Redesigned SRX Nearly Gets a Perfect Score From Mom

2010 Cadillac SRX AWD Premium Collection

model as tested $49,660

Test Drove 12/7/09 – 12/14/09
reviewed by Courtney Messenbaugh

The 2010 Cadillac SRX is stylish and sleek both inside and out. This five-seat crossover manages to be compact without being too small and roomy on the inside without being burdensome. It’s almost the perfect balance of design, functionality and performance.

Notice that I wrote “almost.” While it hit every other mark, I was disappointed in the SRX’s 265-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine. It didn’t have much verve at all. Getting up and down the little hills in my Colorado town, which some refer to as the Rocky Mountains, was quite a chore for the SRX. That’s a pity since I happen to drive up and down those hills a lot.

After a week with this luxurious, family-friendly car, I realized that maybe verve isn’t what the SRX or even the Cadillac brand is about: It’s about luxury and enjoyment. Maybe Cadillac’s SRX marketing slogan should simply be, “Sit back and enjoy the ride.” Who needs to go fast when you’re cradled in such luxury? I like speed and power, but how often am I forced to slow down and enjoy something? Not often. The fact that the SRX forced me to do so turned out to agree with me. Of course, there’s also a turbocharged SRX, which might be more my speed.

At any rate, the 2010 SRX hit all of the other marks. On a practical level, there was plenty of room for my whole family and our gear; even with my daughter’s rear-facing infant-safety seat installed, the front passenger — aka, the hubby — had plenty of legroom. With an EPA-estimated 17/23 mpg city/highway, the SRX’s fuel economy wasn’t horrid; I averaged 21 mpg. Although between you and me, I wouldn’t mind if this crossover’s gas mileage was improved a bit.

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