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One of the better-looking luxury compact crossovers is the 2012 Infiniti EX35 Journey AWD, especially when finished in “midnight garnet,” a dark red/black cherry color. These high-end crossovers are a competitive market segment headed by the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

The EX’s rounded front end and spoiler-highlighted rear slope are attractive; features lending it recognition as an Infiniti crossover, though, are its wide-open wheel wells and flared fenders, a decade-old style.

The EX35’s new 7-speed automatic transmission (which in the past year has replaced an old 5-speed automatic) smooths the performance of its 297-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Acceleration is adequate for the four-door, which weighs in just below 4,000 pounds.

The five-passenger EX, which is 9 inches shorter and 400 pounds lighter than the Infiniti FX, handles much more carlike than does the bigger one. The FX, though, offers a better ride with more power.

Most all EX35 models sold in Colorado are of all-wheel-drive configuration; the Infiniti can be bought as a rear-drive crossover. With AWD, when wheelspin is detected, up to 50 percent of torque can be transferred to the front wheels, seeking more secure traction. In normal conditions, the system sends 100 percent power to the rear.

Split five-spoke, 19-inch aluminum wheels, adaptive front lighting with auto-leveling headlamps, navigation and Bose premium 11-speaker sound system helped boost sticker price from a base of $39,300 to $45,095.

A stylish, luxurious leather interior, maple-trimmed, is comfortable. The driver’s cockpit is fairly tight and the seating position is high, even at the lowest set from its power control. Vision is excellent.

Rear-seat legroom is a bit cramped. Cargo space behind the rear seats is only 18.6 cubic feet, far below competitors’ load area. A button inside the liftdoor will fold down the rear seatbacks for quick loading, and another button power-raises the seatbacks to upright position.

In addition to the rearview camera, images are provided for side views and an overall projected view from the top of the crossover (computer -generated).

Heated front and rear seats and a power sliding moonroof are standard equipment on the EX35 Journey edition, along with power tilt-telescope steering wheel, dual-zone temperature control, vehicle-speed-sensitive wipers, rear window wiper/washer/defroster and lane-departure warning.

Maneuverability is outstanding for the EX35, with double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear and stabilizer bars front and rear. Its overall fuel rating, in a fairly equal split of city/highway driving, was 21.1 miles per gallon. It carries an EPA rating of 17/24.

An Infiniti feature at this week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit is a JX concept crossover, which offers three rows of seats. It is expected to hit showrooms sometime this spring.

Notes from e-mail

You’ve finally done it. Reviewed a $100,000 car, the 2012 BMW 650i xDrive. How ridiculous, especially in these tough times with this poor economy. Sometimes I think you review these cars just so you can drive them. How about not being an elitist and start reviewing basic cars that the average person can actually afford, like a Corolla, Elantra or Civic? – D.M.

I review all models, Doug, including the Corolla, Elantra and Civic. “Sometimes I think you review these cars just so you can drive them,” you write. Is that really the statement you wanted to make to an auto reviewer? I review them so I can drive them, I drive them so I can review them. Of course. If you can’t appreciate the innovation in the higher-end models, I feel bad for you.

Bud, just wanted to let you know that I appreciated your column in today’s (Dec. 31) Denver Post. Especially liked the “12 on 9-10-11” reference. Very clever. Wishing all the best for the New Year and look forward to seeing you at the auto show in March. – Z.J.

Thanks, Jim, the year-end summary is one of the columns that I most enjoy writing each year. The Detroit auto show is underway, which means our show at the Colorado Convention Center will be here in a few weeks. The dates are March 21-25.

Bud, Ford has advertised the F-150 as the best-selling pickup for years. However, since the GM pickups are split into two lines, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, I’m wondering if their combined sales are greater than the F-150. – J.T.

I believe, Jim, that even by adding the GM and Chev light-duty trucks, the Ford F-150 is still the biggest seller. For the past year, Ford sold approximately 585,000 trucks, Chevrolet and GMC combined 564,000 trucks.

Save Saab rally
at 10:30 a.m. today

The Rocky Mountain Saab Club of Colorado will host a rally at 10:30 a.m. today (Saturday) at Red Rock Park in Morrison, supporting a worldwide event and investors attempting to save the Swedish-based Saab automaker from bankruptcy. More information is available from rockymountainsaabclub.com and outside-saab.com.

2012 Infiniti EX35 AWD

$45,095

(price as tested)

MPG City 17 Highway 24

Vehicle type: Luxury compact crossover

Wheelbase: 110.2 inches

Length/Width/Height: 182.3/71/61.9 inches

Weight: 3,980 pounds

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Fuel mileage: 21.1 mpg

Fuel tank: 20 gallons

Warranty: 4 years/60,000 miles basic; 6/70,000 powertrain

Competitors: Audi Q5, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, BMW X3

Built at Tochigi, Japan

Parts content: Japan 80%, U.S./Canadian 9%

THE STICKER

$39,300 base

$2,700 Around-view monitor, navigation, Bose 11-speaker sound

$2,200 19-inch wheels, adaptive front lighting

$895 Destination

PLUSES

Side, top camera views

Handling

Exterior style

MINUSES

Cramped cargo space

Rear-seat legroom