Cadillac SRX

Cadillac SRX at a glance

The SRX is a monocoque luxury crossover; the first generation had rear- or all-wheel drive and the second front- or all-wheel drive. More Cadillac models are listed in our Cadillac catalogue.

First generation (2003–2009)

The first SRX was a five-door, seven-seat crossover with an optional power-folding third row. It offered a 190 kW (255 hp) V6 and a 239 kW (320 hp) 4.6 Northstar V8, with five- or six-speed automatics (the V8 received a six-speed in 2007) and rear- or all-wheel drive. A power tailgate became standard for 2006, and a Sport package with 20-inch wheels and all-wheel drive arrived for 2007. US sales peaked at 30,019 units in 2004.

Second generation (2010–2016)

Exterior

The facelifted second generation changed little outwardly — many felt its strict, stylish design needed no change. It gained a larger grille with faceted chrome slats and smoother, more expressive bumpers, while keeping its large vertical headlights, which look like two pieces of cut crystal. The front bumper has a low lip, which limits rough-road ability, and a compact intake. The SRX's sharp-edged yet slightly futuristic shapes make it easy to recognise among European and Asian rivals. Base versions have 18-inch alloys and higher trims 20-inch wheels with a new design. Large wheel arches, a high window line, small side windows, a domed roof and vents on the front wings give it a sporty stance; ground clearance is 179 mm. At the rear, tall vertical light "pillars", a power tailgate with programmable opening height, a neat bumper with plastic protection and two round exhaust outlets complete the design.

Interior

The interior has good materials and build quality and plenty of space. Leather and electrically adjustable front seats are fitted, though the seats offer limited lateral support in corners. Active noise cancellation keeps the cabin quiet. A three-spoke leather steering wheel with aluminium inserts, adjustable for height and reach, carries audio and cruise controls, and the instruments combine large analogue dials with a central graphic trip-computer display. An 8-inch colour touchscreen for infotainment and navigation sits in the centre; with the 2013 update it became part of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which takes some time to learn. The console has hidden storage compartments, and the tunnel holds the electric parking brake and cupholders. A Bose audio system with eight speakers is standard, and some versions have a ten-speaker Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround system.

Three adults fit comfortably in the rear, with good leg- and headroom, optional heating and split reclining backrests. Folding the rear seats increases luggage space to 1,730 litres. An optional UltraView panoramic roof has separately powered sunroof and blind.

Engines and transmissions (second generation)

Published figures give 0–100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, 210 km/h and about 11.2 l/100 km for the 3.0 V6, and 8.1 seconds for the 3.6 V6. Both use the adaptive six-speed Hydra-Matic 6T70 automatic with manual mode and a sport mode; the turbo V6 used an Aisin six-speed. All-wheel-drive versions send torque to the rear wheels through a propshaft and can vary the distribution between the rear wheels.

Chassis

The second-generation SRX has independent suspension with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear, with adaptive damping that reads the road surface and speed very quickly to limit body movement. Rack-and-pinion steering has variable hydraulic assistance, and all four brakes are ventilated discs with a brake-drying function.

Safety and equipment

The SRX has front and side airbags in the front and curtain airbags covering both rows, three-point belts for all seats, child-seat anchors, programmable door locks, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection; higher trims add lane departure warning, forward collision alert and optional automatic braking that can bring the car to a full stop. A rear camera became standard for 2011, and 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot arrived for 2015. Base versions had leather, ABS and ESP, electric seats, climate control, cruise control, tyre-pressure monitoring, Bose audio, push-button start and a light sensor; higher trims added memory, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, navigation, voice control, a rain sensor, keyless entry and a power tailgate.

Key specifications by generation

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners praise the SRX's powerful engines, comfort, value for money, roomy cabin, safety, bold styling and roadholding. Drawbacks include parts that can be hard to find, engine problems at high mileage, an automatic gearbox that is difficult to repair and brakes that can feel stretched by the car's weight. Rivals include the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Infiniti FX, Nissan Murano, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5.