The crossover segment has been growing substantially as the truck-based SUVs, so popular for decades, disappear, giving way to much better handling and more comfortable ride characteristics.
Personally, I have found no place in my soul for crossovers that do not offer at least one aspect of the vehicle as its signature - its purpose. Please gimme something to sink my teeth into. Sure, every manufacturer wants to sell vehicles as an overall mission for a segment that is growing as fast as crossovers are growing, but when they all start to look alike, when they all find that safe middle ground, it usually spells doom in my book.
You have to have a reason for being, right?
Well, the
2010 Cadillac SRX, a small luxury crossover, sure knows where its calling card rests. The all-new SRX is a second-generation crossover that not only offers everything you expect from Cadillac, but maybe a few things you wouldn't expect - at least not yet.
There are four available trim levels for the new SRX: base, luxury, performance and premium. These are Cadillacs, so one of the best parts about choosing a trim level is considering the brimming standard features lists for each trim. Even the base model features an eight-speaker Bose audio package, classy 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat and reclining rear seatbacks.
Not bad for breaking into an entry-level Cadillac crossover.
I really like the new exterior styling. Big 18-inch alloy rims anchor an aggressive stance (20-inch rims are optional) while a refined use of chrome trim creates an understated elegance. Cadillac has made great strides in improving on the previous SRX, which with V-8 power was a favorite of mine a couple years ago. This SRX may not have the base power yet, but it has much more than its predecessor in all the other notable arenas.
Base price for the front-wheel-drive SRX is $33,330, pretty attractive pricing for stepping into a Cadillac. I tested the top-line turbo all-wheel-drive premium model ($51,360), which had an optional tire sealant and inflator kit (in place of a spare tire) added to an $825 destination charge for a final total of $53,480.
The SRX has been redesigned with a standard 3.0-liter V-6 delivering 265 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. Looking to add a little spice to your luxury tea party? Consider the 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 with 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Both engines get paired to six-speed automatic transmissions. The 3.0-liter V-6 can be had with either front-wheel drive or allwheel drive. Turbocharged models are AWD only.
While front-wheel drive is available with the base engine, my turbo tester featured an all-wheeldrive system that was developed with Saab. The system is capable of transferring 100 percent of torque to the front or rear as traction is needed, while the new electronic limited slip rear differential can transfer 85 percent to the left or right sides.
I had a chance to drive the SRX on a couple of nasty weather days here in Chicago and it performed admirably. Never a hint of slippage or loss of control - believe me, I tried.
I found the cabin to be an exceptionally quiet, comfortable and accommodating place to reside. Interior fit and finish is excellent. With hand-stitched trim on soft-touch dash surfaces, and warm wood accents on the doors, steering wheel, shift and center stack, the SRX oozes refinement and class.
My tester featured driver/passenger heated/ ventilated, eight-way power seats with memory. Head and legroom is ample in front and back, where seat heaters were appreciated on several occasions. Also appreciated during a couple long trips were the two DVD screens embedded in the backrests of the front seats. Rear seats will easily recline or fold down for a flat load floor. The cargo area has a convenient rail system for loose cargo.
The dash has a couple of really impressive features; the first, the overall look, is simple and classic with an understated black-on-white backlit cluster that uses the navigation system to feature your current route's posted speed limit right next to the speedometer. Speaking of the nav system, a huge 8-inch touch screen extends and retracts into the dash for a sleek, yet convenient function.
The huge Ultraview sun roof covers the entire first and second rows. The motor for the sunroof is fast, and it quickly extends or retracts the shield to fill the cabin with sunlight or shade. The SRX is filled with high-tech gadgets that will make driving - even just to the corner - a pleasure.
Some of my favorite features on the SRX are a programmable power lift gate, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless operation, iPod integration, rearview camera, adjustable pedals and adaptive remote start. There is so much more, I just don't have room to list it all.
This all-new SRX is better than the previous model by leaps and bounds. It delivers a pleasing and confident ride that accentuates its refined interior spaces. While the base model is certainly a great way to get into a small luxury crossover, I must recommend the upgraded turbo power as the only way to really achieve driving excitement with complete luxury.