PRICE/AS-TESTED PRICE $43,895/$47,010
MILEAGE 18 MPG (HWY); 25 MPG (CITY)
ENGINE 3.0-LITER DIRECT-INJECTION V-6
MAX. HORSEPOWER/TORQUE. 265/223
TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic
DRIVE WHEELS Front-wheel drive
HOW MANY IT CAN FIT 2/3
ANTILOCK BRAKES YES
ANTISKID SYSTEM YES
POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS YES
POWER LIFTGATE YES
WHEELS 20-INCH
STEERING WHEEL AUDIO YES
DVD PLAYER OPTIONAL
XM SATELLITE RADIO YES
POWER SUNROOF YES
LEATHER UPHOLSTERY YES
POWER, HEATED FRONT SEATS YES
HEATED REAR 60/40 RECLINING SEATS YES
NAVIGATION SYSTEM YES
REAR CAMERA YES
REMOTE START. YES
40 GIG HARD DRIVE YES
BLUETOOTH HANDS-FREE PHONE YES
Power escalation.
We’ve seen it for years, automakers putting larger and larger engines into vehicles — larger than most drivers really need day in and day out. Sure, today’s powerplants are more efficient than ever, but still, we need to learn that bigger is not necessarily better.
Cadillac undertook this philosophy with the latest iteration of its popular SRX crossover, choosing the smallest-displacement engines it offers in North America. Gone are the previous 3.6-liter and 4.6-liter engines.
We’ve reviewed it before, but the SRX is such a pleasure, it bears a repeat turn behind the wheel — especially in its all-new form.
Now on completely new underpinnings, with a redesign inside and out, and a pair of smaller, yet more efficient V-6 engines instead of a V-6/V-8 pairing, the SRX is ready to take on the city as never before.
Seemingly combining the traits of a sport utility, wagon and sedan into one package, the ’10 SRX is marked by:
• Changed dimensions. It’s now 5 inches shorter, 2 inches wider, an inch taller and 225 pounds lighter, with a wheelbase that’s shrunk by 5 inches, essentially unchanged in its nicely planted, wide stance. Sharp angles and edges continue to play up Cadillac’s Art and Science design theme, accented by bejeweled, stacked headlights and a new side treatment — Cadillac calls it a “dramatic diving gesture” — that plays up its lines. The rear angle is gorgeously played up by the vertical taillights at the corners, accentuated by dual tailpipes and a roofline spoiler.
• A new platform/architecture. The SRX’s platform has been switched from rear-wheel drive/all-wheel drive to front-wheel/AWD. Optional AWD adds either $2,495 or $3,645 to the price, depending on the trim.
• V-6s instead of the previous model year’s V-6/V-8. Standard is a 265-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 that uses regular unleaded; a 300-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6 is optional. Both V-6s are tied to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The ride and handling are worthy of the brand, and if you’re driving an AWD model, there’s a damping system that assists the balanced, supple ride.
• No optional third-row seat. Previously offered in a 2-3 or 2-3-2 seating arrangement, the new SRX has eliminated the third-row option, making it strictly a party for up to 5. Bucket seats up front are followed by an elevated second row for better views. All SRX occupants are treated well in terms of accommodations, with head and leg room either the same as the previous model, or increased up to 3 inches. The second-row split/folding bench seat even reclines for a more relaxed posture.
• Four trim lines. There are seven versions of the SRX, starting with a Base FWD model, and adding FWD/AWD models in Luxury, Performance and Premium. Prices start at $33,300 and rise to $47,540 for the AWD Premium version, plus an $825 destination/delivery charge.
• Safety features prevail. There’s a complete suite of airbags, antilock brakes, an antiskid system, electronic brake distribution, traction control and brake assist, not to mention OnStar with a year of service thrown in. Wheel sizes vary from 18 to 20 inches.
• Technology, befitting a Caddy, rules here. A pop-up navigation screen and Bluetooth are helpful standards, while an advanced nav system with real-time traffic and weather information, a 40-gig hard drive, remote start, rear-view camera and forward lighting, with LED light pipes, that follows where the vehicle is being steered are upgrades or options.
Other standard items are what luxury buyers have come to expect: dual-zone automatic climate control, steering wheel auxiliary controls, hand stitching and leather on some surfaces. Upgrades include leather upholstery, rich wood accents, xenon headlights, adjustable pedals, a power liftgate with selectable height, dual-screen rear DVD system and heated and ventilated seats. My favorite in this category is the “Ultra-View” sunroof that is so large, it makes the interior of the SRX feel more like a convertible than a crossover.
The interior materials and textures are even more upscale from the redesign, with lighting any theater set designer would envy. Even the sill plates light up when the doors open.
I tested the SRX FWD Premium model. With a rear entertainment system ($1,295) and Crystal Red paint ($995) added to the base price of $43,895 and delivery charge, my tester’s grand total was $47,010.
Luxury crossovers are a hot part of the market. With this redesign, the composed SRX shows it’s got the power to take on its competitors.
Amy Rollins is Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-6901 or arollins@coxohiomedia.com.
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