Mr.Tea

Hello Guys I wanted to know which of these three cars would perform and handle better all around. I am thinking about trading in the 06 RL for the 06-07 infiniti FX 35 or the 07 RDX. I just don't seem to be connecting well with the RL of lately and keep finding problems it feels sluggish! not what i expected when i purchased it in March. I really wanted to see how it performs in the winter so the trade would be sometime in January 2011. Any FX or RDX owners please feel free to chime in.

tnobori1

I'm not an FX or RDX owner, but I have driven both. I got a RDX as a loaner car for a week once. The RDX was nice, but the turbo was surprisingly laggy considering it's small size.

I'm a big guy and the FX made me feel claustrophobic. Also, the FX gets lower city mileage than the RDX (17/19). I'm biased, I like Acura and Lexus, but I wouldn't ever buy an Infiniti.

In the long run, all three have pretty similar combined gas mileage but the RL handles the best. I definitely hear you on the sluggish feeling, but IMO the power in the middle and top of the power band makes up for it. Compared to the RDX, I feel that the RL definitely drives like it has more power. The SH-AWD is a really nice advantage, too!

Rob144

Well, you're asking RL owners which they'd choose, so I'll surprise no one and say RL.

I'd almost always go with the car over an SUV.

An inlaw has a 1st gen FX35 -- and it's nice but a bit noisy and not as luxurious. It's pretty roomy in back, but a bit dark and not very space efficient. Very big wheels and tires.

I have not driven an RDX, so can't comment. They seem to be gaining popularity (maybe the new grille found a good home).

For me the RL offers just everything I want in a car -- attractive, good ahndling, great stereo, and still the best driver's seat I've ever had the pleasure to sit in.

tnobori1

Is the MDX in the running? Those are a lot of fun!

danmm7

iTrader: (1)

I have driven all 3 of them. Here my short personal summary.

RDX - i drove it for a week during the summer and then again, in the fall. Both times as a loaner so it had less than 10k miles. When the weather outside was cool and car was not hot, it felt like it's actually fun to drive. You can hear the turbo a lot! You can feel the torque build fast. Too bad It is much noisier than the RL and the ride is firmer. Interior is on the cheap side.
My biggest issue - when the weather got hot and after i drove the car for half an hour - it became very sluggish. It felt like the turbo lag got much worse. It was heat saturated quickly. I was not happy. Gas mileage was a bit better than the RL...but overall, i missed my RL on day 2.

FX35 - it handles very nice for SUV. Very controlled body roll. Almost car like. The VQ35 engine is very nice and feels powerful. (no lack of low end torque like the RL) The gas mileage is worse than the RL (15-17mpg avg). The AWD system works well with snow tires, but i doubt it will be as good as the sh-awd. Very cramped rear seat and rear headroom for my taste. Poor choice if you're planning to transport people on the rear seat.

RL - i have the 2006 RL. I agree that it "feels" underpowered and too heavy. This is the only thing i do not like about the car. It handles great (with 18" wheels and nice tires), it is quiet, it looks nice, it's reliable (after 63k miles) very comfortable, and the AWD is a nice, useful system. Lack of low end torque is a big negative for me. Engine needs extra 40-50hp and this car will be fun to drive. Gas mileage could be a lot better, but since the engine is kind of overworked in the city - it's expected to pay more at the pump.

GoHawks

I've driven an RDX a couple of times as loaners. Turbo lag is definitely noticeable. Fun little vehicle, but not in the same league as the RL. Agree witht the poster who commented on the cheaper looking interior.

I can't comment on the FX.

With respect to the RL power issues, there are two reasons. The lack of low end torque is magnified by the generous tip-in of the throttle. I'm guessing it was designed that way to facilitate smooth, gradual acceleration. If you press the accelerator a little more aggressively I feel the RL does a fine job of getting up and going.

neuronbob

Hey Mr. Tea, I'll move this to the Car Talk forum as there are several FX owners there who post regularly, and some RDX owners. You might also post in the RDX forum if you haven't found it already.

Good luck in making your choice!

Edit: Moved

F23A4

ellover009

Ive driven an infinity fx recently, it's pretty fast and handles well but rear visibility is really really poor, and I am not sold on the curves in the hood, I think it detracts a little from visibility.

RDX I am not a big fan off, poor fuel economy for practicality and speed, for that kinda fuel economy it should be a rocket. I would prefer a vehicle with a little more low end pick up.

Here's some recommendations.
Infinity EX35
Acura MDX
if you want more speed the newer refreshed RL's have been adjuster for better accelerations aka 3.7
TL with SHAWD, a little cozy but it's not like the new rl is large by any means of the imagination, beware of the non existent rear view.

is300eater

Infiniti, NOT Infinity

btw, I'm a FX45 owner... to the OP... go test drive both, and NOT just around the block, but really test drive them. I can't comment on the RDX because I've never driven one before.

and IMO... the RDX isn't really in the same class as the FX... I would think more with the EX35 (size wise). As mentioned above, is the MDX in the mix? I don't care for the MDX's design tho...

ellover009

I did like the new 360 camera on the fx35, I would guess the fx45 would offer more spirited driving. I will tell you this it was a comfortable ride, and even with the non sisified v6 it had plenty of pickup.
I might get a few stones thrown my way but I fin the new nissan juke to look interesting, and 0-60 time does not look too bad.

is300eater

I'm pretty sure the 360 camera wasn't introduced til the 2nd gen FX (09'). First Infiniti to have it was the EX35 (I believe)

ellover009

The fx 35 I tried was one of the new ones. I missed that the fx45 got changed to fx50.

csmeance

Do you need an SUV/Cross-over? My honest opinion is that the build quality of the RL has probably spoiled you and now you really won't like the FX35 or RDX once you've had it for a little bit.

