I can't stand the look of the Fx 350, so the choice for me would be simple. Make sure you look into the reliability of the Touareg.. I have no idea if its plagued with problems like some VW models.

 

Infiniti

 

I have nothing really against the Infiniti but the V-Dub is gorgeous. Real high-class stuff on the inside and im sure its tougher than the Infiniti.

My vote: Touareg

 

I have a touareg. It is a serious off road machine unlike the FX. If you are looking for a street SUV then get the FX. The touareg is SLOWWWWWW. I love the truck though its great.

 

FX is definitely sportier, but also doesn't have great cargo capacity, whereas the Touareg definitely can be cushier, and has more usable cargo space.

 

I am still having trouble seeing how you can compare the Toureg to the Infiniti. I have been in both and see no comparison. Now maybe a base model Cayenne to boost the luxury side.

 

The two trucks really are an apple against an orange. If you want a mix of SUV traits, off-road 4x4 capability, and available drivetrain options, get the Touareg. However if you want a sporty (for an SUV) on-roader that handles well, moves very quickly, and is reliable, get the FX35/45.

Or you could look at it this way: do you want to be able to hang with a Hummer/Jeep, or do you want to hang with a BMW X5?

To me, your choices are too disparate in their traits to directly compare them. Each one will be great in the places the other totally falls flat.

 

The Tourareg had a horrible reliability reputation. Dunno if they improved.

 

You kids are funny. You must never need to test drive a car since none ever compare to any others based upon your narrow constraints for a suitable comparison (I'm not just talking about this thread). You must know exactly what you want before setting foot in a dealership. My wife and I have an '05 FX35 with 32,000 miles on the clock. Before purchasing it, we looked at the Toe rag, X3, RX330, XC90, XC70, A4 Avant, MDX, and maybe some others than I am forgetting. Both the FX and Toe rag are 5-passenger unibody SUVs of similar dimensions that sell for probably between $37-42K. Sure, one handles better than the other, and one is better off road (and has a nicer interior) than the other. So that precludes cross-shopping to the average Joe/Jane?

For what it's worth, my wife LOVES the FX, and I think it's pretty nice too. It is reasonably quick, handles reasonably well (though it never feels lively), and comfortable (far and away the best highway vehicle that I have ever driven, with great seats, excellent stereo, very little wind or road noise, ample power, and a nice, commanding view). The downsides are cargo space, fuel economy (computer says 18mpg overall, but it seems like it's always at the station), and bulk. The FX feels like a pretty massive vehicle behind the wheel. I recently drove an X3 3.0si, and it didn't feel nearly as bulky. Though, I'm sure the Toe rag feels equally huge. I think for as old as the FX is, it is still pretty state of the art, for the $$$. For example, it is much more appealing to me than the new RDX (and the MDX may be a bit more $$$, I think). Also, we have just put gas, oil, and a new air filter in our FX over the course of 32,000 miles. It has been flawless.