General Motors continues slimming down in more ways than one. In 2010, GM finds itself left with four divisions (Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC) while working its way back into the publicly traded stock market sector after the federal government took a 61 percent stake in the worldwide automaker as part of a complex 'soft bankruptcy' procedure in 2009.
Cadillac's five-door SRX crossover, completely redesigned for 2010, has trimmed down substantially as well. With a 190.3-inch length, SRX measures three inches shorter than the 2009 counterpart. No longer offering three-rows of seating, the slimmed down caddy now carts five comfortably and is built from a different platform. The first-generation SRX, introduced in the 2004 model year, borrowed cues from the rear-drive CTS sedan platform and offered V-8 power. The 2010 version utilizes a front-drive Theta platform with two V-6 choices.
Downsizing makes SRX more fuel efficient and manageable, although under-hood horsepower is down. Those desiring more room and three rows of seats in a SUV-like vehicle with Cadillac badging may opt up for the trend-setting Escalade. The mid-size SRX crossover competes with the likes of the segment-blazing Lexus RX 350, BMW X5 and Audi Q5.
Two all-new powertrains join the show in 2010. Gone are larger 3.6-liter and 4.6-liter engines. Now standard is a 3.0-liter direct-injection V-6 commanding 265 horses and requiring regular unleaded. The base engine offers both front- or all-wheel drive. An optional 2.8-liter turbo V-6 pumps out 300 horses. It's solely AWD and utilizes premium fuel. Six-speed automatic transmission comes standard.
The new generation SRX comes more trim level choices. Turbo AWD models come with performance or premium trims. All-wheel-drive editions with the naturally aspirated engine come in Luxury, performance and premium trims. Front-drive models with the 3.0-liter V6 engine come in base, luxury, performance and premium trims.
Retained are horizontal headlight housing made popular on the game-changing CTS sedan. Headlights swivel to the beet of the steering to best illuminate what's directly in front of the vehicle. The Cadillac wreath is front and center of a large grille coming to a nose. The entire front end merges an elegant, yet road warrior presence. Flanking the power lift gage are long, horizontal tail lights. An unusually high, gently sloping side belt line decreases the length of the windows, while increasing door sheet metal. Wheels get pushed out to the far outside of the frame. Chrome surrounds the side window frame. Dual, chrome-tipped exhaust comes standard.
This next-generation SRX certainly quiets the ride. Not quite Lexus sound-proof (the industry benchmark), but eerily close. When turning corners or merging onto a cloverleaf with our AWD tester, body sway was at a minimum thanks to advanced all-wheel drive technology automatically distributing proper torque not only from front to rear, but also side to side. While SRX requires a sit down, not a hop-up motion when entering, drivers have a workable view of their surroundings, although side windows tilt toward the narrow size.
Fuel economy is average at best for the naturally aspirated engine which delivers 18 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway with front drive and 17/23 mpg with AWD. The turbo trim takes miles down a notch with 15/21 mpg numbers. While not eye-popping, they're improved from 2009. With the optional towing package, 3,500-pounds may be toted.
Pricing for our crystal red Turbo AWD test vehicle with premium package started at hefty $51,860. The only options were a rear dual-screen entertainment system built into front seatbacks ($1,295) and exterior tint coat ($995) for a bottom line of $54,975 with $825 destination charge. A base front-drive SRX starts at $33,830.
The navigation screen rises up from the center dash, and retracts down when not needed. Rear seating accommodates three adults on short jaunts, two during long stretches. Head and leg room front and rear is adequate. Row two's 60/40 seatbacks fold forward, onto seat cushions when more cargo room is deemed necessary. Also available in back is a fold down center arm rest and ventilation controls and audio jacks. Back doors swing open enough for adequate leg entry.
Push-button start comes standard. The electronic parking brake requires only a touch of a button (between the supportive front buckets) to engage or disengage. Dual inline cup holders are nearby as is the floor-mounted six-speed automatic transmission shifter. The smallish, backlit instrument panel includes three independent circular gauges. The large dual-sectioned glove box is functional. A three-spoke steering wheel includes cruise and secondary audio controls on the face. The attractive dash includes stitching, soft-touch fabric, dual tone colors and brushed aluminum accents. A great old-school find is the circular, jewel-like analog clock (with arms and a face) below the navigation screen. Satellite radio comes standard with a three-month complementary subscription. Base SRX modes offer no available options while many up-level packages dot premium and performance editions.
The power lift gate, with standard wiper, opens high enough so those six-feet two inches or taller have enough head clearance. The key fob, an inside driver's door button and an under inside hatch door button provide power. The circular driver's door button allows for two height-adjustment levels. Large side-view mirrors balance off the sweeping exterior design. The cargo area includes several different sized under-floor storage regions. Eighteen inch aluminum wheels are standard while 20 inch varieties remain optional.
OnStar, General Motors in-vehicle satellite communication system, comes standard. Press a blue rear-view mirror icon and instantly connect with a real live person (not a computer-generated tutorial) 24-hours a day. It's technology made functional, yet simple.
Weighing in at a beefy 4,387 pounds, SRX is not as light on its feet as some rivals. A strong brake pedal doesn't immediately jolt the SRX to a halt, but provides a comfortable, extended range. This is an excellent, smooth- riding highway vehicle. A tight turning radius makes traveling in parking lots or tight city streets easier.
General Motors assembles the SRX in Mexico. The limited powertrain warranty is good for five years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). Other standard safety equipment includes head curtain side air bags for both rows, front seat mounted side/thorax air bags, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
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