Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX take 2… 2.8L V6 Turbo

February 18, 2010October 29, 2011 Omar Rana 2010, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac SRX Turbo, Crossovers, SUVs

With January sales 264 percent higher than the same period last year, the all new 2010 Cadillac SRX continued its impressive run as it was introduced to the mid-sized luxury crossover segment, with January representing the fifth straight month of year-over-year increases of over 100%.

Last month we test drove the 2010 Cadillac SRX equipped with the 3.0L V6 engine that put out 265 horses and a peak torque of 223 lb-ft. While the vehicle certainly garnered our praise for the tremendous value it delivers to consumers, we did have a gripe with the lack of response from the engine, and the feeling that it was easily over-worked. We also were unable to evaluate the all-wheel-drive system, since our test car was a front-wheel-drive model.

This time, however, GM was kind enough to let us spend sometime with the 2.8L DOHC turbocharged V6 SRX with all-wheel-drive. So just what did we think of it? Read on to find out.

Hit the jump to read more and to view our high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8L V6 Turbo:

2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8L V6 Turbo Specifications:

Base Price: $48,815.
Price as Tested: $54,475.
Engine: 2.8L turbocharged V6 ““ 300-hp / 295 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: Aisin AF40 6-speed automatic transmission.
Curb Weight: 4,307 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 7.6 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 15/22 mpg (city/highway).

Exterior and Interior:

While we won”t get into deep detail on the SRX”s build quality and design – we did that in the first SRX review – we will mention one thing; should you decide to purchase this vehicle, make sure you opt for the Platinum Ice Tricoat exterior paint (a $995 option), and the Shale with Brownstone upper accents for the interior. Though this may seem like trivial fodder for a car review, believe us when we say that that color scheme adds a tremendous feeling of luxury that is lacking with the darker colors.

Performance:

When GM set out to redesign the SRX two years ago, they had decided to scrap the V8 and instead offer a 3.0L V6 that put out 265 horses, and to offer a turbocharged V6. The latter offering is realized with the 2.8L DOHC turbocharged V6 that puts out 300 horses and up to 295 lb-ft of torque, bringing the SRX 2.8L V6 Turbo from 0-60 ph in 7.6 seconds; a full second faster than the standard 3.0L engine and closer to its fiercest rival, the 275-hp 3.5L Lexus RX 350.

Also crucial to the quickness premium offered with the SRX 2.8L V6 Turbo is the transmission. The standard GM 6-speed automatic found in the 3.0L is swapped out in exchange for an Aisin AF40 6-speed automatic transmission which decreases shift time and offers the driver-selectable “˜eco-mode”, which alters the transmission”s shift points to maximize fuel economy.

Despite the “˜eco-mode” feature, the vehicle is a thirsty one as it returns an EPA estimated 15/22 mpg (city/highway). That figure is significantly low when compared to the 3.0L”s 18/25 mpg, and the 3.5L Rx 350″s 18/24 mpg. We were able to maintain a combined 16 mpg throughout the week; eco-mode was engaged for most of this time.

As we mentioned above, we missed out on this feature during our first test, but as is the case with all SRX turbos, our second test vehicle came standard with the feature (both SRX Turbo models come standard with AWD). At the core of the redesign is the all new advanced AWD system which features eLSD, or electronic limited-slip differential. We were fortunate enough to have experienced several inches of snow (never enjoyable except for the testing opportunities it provided) and have to say that the AWD system on this car provided for superb traction on slippery surfaces; rain, snow, and ice.

You”re probably wondering what it is exactly that the SRX 2.8L V6 Turbo has over the 3.0L and the Lexus RX 350 as far as performance is concerned. Compared to the SRX 3.0L, it has more pep, agility and sportiness, and it provides for driving experience that much more appeals to an enthusiast. With regard to the Lexus RX 350, both variants of the 2010 SRX dominates as far as handling is concerned, but unless you have the turbocharged 2.8L V6 SRX, you can expect the RX 350 to burn you on the straightaways (and we highly doubt you’ll be pulling any drag races with crossovers).

Overall:

Should you opt for the 2.8L SRX over the 3.0L SRX or the Lexus RX 350? Well that would depend on numerous factors, including price. The 2.8L offers tremendous benefit in that it derives its engine from a GM family of refined engines used in luxury European models, making faster and an overall more interactive driving experience. A drawback to consider however, would be the gas mileage, pricing and packaging that Caddy is offering, as the SRX turbo only comes in AWD and is significantly pricier than the standard SRX.

The starting MSRP on the 2.8L V6 Turbo with the Performance trim level is $48,815 (our test vehicles, fitted with a Premium package, starts at $51,360). This is significantly more than that of the base model SRX; $33,330; however, it comes with all the features from the 3.0L V6 Luxury trim level and adds navigation, rearview camera, heated front seats, wood trim, HID headlamps, park assist and much more as standard options.

Its competitor, the Lexus RX 350 AWD, comes with a starting MSRP of $39,025, but when all is said and done and optioned out to rival the SRX Turbo”s Performance trim level, the pricing would work out to be about the same.

With that said The Cadillac SRX 2.8L Turbo is definitely something to check out if you’re shopping in the all-wheel-drive crossover segment.