Road Test: 2012 Infiniti EX35

The popular Infiniti EX35, a five-passenger entry-level luxury crossover, is back for 2012.

The EX offers sporty performance in a car-based crossover chassis that has SUV-style seating and cargo-carrying capability.

Added as standard equipment is a universal garage/gate opener, which previously was available only as part of the Deluxe Touring Package.

Built on the same architecture as the Infiniti G sedan, the EX competes in a crowded class of vehicles that includes the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Cadillac SRX, Land Rover LR2 and Audi Q5, among others.

Standard on the EX are leather seats; a rearview camera; automatic climate control with rear vents; cruise control, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; power windows, mirrors and door locks; remote keyless entry with keyless push-button start; polished aluminum roof rails; heated outside mirrors; automatic headlights; and a USB port for iPods.

It's powered by the same engine used in the earlier G35 sedans, a 297-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. Last year, a new seven-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous five-speed.

Unlike many family crossovers, the EX is quite fun to drive, and feels a lot like an Infiniti sedan. When you're on twisty roads, it's easy to forget you're in what's essentially a station wagon.

The intelligent all-wheel-drive system is useful in snow and rain, but also helps guide the car through curves on dry pavement. The EX35 earned the "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Among the standard safety features are electronic stability control with traction control, dual-stage/dual-threshold front air bags with seat belt and occupant-classification sensors, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both rows of seats, front seat-mounted driver and passenger side-impact air bags, and front-seat active head restraints.

It's really not necessary to pay more than $40,000 for an EX35, if you can live without all the high-priced, high-tech gadgetry and other extras. Without them, you'd still have a great premium crossover for under $37,000, including leather interior.

INFINITI EX35

BASE PRICE: $35,600 plus $950 freight.

PRICE AS TESTED: $43,295

ENGINE: 3.5-liter V-6 with 7-speed automatic

POWER/TORQUE: 297 horsepower/253 foot-pounds.

EPA FUEL ECONOMY: 17 city/24 highway

LENGTH: 182.3 inches.

HEIGHT: 61.9 inches

WIDTH: 71 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,753 pounds.

BOTTOM LINE:Fun to drive compact crossover.