2013 Infiniti EX Preview

Introduction

For 2013, Infiniti's smallest crossover has undergone an engine change, resulting in the departure of the EX35 and the introduction of the EX37. In addition to extra power under the hood, the 2013 EX37 offers a 48-month personal assistant feature that links owners to 24-hour concierge services.

The Infiniti EX37 will only be produced for one more model year, making way for the nearly identical 2014 Infiniti QX50. The change reflects Infiniti's new naming strategy, which calls for a Q prefix for cars and a QX prefix for crossovers and SUVs.

Exterior Features

Car shoppers considering the 2013 Infiniti EX37 have a choice of base and Journey trim levels, each available with RWD or AWD capability. All versions feature 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, fog lights, LED taillights, rear spoiler, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, and dual exhaust tips. The EX37 Journey adds a power tilt/slide moonroof.

Interior Features

Inside, occupants of the 2013 Infiniti EX37 encounter front stainless steel scuff plates, leather upholstery and trim, electroluminescent gauges, a 7-inch center display screen, and a central control dial that manages a multitude of functions. The base model's interior also features dual-zone climate control, push-button start, front power seats with 8-way adjustment for the driver and 4-way adjustment for the passenger, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a 6-speaker sound system boasting a USB port and satellite radio service.

Infiniti adds a few extra amenities to the EX37 Journey, such as heated front seats (also standard on the base AWD model), Bluetooth connectivity, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

Optional Features

Many of the must-have features buyers of the 2013 EX37 may be looking for are offered as optional equipment. A Premium package, available only on Journey models, upgrades Infiniti's small crossover with a navigation system, lane-departure warning, front and rear park-assist sensors, a 360-degree exterior camera system, air-purifying climate control, and an 11-speaker premium sound system with Bluetooth streaming audio.

The Deluxe Touring package, also offered only on the EX37 Journey, delivers a more upscale experience with 19-inch alloy wheels, auto-leveling HID headlights, 2-setting memory for the driver, reverse tilt-down outside mirrors, power front-passenger seat with 8-way adjustment, and rear seatbacks that can be raised electronically.

Rounding out the collection of factory options is the Technology package, which fits the 2013 Infiniti EX37 Journey with intelligent cruise control, lane-departure warning and prevention systems, blind-spot monitoring, and a pre-collision warning feature.

Under the Hood

The 3.7-liter V-6 engine used in the 2013 EX37 delivers 325 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque, up from the EX35's 297/253. Output is managed by a 7-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual mode and downshift rev matching.

That powertrain is complemented by an independent suspension with front double wishbones and a rear multi-link assembly.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Infiniti EX37 are:

• EX37 RWD: 17/25/20 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• EX37 AWD: 17/24/20 mpg

Safety

The 2013 Infiniti EX37's standard safety features include 6 air bags, front active head restraints, rearview camera, traction control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist.

In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2013 Infiniti EX37 received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for moderate side-impact crash protection; the EX37 also received a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Institute. As this preview is written, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the crashworthiness of the 2013 Infiniti EX37.

Additional Research

• 2013 Infiniti EX Summary, Photos & Specs
• Infiniti Car & Truck Quality & Dependability Ratings