The SRX is Cadillac’s premium midsize crossover SUV that was completely updated in 2010 with a new design, new engines and a new advanced all-wheel-drive system. The 2012 iteration features an engine updated again, to a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 308 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque; it’s the only engine offered in the new SRX.
The first generation SRX debuted as a 2004 model and was built on the same platform as the rear-wheel-drive CTS sedan. The available high-tech AWD system incorporates a Haldex center differential and an electronic limited slip rear axle. The interior continues to incorporate elements from the CTS interior, including the hand-cut-and-sewn leather covering on the instrument panel, a pop-up navigation system, hard-drive-based navigation and sound system and OnStar.
My tester was the FWD Premium which boasts a host of standard amenities from adjustable pedals to xenon headlamps along with a huge panoramic moon roof which lets the sun shine in on beautiful autumn days. Along with the niceties in the SRX, you get a 4 year 50,000 mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty, 5 year 100,000 mile Power Train warranty, 4 year 50,000 mile Premium Care Maintenance program and 5 year 100,000 mile roadside assistance with 5 year 100,000 mile Courtesy Transportation and 1 year OnStar with Turn-by-Turn directions; all very nice to have.
It is a Cadillac so you don’t expect it to be inexpensive however all this comes in the Premium Collection package with the only ad on my tester being the $1395.00 Entertainment System with Dual Screen DVD that brought the total price to $48,245.00 Which isn’t too bad for what you get. What you get is a great cross over vehicle that has lots of pep, is pretty spacious, looks great and at 17/24 mpg, it actually gets decent mileage.
Driving the SRX is enhanced by having two different suspension setups available. There’s the FE2 that has twin-tube shocks and smaller anti-roll bars than the sportier FE3 chassis. FE3-equipped SRXs get active shocks that adjust stiffness according to vehicle speed, load, steering input, and road condition; variable-assist steering that tightens up at speed; and 20-inch wheels and accompanying slimmer tire sidewalls, which is what the tester sported. When you shift into Sports Mode, it sets the shocks to a stiffer mode which as expected makes handling much better with less body roll than the FE2 mode although in truth, I don’t think most drivers would notice or appreciate the difference for the money.
There is a fair amount of competition in the segment not the least of which is Lexus, BMW and Infiniti but in my humble opinion the SRX has grow up and competes with the best of them in all areas. So if you’re in the market for a classy crossover, check out the 2012 Cadillac SRX Premium, I’m betting you’ll be glad you did.
