the EX35, when fully optioned, are outstanding and contribute significantly to its appeal (for us). The plethora of external view cameras greatly eases driver angst induced by reduced sight lines related to the low and swoopy plan shape of this compact crossover. Even within this most rapidly evolving aspect of vehicle design (technology), there is not much newer generation models improve upon, relative to the ’08 model. Tops on our list for future technology features would be blind spot detection, stop n’ go capable cruise control, >20 GB hard drive music storage, and the elusive Bluetooth streaming of audio media from a smart phone. One can dream, this last request. Scheduled maintenance expenses at a dealership have been higher than anticipated. We’ve only ourselves to blame for the later, as we haven’t bothered researching more cost effective third-party (non-dealer) servicing options. A couple of minor complaints deal with the car’s booty, that is, why in the world is there no power lift gate option on a vehicle that MSRPs north of $40K? We see that an OEM rear bumper [cargo loading] scuff plate is available on newer models; and wish that were an option on the ’08. We’d highly recommend the scuff plate, especially for lighter colored bumpers, unless you are extremely meticulous about loading and unloading. Lastly, and not to imply that in general we haven’t very much enjoyed the EX35, particularly the exterior aesthetics, Infiniti needs to work on improving gas mileage. With the wifey’s admittedly leaden-foot, she averages a mere 16 mpg around town. For us, we’d gladly sacrifice a little performance for better around town fuel economy. Perhaps a twin-turboed, smaller displacement engine, fitted with a seven speed transmission? Mercedes-Benz’s compact crossover [GLK] in clean diesel format would be a tempting alternative, when and if it becomes available.

[ANBYOND]

Pretty good review. However, one note,on performance and maneuverability can't really compare the EX35 to the X5, a more fair comparo would be the FX35/FX50 to the X5. However in the various road tests, the EX35 is faster and better skidpad/slalom numbers than the 6cyl X5, braking is very close. In fact the EX35 has nearly the same 0-60 times as the 8cyl X5.

As far as gas mileage...the Acura RDX (similar in size to EX35) has the turbocharged 4cyl you might be interested in but it's gas mileage is no better than the EX, the same or slightly worse, performance is slightly less.

Yes I agree that their should be a power tailgate in this price range (EX35) at least as an option, but then again, the tailgate is very easy to close/open.

[Sea Doom]

However, one note,on performance and maneuverability can't really compare the EX35 to the X5, a more fair comparo would be the FX35/FX50 to the X5. However in the various road tests, the EX35 is faster and better skidpad/slalom numbers than the 6cyl X5, braking is very close. In fact the EX35 has nearly the same 0-60 times as the 8cyl X5.

I wasn't comparing the EX35 to an X5. Apples and oranges. Merely mentioning, which most followers of the two brands will recognize, the significant difference in throttle and steering response. In other words, the EX35 toe and turn is "mushier" to us, than that of the X5. It could be argued that a more valid "comparison" would be with the X3, based on form factor.

As far as gas mileage...the Acura RDX (similar in size to EX35) has the turbocharged 4cyl you might be interested in but it's gas mileage is no better than the EX, the same or slightly worse, performance is slightly less.

Yep, there is presently a pretty significant "cluster" of compact SUVs and crossovers with acceptable luxury, all with mileages in the high teens around town and mid 20's highway. No breakaway designs yet, a turbo-diesel GLK would represent a breakaway.

Yes I agree that their should be a power tailgate in this price range (EX35) at least as an option, but then again, the tailgate is very easy to close/open.

NOT very easy or practical if it's filthy with backdraft crud [often the case], and both hands are full!

[audtatious]

I wrote the initial NICO road test for the EX35 when it came out:
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/2008-i ... -test.html

I've also done numerous owners reviews on my G37 with the latest being a 2 year review:
http://moodym.com/articles/g37-2year.shtml

If you would like to do an "official" 2-year owners review of your EX, similar to the above, we would gladly put it on the NICO homepage and on http://www.EX35forum.com

You'd be famous

[ANBYOND]

I wasn't comparing the EX35 to an X5. Apples and oranges. Merely mentioning, which most followers of the two brands will recognize, the significant difference in throttle and steering response. In other words, the EX35 toe and turn is "mushier" to us, than that of the X5. It could be argued that a more valid "comparison" would be with the X3, based on form factor.

Ok, my misunderstanding. I cross-shopped the X3 to my EX35, Steering response was a little better on the X3, but the EX35 road far better and felt more luxurious to me and was far less $$, with VPP EX35 pricing, the X3 suspension was too stiff/punishing, esp on not so perfect pavement. The EX is more powerful/faster. 0-60mph, 6.5 vs 6.9 sec in magazine testing.

NOT very easy or practical if it's filthy with backdraft crud [often the case], and both hands are full

Again, also having a 2007 Honda Oddy, the tailgate on the EX35 is much easier to open/shut. Then again I've never had a problem having to manually shut or open either.

[Sea Doom]

the X3 suspension was too stiff/punishing, esp on not so perfect pavement. The EX is more powerful/faster. 0-60mph, 6.5 vs 6.9 sec in magazine testing.

