2013 Infiniti JX: The Goliath of Crossovers

Infiniti has presented its long-overdue three-row crossover at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, which opened on Nov 18. The 2013 JX fits between the sportier Infiniti FX and the full-size QX, bringing the number of crossovers offered by the Japanese manufacturer up to four.

The new JX is attractive to buyers who need the extra seating but are reluctant to compromise on mid-size utilities. Mostly, the JX has the same design features as the other crossover Infiniti luxury cars but with slight variations in theme, i.e. the customary large rectangular grille but with scalloped D-pillars on the rear-side windows.

On the inside, the JX has got standard Infiniti luxury, with a 7-inch touch screen in the dash, leather-trimmed seats and power-adjustable and heated front seats. The 60/40-split second row and 50/50-split back row provides adaptable cabin area. It’s not short on tech by any means; Infiniti Connection and Infiniti Connection Plus telematics systems offer incredible support from navigations to remote door unlocking to personal notifications (email, text message or phone).

But its high scores are in performance, as well. Equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and automatic transmission for both versions (front-wheel and all-wheel drive), the JX has got a few drive modes – Sport, Snow, Eco – for which the transmission mimics conventional stepped shifting, and it’s got easy, solid acceleration on standard 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels, with all-season tyres.

The JX is a welcome addition to the line-up, giving just a little less sport than the FX but better mileage than the QX (23 mpg on the highway), but with all the tech, luxury and space you’d expect from this class of car. Buyers can look out for it on shop floors coming up in 2012.