Ahead of a full review, MSN Autos reviewers report to Exhaust Notes about their initial driving impressions in our Quick Spin segment. Here, Kirk Bell talks about Infiniti's new large crossover, the JX.

Infiniti is finally going after after a seemingly plum market segment: 3-row luxury crossovers. Sure, the automaker has another vehicle with 3-row seating, the monstrous 7-seat QX. But that’s a big beast, too big for most families. And the EX and FX are a bit too small, fitting only five. Hence, Infiniti dreamed up the JX.

Available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the JX starts at $40,650, which aims it squarely at competitors such as the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Lincoln MKT.

We drove it in Charleston, S.C., and found that although the JX isn't as fun to drive as the EX or FX, it does boast a roomy, comfortable and controlled ride. Sporty it's not -- but it certainly isn’t dull, either.

Here are our initial impressions.

Pros:

Pleasant road manners: Like its main competitors, the Acura MDX and Audi Q7, the Infiniti JX offers a comfortable, controlled ride. In fact, it's quite carlike in road feel.

Rich interior environment: The JX has interior materials that are on par with the swanky Infiniti M sedan. Maple wood trim with chrome accents and leather upholstery create an inviting environment.

Lots of space for people and cargo: The JX has room for seven people with usable second- and third-row seats. The third row is easy to access, thanks to a second row that slides forward, and there's plenty of room for full-sized adults back there.

Cons:

Not as sporty as most Infiniti models: With front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission, the JX gives up on the sporty promise of the G, M, EX and FX.

It’s pricey: Starting at $40,650, the JX breezes into the mid-$50,000 range once you start ticking the options boxes.

More like a Nissan than an Infiniti: Like the Nissan Maxima, the JX seems stuck between the Infiniti and Nissan brands -- which is fine when the badge says "Nissan," but not so much when it says "Infiniti." In this case, the vehicle offers more luxury than a typical Nissan, but less driver involvement than the typical Infiniti.