NEW YORK (Money Magazine) -
The first SUVs were bare bones, strictly for backwoods types. The '90s saw them get comfortable, even luxurious, enough to earn a group hug from millions of American families.
More recently, sleek, car-based crossovers like the Acura MDX and Volvo XC 90 have defied the image of SUVs as slow-footed brutes. Now the Infiniti FX45 and Porsche Cayenne are delivering an unexpected twist: These SUVs want to be sexy sports cars too.
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| Infiniti FX45 |
Don't laugh. Extensive testing revealed a potent pair that can outrun, outhandle and outstop most cars. Some may ask what's the point of an SUV that can reach 165 mph (the Cayenne Turbo's top speed), unless it's to scare the bejesus out of three passengers and all their belongings. Each seats only four comfortably, with roughly the cargo space of a mid-size wagon. And both suck fuel like earthbound F-16s. But practicality aside, they're a hoot to drive and formidable rivals to the BMW X5, the previous benchmark of SUV performance.
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| Porsche Cayenne |
Like other crossovers that make up the fastest-growing automotive segment, the Infiniti isn't really a truck at all. Ignore the tall stance and all-wheel drive: The FX shares its basic structure and rear suspension with the Nissan 350Z, a sports car with all the bona fides. In contrast, the Cayenne Turbo, Porsche's controversial first-ever SUV, can match a Hummer H2 or Range Rover in the most brutal off-road conditions. But it's also bristling with 450 hp and go-fast hardware once reserved for racing machines.
While the Porsche and the Infiniti are both SUVs with a capital S, buyers will notice one huge difference: The Cayenne Turbo starts at $88,900, or $55,900 for a 340-hp Cayenne S. The Infiniti FX45 starts at $44,225, while the V-6-powered FX35 is priced from $35,700 with all-wheel drive. Is the Porsche better overall than the Infiniti? Ja wohl. Is it worth up to twice as much? Nein, unless the phrase "Porsche SUV" has you ready to raid the kids' college funds. Here's how they compare.
STYLING: The Cayenne's name may be spicy, but the look is unforgivably bland. In contrast, the Infiniti could be George Lucas' take on the SUV: fierce and futuristic-looking. The aptly named FX turned more heads than any vehicle I've tested in recent months.
PERFORMANCE: With its twin-turbocharged, 4.5-liter V-8, the Cayenne Turbo accelerates like no 5,200-pound vehicle has a right to, rocketing from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, about equal to its Boxster S stablemate. The Infiniti, with 315 hp from its nonturbocharged 4.5-liter V-8, might seem no match for the Cayenne. But the FX weighs 900 pounds less. So its zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds isn't far behind the Turbo and whips the base model Cayenne.
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 | | | | Infiniti FX45 | | Porsche Cayenne Turbo | | Base price | $44,225 | $88,900 | | Price as tested | $52,370 | $94,620 | | Engine | 4.5 liter V8 | Twin-turbo 4.5 liter V8 | | Power | 315 hp | 450 hp | | Zero-to-60 | 6.3 sec. | 5.6 sec. | | Tested fuel economy | 14 mpg | 10 mpg |
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HANDLING: The Cayenne sets a lofty new standard for SUV performance. Its sheer power, combined with that trusty Porsche steering feel, herculean brakes and roadholding ability, puts you in awe that such a beast can dance so gracefully. But again, the Infiniti holds its own with dead-flat cornering, tremendous grip and confident steering. Only at autobahn speeds or in dramatic directional changes does the Porsche display superior precision and poise.
TRANSMISSION: The Porsche's six-speed automatic transmission--with a manual-shift function and "fuzzy logic" controls that adapt to your personal driving style--may be the best I've ever tested. The Infiniti's five-speed is no slouch, but it can't match the Cayenne's sophistication and flexibility. And while the FX is at home only on asphalt, the Porsche's impeccable off-road skills have been proven from the Arctic to the Aussie outback. There's ultralow gearing for brutal terrain, an adjustable air suspension that can boost ground clearance higher than a Hummer H2's, and locking center and rear differentials for maximum traction.
UTILITY AND COMFORT: The trade-off for all these thrills is a stiff, unforgiving ride. That's especially true for the FX45, with its imposing 20-inch wheels and a suspension designed for speed, not comfort. The Porsche Turbo's standard air suspension can be adjusted between comfort, normal and sport settings, but its rear seats are too hard and flat. Neither model is big on utility, but the Infiniti can swallow a bit more cargo, and its rear seats drop flat with the flick of a hatch-mounted lever. The Porsche counters with a 7,716-pound towing capacity, compared with 3,500 for the FX.
INTERIOR: Given the price, it's no surprise that the Cayenne's cabin looks and feels richer than the Infiniti's. The FX's interior is modestly luxurious; optional brick-colored leather adds visual pop to an otherwise monochromatic scheme. But Infiniti continues to lag luxury rivals like Audi and Lexus in interior materials and craftsmanship.
FEATURES: Surprisingly, the cheaper Infiniti offered more trick features: a reverse video camera that makes parking and backing out of driveways a breeze, a superior navigation system, laser-based cruise control that maintains a set distance behind traffic and a rear DVD screen with wireless headphones. The Cayenne pays more fealty to performance technology (including headlights that adjust to peer around curves) than to creature comforts, yet Porsche hasn't figured out some SUV basics: Controlling the audio and navigation systems is maddeningly complex; cup holders can't accept larger containers. And it's yet another pricey German model that still makes you step out into the rain to change CDs from its archaic hatch-mounted player.
FUEL ECONOMY: Mate 450 horses to a Clydesdale curb weight, and the Porsche's 10 miles per gallon is disturbing, but not surprising. The Infiniti fared better at 14 mpg, but neither will be making friends at the Sierra Club.
Lawrence Ulrich writes about cars for Money Magazine. You can contact him at autos@money.com.
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