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Mountain Machines
by Rob Reed
What exactly qualifies an everyday car or truck as one uniquely suited to the pursuits of snowboarding? It used to be that some type of four-wheel-drive system did it. Of course, that was also a time when board options boiled down to Burton or Sims. Today, the range of vehicle choices matches up in many ways to that of snowboards. With each year, they become increasingly more tailored to driver (or rider) styles and preferences. Where you live and how you drive can ultimately determine what car or truck is best for you. And by “you” we mean your family, your posse, your personal style, and above all your budget.
Our extensive testing took place throughout last season. Most of the candidates were driven weekend-warrior style from Los Angeles to Mammoth Mountain Resort, a five-hour road trip from the beach to 9,000 feet along the Eastern Sierra. When snow couldn’t be found on the highway, we searched it out through hot-springs missions in the Owens River Valley. With near-record snowfall in the area, we managed to push each to its off-highway limit, which is to say that a tow rope proved essential. What ultimately gets you stuck, we discovered, is bottoming the underbody, so clearance is key. As important as snow handling, we also measured maximum cargo, passenger, beverage, decibel, and redline capacities, along with Yakima’s full range of roof-rack systems. After the final road trip, we factored overall performance, style, and price to ultimately determine our top 10 picks for 2005/2006.
1. Infiniti FX45 (get info 
)
About it: The FX is a multi-tasking machine—a quiver killer in snowboarding parlance—that excels across a broad spectrum of terrain from city streets (the terrain park) to high-speed dirt roads (a powder day). It all-but defines the very hot “crossover” category, whereby an SUV is mated to a sedan—in this case a GT sports sedan. The sense from behind the steering wheel is commanding like that of something a Skywalker would drive. Indeed, with force-like intuition every control from stereo and climate to navigation and seat position is within a finger’s reach. Plus, the optional Intelligent Cruise Control gets you one step closer to full autopilot. Using front-end sensors, the system brakes to maintain a preset buffer behind slower cars, and when you change lanes onto open road, it accelerates back to speed. Specific to powder missions, a special Snow Mode button tweaks the throttle algorithm to reduce tire slippage and maintain traction. But you don’t necessarily want to drive, because it’s even more plush in the business-class back seats. Deceivingly spacious from the outside, there is ample room for two full-sized guys, complete with reclining seats and a cupholder for each in the folding armrest. Factor in the optional DVD entertainment center, and you effectively cut a five-hour drive in half (or more so with a Scorsese flick).
In sum: The ultimate all-around adventure vehicle.
Base Price: $36,600 (FX35 AWD)
As Tested: $56,240
Engine: 4.5-liter V8
Juice: 315 hp, 329 lb-ft torque
Cargo: 64.5 cubic feet (cu-ft)
Clearance: 7.6 inches
Economy: 15/19 mpg (city/highway)
Driver Profile: Dads (30), WW (50), Pro (20)
Parking Lot: Squaw Valley, CA
Optional: Rearview camera to compensate for poor rear visibility
Driving Tech: Advanced Total Trac
On 6/8/2007 Larissa wrote: I can't be bothered with anything these days, but shrug. I just don't have anything to say recently. I haven't gotten much done recently. Nothing seems worth thinking about.
On 1/19/2007 Scott wrote: Love it. Makes me want to get up in the mountains and get some time on the slopes.
On 11/1/2006 Bill wrote: thanks for the great article
On 11/1/2006 Robert wrote: great article to read, especially if you live in the mountains
On 10/17/2006 Greg wrote: Great article.
