Image via Complex Original
2013 Infiniti JX35
Power: 265 hp
Engine: 3.5-liter 24-valve V6
Fuel Consumption: 18/24
Burgers, beer, and art. Those were the simple desires when we hit the Manhattan's West Side highway heading north to the Hudson River Valley on a sunny fall Saturday.
However, living in NYC, weekend road trips are hardly simple. First, you've got the essential problem of where to meet. Our group was spread throughout the Island and Brooklyn. Everyone jostled for pick-up. Secondly, someone is always still a bit worn from the night before. He (or she) needs to be quarantined in some fashion. Thirdly, an unexpected guest always surfaces. At the last minute, our cozy party of four became a crew of five.
In our favor, we were pushing the 2013 Infiniti JX35. A luxury crossover, the JX35 packs a big punch in a small package. No squeezing here—this CUV has a remarkable third row (and as such the best seating capacity in its class). It also has exactly the bells and whistles to occupy passengers while keeping them from disturbing the driver. Road trip rule #1: Safety first.
Road trip rule #2: Have a fucking blast.
Without further ado, here are the 5 Reasons the Infiniti JX35 is Built for Road Trips.
For more on our destination, please visit Firstwefeast.com for a full roundup of Hudson River Valley breweries and museums.
Related:The 10 Most Annoying Kids To Have in a Carpool
1. Style
We, clearly, aren't soccer moms. Although we know road trips aren't all about flash…we also are somewhat averse to minivans. So, Infiniti's aggressive style appeals, and there's something to be said for a little luxury too. Everyone's got a good seat, as noted, and every seat is well appointed.
2. Space
From the outside, the Infiniti JX35 looks like a lean, mean luxury SUV. Inside, it is more family wagon. In fact, it is one of the smallest vehicles to comfortably seat 7 passengers. You can use this space for more friends, or better still, just more personal space.
3. Comfort
What's annoying on road trips? When people complain about being too cold or too hot all the damn time. The JX35 helps solve this problem with Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control. What does it do? Allows individualized comfort zones. The driver, front passenger, and rear passengers all have their own set of controls. The third row, in our case occupied by a hung over cousin, is cooled by side vents. He needed them. And so did we—the vents helped whisk away the remnants of his big night out.
4. Navigation
Arguments about "where we are going!" can turn road trips sour. Navigation systems obviously help., but the unsung hero of a successful road trip comes in the form of Around View Monitor. Infiniti pioneered the system, which makes parking easy, helps you avoid blind spots, and generally keeps back seat drivers off your ass. How can you dispute that perk?
5. Power
Ok, the Infiniti JX35 isn't a sports car. Nor is it a nimble sports sedan. However, with a V6, engine the vehicle does keep you cruising along comfortably and makes overtaking others a breeze. Road trips aren't for hitting corners like a madman—keep the safety and comfort of your crew in mind—but they shouldn't be slow creeps to the finish line either. The JX35 has the proper power to balance "get there" requirements and occasional race driver dreams. This is cool, because the underpinnings are the same as Nissan's front-drive D platform Altima and Maxima sedans.
