When the name Cadillac is brought up, the word luxury almost always come with it. While this is true, they are known for more than just cars. As a result, they have brought out road icons such as the El Dorado and the De Ville, among others.
Due to the shift in interest among buyers to SUVs, huge cars that have a presence and may or may not have off-road capability, Cadillac decided they were not going to be left behind in the SUV arms race. Hence, they have come up with the Escalade, and later the smaller SRX. Introducing, the 2012 Cadillac SRX, see if it has what it takes in the ever-populated SUV market.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV Crossover | Base Price: $34,615.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 gallons (79 liters) | MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Length: 190.3 in. (483 cm) | Width: 75.2 in. (191 cm) |
| Height: 65.7 in. (166.8 cm) | Wheel Base: 110.5 in. (280 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4224 lbs (1916 kg) | Ground Clearance: 7 in. (17.8 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 29.8 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 24-Valve DOHC V6 | Displacement: 3.0 liters |
| Horsepower: 265 HP | Max RPM: 6950 RPM |
| Torque: 223 lb-ft @ 5100 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 15.2 seconds |
| Option:SRX Luxury | MSRP: $39,045; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:SRX Performance | MSRP: $42,950; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:SRX Premium | MSRP: $45,395; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
Interior & Exterior
At first glance, the SRX is unmistakably Cadillac. A child of the “art and science” design principle of Cadillac, it shares a lot of its design cues with the current members of the Cadillac stable. Among them are the rectangular headlights and taillights, the huge grill, and the edgy lines. In short, a lot of people are actually pleased in its looks, convinced that this is one of the best looking compact SUVs around. Go inside the car, and you are about to find more luxurious features that seems to be more befitting of a more expensive vehicle.
The fit and finish of the materials are excellent, and are at par with the best of what the competition has to offer. Heated seats and steering wheel are all standard equipment, and all of the materials used to create the interior are of good quality. 2 rows of seats are available, giving comfortable seating for five people, though some said that the rear seats seem to better fit 2 people instead of 3, so that could be a problem. The trunk, opened by a power tailgate system, opens up and gives 29.2 cubic feet of storage room with all the seats in use. As for safety, the SRX has performed well in crash tests. In addition, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitor, and anti lock brakes are standard equipment for this car.
Performance
One of the biggest complaints in past SRX models is that most people found it to be seriously underpowered. For this model year, Cadillac seemed to have found an answer. Coming in the form of a 3.6 liter V6 engine that is standard equipment for all model trims, it promises to banish the “underpowered” tag for good. This engine produces 306 horsepower, an improvement from the previous engines used in the SRX. This is mated with a 6 speed automatic transmission with multiple modes to suit one’s driving style or needs.
It is a pretty amazing mix. It can cause the SRX to accelerate quickly, and what’s more, it operates so quietly that the delivery seemed so effortless. Handling is pretty amazing for this car, even though some find its brakes to be too grabby. Still, its maneuverability is great, and that is enough to get some extra points.
By the way…
So what can be said about the Cadillac SRX? First, the positive points. It is unmistakably gorgeous while keeping up with the new styling identity of the Cadillac. Hence, it does have a defined personality. Next, the interior is great. It has an upscale feel in it, those inside the car would feel at home, and there is good luggage space at the back. And now, even the performance issues of past SRXs are now solved, thanks to the engine upgrade. However, there are some negative points too. Fuel economy is still relatively low. And the rear pillar seems to be a huge issue. It not just limits the headroom for rear passengers, but also blocks rearward view for the driver.
All in all, the Cadillac SRX is a very good car. Not perfect, but still very good. It is luxurious; it drives well, and is surprisingly practical.
Overall Rating
What others say:
“With the redesign the SRX received last year, it went from a V-6 or V-8 powertrain lineup to all V-6s; but that doesn’t mean it performs any worse.”Car Connection
“The 2011 Cadillac SRX is an appealing luxury crossover, but it has too many drawbacks to earn a full recommendation.”Edmunds
“If you’re seeking an artful blend of style, utility, car-like comfort, ride, handling and surprisingly fuel-efficient performance (on regular-grade gas), all in a luxury CUV, it will be difficult to overlook the SRX.”KBB
