As always, the FX handles well, in league with the likes of BMW's X5 and Porsche's Cayenne — specifically the X5 xDrive35i and the base Cayenne, if you're comparing price and powertrains. These competitors also have rear-wheel drive or rear-biased all-wheel drive for a sporty feel. Though the FX's ride quality has been smoothed out somewhat over the years, our test model's 21-inch wheels appropriately evoked the model's salad days, as we found ourselves tossed about like hapless romaine.

Slight differences in tire series aren't always dramatic, but you can expect a more compliant ride with the FX's base 18-inch wheels. Unfortunately, an adaptive suspension is available only on the FX50, as an option.