The SRX is offered in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models. A 265-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 is standard, while a 300-hp, 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 is optional. Both engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 3.0-liter V6 has an all-aluminum construction along with direct-injection, which allows it to produce more power than most other engines its size and also return decent fuel economy, all on regular fuel. However the turbocharged engine produces much more torque than the base engine--making it feel especially responsive--and can accelerate the SRX to 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds.
EPA ratings for the SRX with the base engine are 18 mpg city, 25 highway with front-wheel drive and 17/23 with all-wheel drive. The turbo-charged engine is lower, rated at 15/21, and Cadillac recommends premium fuel for it.
The new all-wheel drive system in the SRX can move all available torque to either the front or rear wheels as needed, and it can also divide torque from side to side, so as to allow especially strong grip, even under power on slick roads. And with the base engine, the tow rating is 3,500 pounds--enough for a small boat or jet-skis.
The driving experience in the SRX is sophisticated and refined, thanks to the available continuously variable real-time damping system which adjusts shock rates to road conditions. Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering gives a sporty feel of the road, and electronic stability control is standard, along with anti-lock brakes.
Unlike last year's SRX, which offered a small third row and seating for up to seven, the new SRX has space for five adults in just two rows. But actual back-seat space has improved because of the extra width. A Cargo Management System in back includes a retractable cargo fence to restrain smaller items, along with a track system. The back seats, of course, fold flat to expand cargo space when they're not in use.
Materials in the new SRX have been upgraded to include hand-cut and hand-sewn instrument-panel trim and soft leather upholstery, with matte-metallic accents. The SRX builds on the angular, beveled design theme that most new Cadillac vehicles now have, with a prominent center control stack flanked by big, vertical vents.
Standard equipment on the SRX is very generous, including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, steering-wheel controls and an MP3-compatible Bose 8-speaker CD sound system with XM tuner. A Luxury Collection package adds lots more, including heated seats, more seat adjustability, wood trim, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, a power liftgate, a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface, power-adjustable pedals, remote start, and LED lighting accents.
The Performance Collection package adds huge 20-inch painted cast aluminum wheels with H-rated tires and upgraded steering, plus a navigation system, a rearview camera, and Bose surround-sound audio with a 40-gigabyte hard drive, rear-seat audio controls and iPod interface.
Affordable Price For A Full-fledged Luxury Crossover
Available Turbocharged Performance
Respectable Fuel Economy
Comfortable Interior
Tech And Entertainment Features
Cadillac's SRX performance crossover wagon is all-new for 2010, with a wider but shorter body, a roomier interior (though for five rather than the former seven passengers), and a completely new mechanical layout. The available V8 is gone, leaving a new standard direct-injection V6 and optional turbocharged V6. The latter is Cadillac's first-ever turbocharged gasoline engine.
Most importantly, the SRX gets a huge price cut. The base 2010 Cadillac SRX is down more than $6,000 compared to the 2009 SRX.
Cadillac's performance-oriented SRX crossover becomes more affordable but just as sporty and lavish inside with a complete redesign. The SRX's newly standard direct-injection V6 provides improved fuel economy, while the turbocharged engine that arrives later in the model year promises to maintain the model's enthusiast appeal. And for families, the SRX now offers a new hard-drive entertainment system. It all comes back to price, though; with a base price in the mid-thirties, the base-model 2010 SRX is a luxury crossover bargain.
