What INFINITI model replaced the FX35?
The Infiniti QX70 replaced the FX35 as part of Infiniti’s 2013 naming refresh for its crossovers and SUVs.
Context: From FX to QX
The FX35 was introduced in the early 2000s as a sporty, mid‑size luxury crossover. Over its lifespan, Infiniti updated the lineup and styling, but in 2013 the brand chose to consolidate its SUV naming under the QX prefix. The FX line was retired, and the new model carrying the mantle was branded as the QX70, signaling a broader shift toward the QX family styling and branding.
What changed under the hood and design
The QX70 retained the FX’s emphasis on performance and driver engagement but adopted Infiniti’s newer design language, updated interior tech, and incremental improvements in safety and refinement. Engine options remained V6‑based, with ongoing improvements to power delivery and efficiency, along with updated transmission and chassis tuning.
Timeline snapshot
The following milestones capture the FX’s transition to the QX70 and the branding shift.
- 2003: Infiniti launches the FX35 as the flagship of the FX lineup, pairing bold styling with a refined V6 powertrain.
- 2009: Mid‑cycle refresh updates styling, tech, and options across the FX range (FX35/FX50).
- 2013: Infiniti retires the FX name and introduces the QX70 as the direct replacement for the FX35/FX50.
- Mid‑to‑late 2010s: The QX70 continues the lineage in Infiniti’s lineup before eventual discontinuation in the later part of the decade.
In short, the FX35’s successor in Infiniti’s lineup is the QX70, which marked a branding shift while preserving the model’s sport‑luxury character within the evolving QX family.
What this means for buyers and enthusiasts
For shoppers today, a vehicle formerly known as FX35 would be found under the QX70 badge for model years starting in 2013. The transition reflects Infiniti’s broader strategy to unify its SUV offerings under the QX branding, while maintaining the essence of the original FX’s performance‑oriented DNA.
Summary
The Infiniti FX35 was replaced by the Infiniti QX70 in the 2013 model year as part of a branding overhaul that placed crossovers under the QX name. The change preserved the model’s sporty character while aligning Infiniti’s lineup with a more cohesive naming convention.