I'd suggest to go look at something comparable like a 5 series/E class or if you have the $$$, a used 06+ BMW 750i!

1StGenCL

I own a 1st Gen FX35 and have driven an RDX for about a week as a loaner. The RDX was extremely nice inside but I didn't really care for the exterior look. That being said, it handled decently well but like the others have said, the lag was pretty bad. Not to mention the fuel economy for such a small engine was terrible.

The FX handles extremely well, has an awesome exhaust note but needs a nicer interior. I have the brick interior, which I love but the dash layout is kinda bland, especially in anything under an '06. I have no visibility problems but have heard others complain about it while driving my car. It does have the rear view camera so backing up is never a concern for me.

I had always wanted the FX so I don't regret getting it but wish it had a nicer interior, held a bit more inside (that curved back window looks great but really limits what it can haul around), and didn't eat through 20s so quickly. I do a lot of highway driving but average around 20 mpg.

Like someone else said, look at the 2nd gen MDX if you can. To me, it has the acura reliability, good looks, awesome interior, and tons of room. I don't know about the handling but it would def be my pick

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

I know my input probably isn't needed lol but I've driven only the RDX. True what some people say about turbo lag but once it kicks in it definitely is a quick, fun vehicle. Also I agree the interior does look on the 'cheaper' side... I guess I would expect something more from a 'luxury' brand.

smarty666

I'm not going to be 100% unbias on this comparison b/c I have an FX but I have had a RDX as a loaner car and if your primary criteria is performance and handling then there is not contest, you'll want the FX. It just performs so much better in those area's then the RDX. Not saying the RDX doesn't have some nice things about it but if that is your criteria then you want the FX!

Myxomatosis

Well My brother in law, likes his FX 55, its his second after he crashed the first one. He should have been dead, hitting first a telephone pole and then a tree at 80mph, but all the safety equipment sved his ass. So he bought a second one and bought my sister and EX. Before that he had an X5, then an X3.

They really like them, honestly I wouldnt own both an FX and EX at the same time, but they feel safer I guess.

I tried the RDX as a loaner and really liked it, but performance wise it has nothing on the FX line, it also felt much larger than I thought it would, my wife loved it, but I'm just not an SUV fan.

is300eater

what's a FX55???

Myxomatosis

opps FX45, been a long day

jim165

Like is300eater states, you really need to take the FX for an extended ride to appreciate it. The wife's FX35 is a fine combination of sporty handling, reasonable (ie. garagable, parkable) size, and great style. However, coming from your RL, you might be a bit disappointed in the level of interior luxury the FX offers...it's more on the level of BMW starkness in my opinion. Can't beat the torque and powerband of the VQ engine around town. The outward visibility is as bad as everyone here says...the wife is constantly getting honked at from people behind her as she makes turns off of streets because she's afraid of hitting curbs. I've ridden in an RDX loaner with my friend and although the interior is great, I'm just not a fan of the exterior styling overall. Doesn't seem to have much power either, but that could've been due to the June Texas heat. I'd choose the FX all day, every day...

Ken1997TL

I'm not an SUV fan but the MDX should definitely be in your consideration. Its gas mileage isnt much less than an RDX, it drives much nicer and I find it to be very comfortable.

silver3.5

i guess i'll comment as well...just on the FX35, as I had the opportunity to drive a '05 FX35 and '10 FX35 extensively.

power wise, the FX has plenty...esp. torque. and oh, that beautiful exhaust note. but that's pretty much it. the '05 looks OK on the outside; the '10 looks like a tadpole = ULGY! interior space, both are tight as ever! forget about the back seat if you're 6'0" or over. i'm 5'6" and i still feel cramped. trunk space is small like a 3-series. the '05 was rough as heck on bad roads; after 30 minutes of driving, i feel like both my kidneys have shifted. the '10 is much smoother but still bouncy and harsh compared to a RX350. i like the nice blue accent in the '10 dash and the navi is superb but the seats are firm and not that supportive; i don't like the dash layout esp. that stupid analog clock right in the middle. interior quality is below acura and lexus. the only infiniti i would consider buying is the G37S but that means i would have to bypass the bmw 3-series or mb c-class, which isn't likely to happen!

dallison

beware of PAX if you choose the rl and it is offered on 06+

is300eater

The OP has the RL, he wants to trade it in for something else

HondaOnWORKS

I think the RDX would be more fun to drive.

Shift_Acura

FX>RDX

But both will feel more sluggish and less fun to drive than the RL. Both will be a step down in quality. Both could potentially have just as many, if not more problems than your RL.