| Cadillac's performance-oriented SRX features a standard direct-injection V6 that provides good fuel economy, while the turbocharged engine maintains the model's enthusiast appeal. And for families, the SRX offers a hard-drive-based entertainment system. It all comes back to price, though, and with a price starting in the mid-thirties, the base-model 2011 SRX is a luxury crossover bargain. |
| The SRX is offered in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models. A 265-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 is standard, while a 300-hp, 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 is optional. Both engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 3.0-liter V6 has an all-aluminum construction along with direct-injection, which allows it to produce more power than most other engines its size and also return decent fuel economy, all on regular fuel. However, the turbocharged engine produces much more torque than the base engine-making it feel especially responsive-and can accelerate the SRX to 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds.
EPA ratings for the SRX with the base engine are 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 17/23 with all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine returns lower numbers, rated at 15/21, and Cadillac recommends premium fuel for that unit.
The all-wheel drive system in the SRX can move all available torque to either the front or rear wheels as needed, and it can also divide torque from side to side, so as to allow especially strong grip, even under power on slick roads. And with the base engine, the tow rating is 3,500 pounds-enough for a small boat or a pair of jet-skis.
The driving experience in the SRX is sophisticated and refined, thanks to the available continuously variable real-time damping system which adjusts shock rates to road conditions. Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering gives a sporty feel of the road, and electronic stability control is standard, along with anti-lock brakes.
The SRX has space for five adults in its two seating rows. A Cargo Management System in back includes a retractable cargo fence to restrain smaller items, along with a track system. The back seats fold flat to expand cargo space when they're not in use.
Materials in the SRX include hand-cut and hand-sewn instrument-panel trim and soft leather upholstery, with matte-metallic accents. The SRX builds on the angular, beveled design theme that most Cadillac vehicles now have, with a prominent center control stack flanked by big, vertical vents.
Standard equipment on the SRX is very generous and includes dual-zone automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, steering-wheel controls and an MP3-compatible Bose 8-speaker CD sound system with XM tuner.
A Luxury Collection package adds lots more, including heated seats, more seat adjustability, wood trim, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, a power liftgate, a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface, power-adjustable pedals, remote start and LED lighting accents.
The Performance Collection package adds huge 20-inch painted cast aluminum wheels with H-rated tires and upgraded steering, plus a navigation system, a rearview camera, and Bose surround-sound audio with a 40-gigabyte hard drive, rear-seat audio controls and iPod interface. |