2010 Cadillac SRX Review

MPG-o-Matic Cadillac SRX Review Summary:
It’s not surprising that the 2010 Cadillac SRX is decidedly European, as Cadillac’s compact crossover rides on the same platform as the Opel Antara. The SRX currently offers a choice between two V6 engines (turbocharged or naturally aspirated) with front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). While its gas mileage results are middle-of-the-road, the crisply-designed SRX delivers all the style, comfort, and tech goodies you’d expect in a modern high-end Cadillac.

The 2010 Cadillac SRX is available in both FWD and AWD configurations, and can be fitted with a direct-injected 3.0-liter V6 or a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The 3.0-liter engine produces 265 horsepower (HP) and 223 foot pounds of torque, while the turbocharged V6 delivers 300 HP and 295 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 3.0-liter equipped FWD Cadillac SRX are 18 city / 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG). The AWD 3.0-liter SRX is rated at 17 city / 23 highway, while the turbocharged AWD SRX is rated at 15 / 21.

We rolled up well over five hundred miles on the odometer of our 3.0-liter Radiant Silver SRX FWD Premium review unit and met the official mileage estimates with an average of 25.3 MPG on the Interstate highway and 19.8 MPG combined in winter temperatures.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the twenty through forty degree range. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the high thirties. The test vehicle was equipped with 20-inch aluminum wheels (base wheel size is 18-inches) and delivered with just over 300 miles on the odometer. (Fuel efficiency may rise after the engine has run through a proper break in period.)

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, heat on, driver seat heated, windows up: 24.8 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, heat on, driver seat heated, windows up: 25.9 MPG

The direct-injected 3.0-liter V6 does an acceptable job off the line in FWD trim. The SRX is hefty, with a curb weight of 4224 pounds for the 3.0-liter FWD SRX and 4307 for the AWD SRX.

The 2010 SRX is to be commended for its pair of instantaneous fuel economy displays. As always, we recommend the conscientious use of an instant fuel-economy gauge to help develop a light-footed fuel-efficient driving technique.

In addition to the real-time fuel economy display, the 2010 SRX’s Driver’s Information Center displays current speed limit, navigation, tire pressure, oil life, average fuel economy, trip meter, and fuel range, among other data.

The SRX is equipped with a 21.0 gallon gas tank and is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.

The SRX’s cabin is distinctive, comfortable, and packed with features for the driver and passengers alike. Our SRX Premium test unit was loaded up with all the goodies, starting with leather appointed seats with heated and ventilated front buckets. The 8-way power front seats provide power lumbar support and memory settings for the driver seat as well as for the outside mirrors. Passengers are treated with a heated and reclining 60/40 rear bench, three-zone heating and air-conditioning, and rear seat audio controls.

The optional rear seat entertainment system provides dual LCD screens with wireless headphones and remote control.

The SRX’s navigation system is housed in an 8-inch touch screen that rises dramatically from the dash. Backup and parking is a snap with a standard rear camera display and rear parking assist.

The ten-speaker XM Satellite-equipped Bose audio system provides auxiliary and USB inputs. A 40 GB internal hard drive provides plenty of on-board storage for digital music files. iPod support provides access to playlists from the dash and steering wheel controls. Bluetooth is standard and a year of On-Star service (with turn-by-turn navigation) is included, along with 90 days of XM Satellite radio.

The SRX is fitted with power outlets at the base of the dash, inside the center console, at the back of the console, and in the cargo area.

A power programmable liftgate is standard in the Premium model, along with remote keyless entry, adaptive remote start and adjustable pedals.

The SRX provides 61.1 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats down. While our test unit was equipped with the U-Rail system, the adjustable cargo fence was not available at the time of testing.

The SRX provides innovations not found in other small crossover SUVs. The Ultra-View sunroof provides a remarkable view of the sky, while the Adaptive Forward Lighting system follows the SRX’s steering around curves.

All-in-all, the five-passenger 2010 Cadillac SRX delivers distinctive style and a solid ride, along with plenty of creature comforts, conveniences and tech goodies. We look forward to future models that deliver a significant upgrade in fuel economy.

While the Opel Antara is offered with a fuel-efficient clean diesel engine in Europe, America will likely see a hybrid variant to compete with the Lexus 450h.

– by Daniel Gray