2012 Infiniti EX

Nissan’s luxury sub-brand sells stylish vehicles that deliver mixed results. Fit and finish is usually good, especially in the quiet, luxurious interiors. But Infiniti often falls short of competitors in fuel economy and handling. Some of its vehicles also score low in our owner satisfaction surveys, and most new models scored average for predicted reliability. New vehicles come standard with a full suite of active safety and driver assist systems. The brand’s lowest-priced option is a two-row compact SUV with a variable compression engine that attempts to deliver both fuel economy and sporty performance. The brand’s larger midsized, three-row SUV is roomy and quiet, with competitive fuel economy and quick acceleration. The largest Infiniti is a large three-row, high-end SUV that competes against Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz. With options, its price can cross $100,000. Among Infiniti’s discontinued vehicles, some sedans and coupes can be recommended among used luxury cars.

The EX was introduced as a 2008 model as Infiniti's offering in the expanding market for small upscale SUVs. It's essentially a raised wagon version of the Infiniti G sedan, with which it shares a very nice powertrain. Like the G, the EX handles with agility, but this small pseudo-SUV is quieter and has a slightly more comfortable ride than its sedan sibling. However, the rear seat is very snug and the cargo area is small. Styling compromised rear visibility somewhat, but a rear-view camera is standard. The optional lane-departure system beeps when drivers cross lane markings without using the turn signals. Crash-test results are impressive. A larger V6 engine predicated a name change to EX37 for the 2013 model year. The basics carried over to the 2014 model year, when it was renamed QX50.