EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: This 2012 Cadillac SRX is one of my favorite crossovers. It's comfortable and extremely competent in what it is trying to be--a luxury crossover, giving drivers the benefit of driving a car with most of the capabilities of a small sport-ute. And while I like this a lot, especially some of the little details such as the jeweled lens that lights up with the turn-signal indicator, part of a nicely styled and comfortable interior, I'm not sure I'd take this over, say, a Jeep Grand Cherokee. And while I know they are two completely different vehicles, the useable interior space is about the same, and the Jeep is, well, it's Jeep with all of its capabilities.
But for people not needing serious off-road capabilities who still want to haul stuff (and people) in luxurious comfort, the SRX is a terrific option. As a daily driver, one could do much, much worse.
EDITOR WES RAYNAL: I liked this Caddy, too. I thought it was a good-looking (inside and out), reasonably priced luxury ute. I was surprised by how much attention it got in my neighborhood; people genuinely seemed interested in checking it out.
Thought it could use more power--the engine was smooth but the car felt slow off the line to me. Of course, out on the freeway for general cruising, it was fine. But around town I felt I could use more zip. And, yes, I did try both eco and normal modes.
I was impressed with the chassis, the ride and the handling for the most part. The SRX offers a smooth ride, and the suspension did a good job controlling body roll, at least as far as utes go. The car felt reasonably responsive, and while it probably can't run through twisty roads like a BMW X3, I'm betting it would put a Lexus RX 350 on the trailer.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: This 2012 Cadillac SRX Performance Collection is highly competitive in the segment, stacking up against the Lexus RX 350, the Acura MDX, the Mercedes-Benz ML, the BMW X5, et al. At this price, it seems like a home run as equipped, with a strong and refined V6, all-wheel drive, a six-speed transmission and a full slate of electronic goodies. The parlor-trick levitating nav screen alone sets it apart from most brethren fitted with fixed screens.
The cargo cut by the rear hatch also is a bit of an illusion--there's still plenty of space back there, especially with the second row folded. I once bought a hutch in northern Michigan and hauled it home in an SRX, so as long as you can fold the back seat, there's ample cargo room.
I think the complaints about this vehicle lacking power relate to the all-wheel drive, which puts the power down without a lot of drama. The result, to my backside, is a smooth power delivery without a lot of sudden action. To me, that translates into refinement, which this powertrain has in spades. In addition, this model feels fairly sporty and buttoned up, easily handling quick inputs and course corrections without much roll or dive. Like most others in this segment, it's more of a driver's car than you might expect, with the emphasis on car control versus off-road capability.
Combined with the functional, comfortable interior and little touches like the turn-signal LED repeaters on the instrument panel (as Roger noted), the car seems like a winner. For those who remember Cadillac's previous SRX iteration, which was more of a tall station wagon than a luxury crossover, the SRX is spot-on for the marketplace.
SENIOR MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: I remain a fan of the second-gen Cadillac SRX, from the sharply creased exterior to the modern, pleasing interior design and materials. You may or may not like the oh-so-Cadillac body lines, but I have yet to come across anyone--myself included--who doesn't praise the interior or the ride quality.
Yes, this is a well-controlled, pleasing-to-drive machine that does just about everything well, though I don't rank any single dynamic attribute as class-leading. However, the package of refinement, smoothness, relatively responsive behavior, style and practicality form a formidably competitive entry in this segment, and one I would rank high on my shopping list if I had little need or desire for serious off-road or heavy-duty utility work.
When you get down to it, I see the SRX as I do most of its competition: at least as much of an emotional value, probably more, than a logical choice. It's an SUV that causes its drivers and occupants to feel good and to relax in style, without the downsides of over-the-top opulence or a dumbed-down or numb driving experience.
2012 Cadillac SRX Performance Collection
Base Price: $47,215
As-Tested Price: $48,610
Drivetrain: 3.6-liter V6; AWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 308 hp @ 6,800 rpm, 265 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,442 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 18/18.5 mpg
Options: Entertainment system including dual screens, DVD player ($1,395)
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