Totally agree, the X3 is a "coarser" compact SUV than the EX35, and none the more spirited for it's "coarseness."

the tailgate on the EX35 is much easier to open/shut. Then again I've never had a problem having to manually shut or open either.

Again: it's raining/snowing, try carrying two armfulls of "stuff" (groceries, plants, carry on luggage) as you approach the tailgate of an EX35 that is splattered with road grime and tell me it wouldn't be nice to be able to have the the lift gate open automatically?

[RedwinGV]

Again: it's raining/snowing, try carrying two armfulls of "stuff" (groceries, plants, carry on luggage) as you approach the tailgate of an EX35 that is splattered with road grime and tell me it wouldn't be nice to be able to have the the lift gate open automatically? [/quote]

Only if one was thinking enough to get out the fob.

[ANBYOND]

Again: it's raining/snowing, try carrying two armfulls of "stuff" (groceries, plants, carry on luggage) as you approach the tailgate of an EX35 that is splattered with road grime and tell me it wouldn't be nice to be able to have the the lift gate open automatically?

Yes, but even as REDWINGV pointed out, you still need to get the keyfob out and push the button. Either way you are going to have a problem getting the tailgate open carrying two armfulls of "stuff". I will agree, they should have at least made it an option. I guess I have been lucky, haven't gotten my hands dirty from opening the EX's tailgate from road grime.

[Sea Doom]

[quote="ANBYOND]
Yes, but even as REDWINGV pointed out, you still need to get the keyfob out and push the button. Either way you are going to have a problem getting the tailgate open carrying two armfulls of "stuff". [/quote]

Remembering to have the fob ready for firing the liftgate when approaching the car with arms full isn't what I would define as a "problem." Out

[pwlorraine]

We have had our EX35 for three months now - wife ended the lease on her BMW X3 to get one. I'm probably a bigger fan of the EX35 that she is - her friend's make comments about "trading down" from a BMW and she isn't as comfortable with the Infiniti brand. Mileage is also a sore point - my wife would get 23 mpg out of the X3 easily - she has a very light foot - but has difficulty getting to 20 mpg on the highway with the EX35.

The back seat is smaller than the X3 but is perfectly adequate for us. The best part of the car is the exceptionally comfortable ride on the highway - the car eats up miles and is very stable in poor weather. Handling around town is excellent - better than the X3 which always felt very busy. Electronics, nav, cameras are all top notch. Acceleration is very strong - my wife tends to get surprised by how fast she is going - particularly when she finds herself going too fast on an on-ramp that curves. I'm very pleased with the EX35 and our experience has been that friends are impressed once they've been in the car. We use the EX35 around town for shopping, wife's commute to work, and for weekend trips skiing or down to NYC.

Peter

[ANBYOND]

We have had our EX35 for three months now - wife ended the lease on her BMW X3 to get one. I'm probably a bigger fan of the EX35 that she is - her friend's make comments about "trading down" from a BMW and she isn't as comfortable with the Infiniti brand. Mileage is also a sore point - my wife would get 23 mpg out of the X3 easily - she has a very light foot - but has difficulty getting to 20 mpg on the highway with the EX35.

The back seat is smaller than the X3 but is perfectly adequate for us. The best part of the car is the exceptionally comfortable ride on the highway - the car eats up miles and is very stable in poor weather. Handling around town is excellent - better than the X3 which always felt very busy. Electronics, nav, cameras are all top notch. Acceleration is very strong - my wife tends to get surprised by how fast she is going - particularly when she finds herself going too fast on an on-ramp that curves. I'm very pleased with the EX35 and our experience has been that friends are impressed once they've been in the car. We use the EX35 around town for shopping, wife's commute to work, and for weekend trips skiing or down to NYC.

Peter

As for "trading down" and "she isn't as comfortable with the Infiniti brand" What would make her not as comfortable with the Infiniti brand? Because of her friends shallow comments? LOL! This just proves the theory that to some the badge on their vehicle means everything. Having driven the X3 and EX35, the EX35 in my opinion is overall the better vehicle and Far cheaper price, with VPP deals, My EX was $8k cheaper than what an X3 (both similar equipped) would have cost me. Insurance is also less on the EX for me.

Gas mileage depends on many factors. Personally,we get 24 to 25mpg highway in our EX35.

[jamesstock]

We just being our 3rd month ownership of our EX35. It's been a blast throughout. Fit and finish is very very good except 1 area which I will start another thread on (when I get to take a picture of that 'spot'). Power is awesome and the electronics so far are top notch. We use a combination of 70% highway 30% local and we so far consistantly getting about 23 overall MPG. Not great but consider an 'almost' 300hp old fashioned V6 w/ a traditional 5-speed transmission it's about right. We never even consider the X3 or the GLK was because our friends had either vehicles and we've sat inside both and took a ride before, not even close to what the EX35 feels. I wish the EX35 could be 2 inches wider and longer that would be perfect. But not sure how that will affect the handling / feel portion. Oh another thing w/ regards to the AVC, when it's rainning / wet, the cameras / vision will get fogged up / blurry. It's an area that should be improved IMO.