I found some of the ergonomics to be questionable. While I eventually got used to it, the handwork required was far from intuitive. Fortunately, the many controls on the steering wheel bailed me out.
The SRX also shines when it comes to interior versatility and functionality. The folding rear seatbacks feature a 60/40 split, while the front seatback-integrated dual LCD monitors for the DVD entertainment system prove to be a smart addition. Elsewhere, the low cargo floor and wide tailgate opening make for easy access to the luggage area. Overall, there’s a very generous amount of room.
I was a bit disappointed by the lack of lateral visibility. On the flip side, forward visibility is excellent thanks to the sloping hood and the available adaptive headlights which optimize lighting in corners.
Adios, V8!
With rising concerns over global warming and the aggressive CAFE regulations in the United States, General Motors wisely abandoned the idea of a V8 engine for the next-generation SRX. Right now, the only weapon on the menu is a 3.0-litre direct-injected V6 producing 265 horsepower. That kind of output represents about the average in the segment and will prove more than enough for most drivers. Honestly, I can’t quite understand why you would need a more potent engine, but GM has confirmed that a 300-horsepower 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 will be available as early as next year.
Inside, silence is king. However, as soon as you put added pressure on the throttle, the engine becomes unpleasantly loud. Actually, since road noise is invasive as well, the problem seems to be more about a lack of noise insulation around the cabin. At least the engine is geared toward fuel economy, as evidenced by my tester’s impressive average of 11.5 L/100 km (city-highway).
The highly-flexible six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control also maximizes fuel economy. The brakes are effectively assisted and quite competent in just about any situation. Meanwhile, the ride is exactly what you expect from a Cadillac -- a healthy dose of firmness but an overall impression of floating on a cloud. As for handling, said cloud does not affect the vehicle’s agility. In fact, the SRX doesn’t even pale in comparison with all the little Japanese and German athletes.
The rivals
The SRX is the latest entry in the premium compact SUV/CUV segment. The competition includes the Acura RDX Tech (starting at $45,100), BMW X3 xDrive30i ($45,900), Infiniti EX35 Luxury ($41,250), Land Rover LR2 HSE ($44,950), Lexus RX350 ($46,900), Lincoln MKX ($43,000), Mercedes-Benz GLK350 ($42,900) and Volvo XC60 T6 AWD ($49,495).
The SRX as tested retails for $47,175. Beware of competitors with a lower MSRP because adding just a couple of options often results in unpleasant hikes.
The Cadillac of crossovers?
If someone asked me which model is the Cadillac of premium SUVs and crossovers, I wouldn’t hesitate to nominate the 2010 SRX, and not merely because of the logo on the front grille -- this vehicle truly deserves its laurels. To top it all off, the SRX exudes the brand’s renewed prestige and the vintage cachet of the Cadillac name.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
The SRX also shines when it comes to interior versatility and functionality. The folding rear seatbacks feature a 60/40 split, while the front seatback-integrated dual LCD monitors for the DVD entertainment system prove to be a smart addition. Elsewhere, the low cargo floor and wide tailgate opening make for easy access to the luggage area. Overall, there’s a very generous amount of room.
I was a bit disappointed by the lack of lateral visibility. On the flip side, forward visibility is excellent thanks to the sloping hood and the available adaptive headlights which optimize lighting in corners.
Adios, V8!
With rising concerns over global warming and the aggressive CAFE regulations in the United States, General Motors wisely abandoned the idea of a V8 engine for the next-generation SRX. Right now, the only weapon on the menu is a 3.0-litre direct-injected V6 producing 265 horsepower. That kind of output represents about the average in the segment and will prove more than enough for most drivers. Honestly, I can’t quite understand why you would need a more potent engine, but GM has confirmed that a 300-horsepower 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 will be available as early as next year.
Inside, silence is king. However, as soon as you put added pressure on the throttle, the engine becomes unpleasantly loud. Actually, since road noise is invasive as well, the problem seems to be more about a lack of noise insulation around the cabin. At least the engine is geared toward fuel economy, as evidenced by my tester’s impressive average of 11.5 L/100 km (city-highway).
 |
| Right now, the only weapon on the menu is a 3.0-litre direct-injected V6 producing 265 horsepower. |
The highly-flexible six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control also maximizes fuel economy. The brakes are effectively assisted and quite competent in just about any situation. Meanwhile, the ride is exactly what you expect from a Cadillac -- a healthy dose of firmness but an overall impression of floating on a cloud. As for handling, said cloud does not affect the vehicle’s agility. In fact, the SRX doesn’t even pale in comparison with all the little Japanese and German athletes.
The rivals
The SRX is the latest entry in the premium compact SUV/CUV segment. The competition includes the Acura RDX Tech (starting at $45,100), BMW X3 xDrive30i ($45,900), Infiniti EX35 Luxury ($41,250), Land Rover LR2 HSE ($44,950), Lexus RX350 ($46,900), Lincoln MKX ($43,000), Mercedes-Benz GLK350 ($42,900) and Volvo XC60 T6 AWD ($49,495).
The SRX as tested retails for $47,175. Beware of competitors with a lower MSRP because adding just a couple of options often results in unpleasant hikes.
The Cadillac of crossovers?
If someone asked me which model is the Cadillac of premium SUVs and crossovers, I wouldn’t hesitate to nominate the 2010 SRX, and not merely because of the logo on the front grille -- this vehicle truly deserves its laurels. To top it all off, the SRX exudes the brand’s renewed prestige and the vintage cachet of the Cadillac name.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
Article Gallery