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The Cadillac SRX is a luxury crossover SUV that has lived two lives. In its first incarnation, the SRX borrowed its rear-wheel-drive underpinnings from the original CTS sport sedan and boasted options like a third-row seat and a V8. In its current form, the SRX rides on a front-wheel-drive platform (distantly related to the now-defunct Saturn Vue compact SUV), is smaller, is limited to five seats and only offers V6 power.


Like all crossovers, the Cadillac SRX utilizes components and construction more often associated with cars than trucks like its Escalade brand mate. The result is a more comfortable ride and better handling, since many consumers don't need the tougher, truck-type construction that is advisable for heavy-duty chores such as towing or off-road travel. We're bigger fans of the first SRX than the second, but even the new one is worth a look if you're partial to America's foremost luxury brand.


Current Cadillac SRX

The Cadillac SRX small luxury crossover SUV was redesigned for 2010. A 3.0-liter V6 is standard with 265 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can also opt for a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 with 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard for both engines. SRXs with the 3.0-liter V6 can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Turbocharged models are AWD only.


One of the SRX's most appealing traits is its healthy roster of standard equipment. There are four available trim levels for the SRX: base, Luxury Collection, Performance Collection and Premium Collection. Even the base model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seatbacks, dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-speaker Bose sound system. Higher trim levels tack on almost every conceivable luxury, including a sunroof, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, xenon headlamps and a hard-drive-based navigation system with a back-up camera. High-end, all-wheel-drive models (including all turbocharged SRXs) also receive a sport-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping.


In reviews, we've noted that the base SRX simply can't keep up with most competing crossovers in a straight line. It's heavy -- a front-wheel-drive SRX weighs as much as its all-wheel-drive rivals -- and the 3.0-liter V6 doesn't have enough juice to pull the SRX around with any authority. The turbocharged motor helps considerably, thanks in large part to its ample low-end torque. On the positive side, the SRX boasts confident and capable handling and a high-quality interior that's notably quiet at freeway speeds.


Used Cadillac SRX Models

The original Cadillac SRX was produced from 2004-'09. Its swept-back and angular styling suggested sporting intent, and it had the goods to back that up, thanks to mechanical underpinnings shared with the first-generation CTS sport sedan. For a driver whose priority is a responsive, luxurious people hauler, a used SRX of this vintage is one of our recommended choices. First-generation SRX buyers had a choice of a 260-hp 3.6-liter V6 or a 320-hp 4.6-liter V8, with the latter providing downright spirited acceleration. Rear-wheel drive was standard, and all-wheel drive was optional.


With its roomy second row, this SRX could comfortably carry four 6-foot-tall adults. An optional fold-flat third-row seat was available, but the 24 inches of third-row legroom made it suitable for only the smallest of children. Plus, with that third row in use there was no meaningful cargo capacity. Nevertheless, the third row was ideal for families who occasionally needed to tote an extra child or two on short trips.


As one would expect from a luxury SUV, the first-generation SRX had a comprehensive collection of safety and luxury-themed equipment. For big-sky fans, an optional panoramic sunroof gave the SRX a more open feeling. One option that maximized the ride and handling was GM's Magnetic Ride Control, which automatically adjusted suspension settings depending on driving and road conditions.


In reviews, we found the first-generation Cadillac SRX enjoyable to drive. The combination of the V8 and six-speed automatic transmission provided strong acceleration. The V6 was the more popular choice, however, and it should be adequate for most buyers. It also returned better fuel economy than the V8.


Changes to this SRX were minimal apart from significant interior updates for 2007, which greatly improved upon the cheap interior materials and bland design found in earlier SRXs. Also in 2007, V8-equipped models received a six-speed automatic in place of the previous five-speed.

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