But the changes aren’t just aesthetic in nature. The body, 11.6 centimetres shorter, rests on a new, shorter wheelbase platform that seemingly has nothing in common with that of the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain twins, or so claims GM.
Lower and wider, the body has shed a few centimetres inside, but not so as to become inhospitable. Four adults won’t see a marked difference. Liveability remains comparable to that of the Lexus RX 350.
Beefy cargo area
The rear of the vehicle features a welcome change. The power tailgate with adjustable height setting opens onto a larger cargo area when the rear seat is in place. We’re talking a major increase here. By forsaking the old SRX’s second row of rear seats (no doubt useful to only very few owners), the useful volume has been increased by 350%! This becomes particularly evident when hauling four people and their luggage.
Granted, when the rear seat is folded down, the useful volume of this SRX’s cargo area is not as impressive as it was for its predecessor. It’s even less spacious than the cargo area of an RX 350 or a Nissan Murano. About 25% less spacious, to be exact. That being said, how many times a year are you going to be moving a 52-inch TV around?
Assembled in the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, this new crossover now features front-wheel drive and not rear-wheel drive like the previous model. So the front wheels are now responsible for getting the basic 2010 SRX moving. For an extra charge (around $3,000), you can get an all-wheel-drive system manufactured by Swedish OEM Haldex.
Something new under the hood
Two new engines coupled with six-speed automatic transmissions are on the SRX’s list. A multi-valve, direct injection V6 is now the standard mill on duty. It’s a tad more powerful (10 hp) that the 3.6-litre V6 available in 2009. Dubbed LF1, this 3.0-litre engine also powers the Cadillac CTS and the Equinox/Terrain twins. It is, among other things, 15% more fuel-efficient compared to the engine it’s replacing.
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| The new SRX can be shod in impressive 20-inch alloy wheels on request. |
Lower and wider, the body has shed a few centimetres inside, but not so as to become inhospitable. Four adults won’t see a marked difference. Liveability remains comparable to that of the Lexus RX 350.
Beefy cargo area
The rear of the vehicle features a welcome change. The power tailgate with adjustable height setting opens onto a larger cargo area when the rear seat is in place. We’re talking a major increase here. By forsaking the old SRX’s second row of rear seats (no doubt useful to only very few owners), the useful volume has been increased by 350%! This becomes particularly evident when hauling four people and their luggage.
Granted, when the rear seat is folded down, the useful volume of this SRX’s cargo area is not as impressive as it was for its predecessor. It’s even less spacious than the cargo area of an RX 350 or a Nissan Murano. About 25% less spacious, to be exact. That being said, how many times a year are you going to be moving a 52-inch TV around?
Assembled in the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, this new crossover now features front-wheel drive and not rear-wheel drive like the previous model. So the front wheels are now responsible for getting the basic 2010 SRX moving. For an extra charge (around $3,000), you can get an all-wheel-drive system manufactured by Swedish OEM Haldex.
Something new under the hood
Two new engines coupled with six-speed automatic transmissions are on the SRX’s list. A multi-valve, direct injection V6 is now the standard mill on duty. It’s a tad more powerful (10 hp) that the 3.6-litre V6 available in 2009. Dubbed LF1, this 3.0-litre engine also powers the Cadillac CTS and the Equinox/Terrain twins. It is, among other things, 15% more fuel-efficient compared to the engine it’s replacing.
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| The Haldex all-wheel-drive system is available with both the supercharged and naturally-aspirated engines. |