2005 Cadillac SRX Preview

2005 Cadillac SRX

GM's luxury division launches a station wagon that's built for hauling in the fast lane.

Should You Buy This Car?

A lot of today's light trucks sell more on looks and image rather than practicality. How sensible a choice is a Hummer H2, unless you are going to start your own war or do serious off-road driving? Few passenger vehicles are as practical as a Chrysler minivan for carrying human or material cargo, but a minivan is no match for the in-your-face looks of a Cadillac Escalade or Nissan Murano. In all likelihood, plenty of buyers will overlook the shortcomings in the Cadillac SRX and buy it for its looks, speed, comfort and versatility.

The new Lexus RX330 from Toyota overlaps the SRX on price, though one must be pretty creative with the RX330 option list to match the estimated $54,000 sticker of the SRX tester. The Lexus entry is a more polished piece that the new Cadillac. The new Pacifica crossover from DaimlerChrysler doesn't have the V-8 or the power of the SRX, but it is more affordable, its interior feels more luxurious and it has more driver legroom.

Luxury crossovers available with three rows of seats include the Acura MDX and the Volvo XC90. Though both of these vehicles have received widespread praise, neither one of them is available with a V-8. The only other crossover offering a V-8 is the stylish Infiniti FX45, but it isn't available with a third row of seats.