One of the first things people said to me about the 2010 FX35 I test drove was that it looked “angry.”

And I agree.

With it’s husky, muscular build, bulging fenders, front headlights that remind you of menacing eyes and seemingly smirking grille, the FX35 doesn’t look like a car you’d like to meet in a dark alley.

Unless you’re going to get to drive it.

Then, you should jump in and buckle up, because you’re in for a fine ride.

The FX35 has a distinct sports car exterior styling that is perfectly matched to its solid performance on the road.

This year’s FX model comes with two engine choices: A V6 or a V8 dubbed the FX50.

The FX35 I drove had the 3.5-liter V6 that produces 303 hp and 262 pound-feet of torque.

A seven-speed automatic with manual shift control is the only transmission available. Rear-wheel drive is standard, though the FX35 offers an optional AWD system with a rear bias that Nissan says preserves its sporty handling capabilities.

This is a bit quicker than the comparable RX350 or the BMW X5 and just about the same horsepower as the Acura MDX offers.

If the FX35 doesn’t appease your need for speed, the FX50 packs a 390-hp V8.

I cannot emphasize enough the incredible handling and road performance the FX35 offers. When you drive down a curvy road at 55 mph, it feels more like you’re in an Infiniti G37 sports car and less like a family crossover vehicle.

Inside, seating is comfortable for five. I did note that the FX35 does not offer a third row. This isn’t a huge deal in crossovers, but the MDX and X5 have added the third row as an option.

Where should I start with the gadgets?

The FX35 offers Bluetooth and a USB audio port as standard features.

The optional Bose premium audio system offers 2 GB of digital music storage and the available navigation system now has added functionality with an in-dash DVD audio/video drive, Bluetooth streaming audio, a Zagat restaurant guide and real-time and forecasted weather reports.

Base price is $42,400 and my test model had four packages added on, bringing the total to $54,000. This is several thousand dolalrs less than a comparable X5 and the same as a comparable MDX. And though you can’t go wrong with the MDX or an X5, there is no other crossover on the road that offers the sports car like ride the FX35 touts.

tale of the test

Highs: It would be hard to get into a wreck in this car with all its safety gadgets.

Lows: Not a lot of cargo room.

The tale: Excellent ride, wonderful plethora of technology and iconic styling make the FX35 hard to top.