Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX redefines itself, does a great job

The masses scoffed at General Motors five years ago when they introduced the first generation Cadillac SRX with hopes of stealing market share from premium crossovers like the BMW X5. Needless to say, the SRX didn”t really take off as GM had hoped.

In 2008 GM introduced the Cadillac Provoq concept, a study that would eventually lead to the redefinition of the segment that the SRX would come to compete in two years later. With one less row of seating, the new Theta platform (front-wheel or all-wheel-drive), aggressively sleek exterior and a cheaper price tag, the all-new 2010 Cadillac SRX now stands in competition with luxury crossovers the likes of the Lexus RX, Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and the Acura MDX. But does it match up strong to the competition? Keep reading 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:

2010 Cadillac SRX Specifications:

Base Price: $33,330.
Price as Tested: $46,265.
Engine: 3.0L V6 – 265-hp / 223 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic.
Curb Weight: 4,224 lbs (FWD), 4,307 lbs (AWD).
0 to 60 mph: 8.2 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 18/25 mpg (city/highway).

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Exterior:

Perhaps the Cadillac SEX would have been an appropriate name – it looks that good, and was designed to do so. “Cadillac is known for bold design. The 2010 SRX builds on that reputation,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac global design director. “As with the 2008 CTS, we advanced our Art and Science design to create a crossover for style-conscious customers. The exterior features a dramatic diving gesture on the body side to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest.”

With its multi-piece shield grille and Cadillac”s signature vertical headlamps featuring light pipe technology and available adaptive forward lighting, the front face of the SRX sweeps dramatically and blends into the flowing body that slopes downward at the rear, giving the vehicle a decidedly sporty profile. The back features angular tail lamps and sharp lines that blend with the rest of the body”s appearance, and a spoiler integrated on the rear-most edge of the roof continues sleek and sharp lines while improving aerodynamics.

Standing on a standard set of 18-inch wheels with a 20-inch option, the wide stance of the SRX makes it a much more appealing option than the somewhat dull designs of the Lexus RX, Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and the Acura MDX.

Interior:

The SRX stands as a promising indicator that Detroit has finally realized the importance of interior quality and design in luxury vehicles. GM has ditched the plain, boring, and flimsy interior of the previous generation and installed an interior with heavy design-cues from the award-winning Cadillac CTS. Space is certainly plentiful in the 2010 SRX with ample seating and leg room for five in its plush leather seating and plenty of cargo space.

Starting the SRX is an experience of grand theatrics, as a simple push of the start button lights the speedometer with its center LCD screen and sends the needles shooting all the way around the gauges. Those who opt for the touch-screen navigation for $2,395 – or purchase the $41,350 SRX Performance model, on which the navigation comes standard – will get even more flair as the screen rises out of the top of the dash.

With a base MSRP of $33,330, the Cadillac SRX comes standard with AM/FM/XM Radio that features a single-slot CD player, 8-speaker Bose Sound System, mp3 playback, and Radio Data System. For $36,910 , the SRX Luxury Collection adds a cargo management system, front and rear ultrasonic parking assist, wood trim, interior ambient lighting, power lift-gate with memory height, UltraView sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, Adaptive remote start, and OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation. The $41,350 SRX Performance Collection takes all from the Luxury Collection but adds navigation, a rearview camera system, 10GB music hard drive, and 10-speaker Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound System. At the top-of-the-line, the $43,895 SRX Premium Collection adds heated/cooled seats and tri-zone automatic climate control.

While some of the SRX competitors may sport a more refined interior, the SRX offers more standard and technological features for a much lower price.

Performance:

The SRX”s engine options bring a major change to the line with the introduction of the standard 3.0L and optional 2.8L turbo. Our test-model came with the 3.0L V6 that puts out 265 horses and peaks at a torque of 223 lb-ft while mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. While the 8.2 second run from 0-60 mph is not quite impressive, such is forgivable in this vehicle, as the segment doesn”t really demand performance. With regard to comfort and overall drive quality, the SRX is on par with the competition.

Our accolades of this car are not without reservation however, as the breaks could have used a bit more leeway and the engine felt as if it was really laboring when the accelerator was stomped. As mentioned above, the SRX makes for a very comfortable vehicle, and that is what the luxury crossover segment is all about. As far as all-wheel-drive performance is concerned, we are really in no position to comment as the test-car we were given was a front-wheel-drive model.

For those of you wondering about the fuel-economy on the SRX, don’t expect too much. The EPA estimated 18/25 mpg (city/highway) is reasonable and expected on such a vehicle; we averaged a combined economy of 17.6 mpg throughout our test.

To those who are let down by the lack of power; don”t fret. GM is now offering a new 300-hp 2.8L turbocharged V6, derived from a family of refined engines that GM currently uses in their European luxury models. The engine is mated to an Aisin AF40 six-speed automatic transmission with “˜eco-mode” – a driver-selectable option that alters transmission shift points to maximize fuel economy.

Overall:

Aggressively priced at $33,330, the SRX delivers tremendous value to shoppers in this segment. The only car in the segment priced lower would be the VolvoXC60 at $32,995, but the features available are laughable. The Mercedes-Benz GLK and Lexus RX come in at $34,600 and $37,625 respectively, and the Acura MDX comes in at almost $10,000 over the SRX at $42,230.

While some in the class may offer a more premium interior, when it comes to value and amenities the 2010 Cadillac SRX is the hands down winner. This car definitely warrants consideration by anyone interested in a crossover.

Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX:

– By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.