Test Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX 3.0 AWD – Second Opinion

2010 Cadillac SRX 3.0 AWD. Click image to enlarge

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Review and photos by Frank Rizzuti

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2010 Cadillac SRX

Ottawa, Ontario – All new for 2010, the SRX has been completely redesigned and sports a leaner, more modern look. The SRX was developed on an all-new luxury crossover architecture, which features unique dimensional characteristics and a stiffer structure. It’s available with two V6s, the base 3.0-litre or a turbocharged 2.8-litre producing 265 and 300 horsepower respectively. These are both mated to six speed automatic transmissions.

My tester was a 3.0-litre AWD version with Crystal Red Tintcoat paint ($1,295) and 20-inch Tech Aluminum Wheels ($1,190). The as-tested price came to $54,880. Adding the unique centre stack pop-up navigation system with a 40-GB hard drive, a rear seat entertainment system and a 10-speaker Bose sound system would tack on another $5,295.

The standard Bose eight-speaker sound system was a real disappointment, no matter how much I massaged the tone controls it sounded thin and lacked midrange; hopefully the optional 10-speaker system sounds better. The standard Bluetooth system worked well, was easy to setup and provided adequate sound quality.

2010 Cadillac SRX 3.0 AWD. Click image to enlarge

Starting with the lit Cadillac script on the door sills to the mood-lighting strip imbedded into the doors and dash, the SRX is a luxurious place to be. The seats, front and rear, are very comfortable and supportive, the controls are easy and intuitive to use and there are several interesting features that can be programmed through the centre stack. The side mirrors can dip down when the vehicle is placed into Reverse, giving better visibility. Also the rear wiper can give a “courtesy wipe” when reverse is engaged and simple things like the silent up/down of the power windows and a nice analogue clock in the centre stack adds that extra little touch of luxury and class. Fit and finish was spot on.

Instrumentation is a combination of analogue and digital gauges, including a fuel economy gauge, which is a great idea and should be standard on all vehicles. This simple engine vacuum gauge shows in real time how driving habits can affect fuel economy.

2010 Cadillac SRX 3.0 AWD. Click image to enlarge

Standard safety features include driver and front-passenger dual-stage air bags with seat mounted side-impact and front to rear head curtain air bags, Stabiltrak electronic stability control system with trailer sway control, traction control, and four-wheel anti-lock brake system with Panic Brake Assist.

On the road the SRX handled well and had a surprisingly tight turning circle, making three-point turns something you only need to read about. The base V6 had plenty of power, but the brake pedal feel was a little hard and touchy.

Fuel economy during my week of all city driving was 12.4 L/100 km, close to the advertised rating of 12.2.

The six-speed transmission shifted smoothly and flipping the gear lever to the left puts the transmission and suspension into what Cadillac calls “Sport Mode”, essentially it stiffens up the suspension and delays shift points for a more aggressive shift pattern. Blipping the shift lever up or down allows a manual control setting of the transmission. It all works very well and made for a sporty and firm ride, unlike what you would expect from a Cadillac.

During my week with the tester, I had a few electrical glitches. Firstly the remote starter stopped working (not that I would ever use such a fuel wasting conveyance) and on one occasion the air bag warning lights started beeping and complaining, only to stop suddenly and never reoccur.

Other than those minor issues the SRX is a well sorted crossover that deserves a look if you’re considering a vehicle in this highly competitive and crowded segment.