2008 Cadillac SRX

High-Class Athlete

With a well-trimmed cabin and chiseled exterior, the SRX is a distinctive alternative to traditional luxury SUVs.

The Cadillac SRX is a sporty crossover utility vehicle with enough upscale features to satisfy the discerning luxury buyer.

The SRX is Cadillac's first and only car-based, crossover SUV. It employs the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the CTS and STS sport sedans, which gives the SRX a lively feel.

Crisp, creased styling and stacked headlights follow Cadillac’s current design theme and give the SRX a racier look than most traditional SUVs. The interior is roomy and functional. A power-folding third-row seat is available, expanding seating capacity to seven.

Cadillac recently upgraded the SRX with a redesigned and much richer-looking interior. It includes softer surfaces, a revised steering wheel, new dashboard, an updated center console, an analog clock and an additional storage compartment on the passenger’s side, just above the glovebox.

The leather trim for components like the instrument panel, center console and the insides of the doors is cut, wrapped and sewn entirely by hand. Optional wood trim is crafted from an exotic African wood called sapele pommele, also used in expensive furniture and high-end acoustic guitars.

A sport version of the SRX features body-colored front and rear fascias. Larger wheels and tires are optional.

All models have a Bose audio system with auxiliary input jack to accommodate an iPod or other portable device.

The base engine is a lightweight, aluminum V6 that should be more than adequate for most buyers. The power-hungry can opt for a V8 engine. This engine adds low-end muscle for quicker acceleration, but its added weight negates some of the horsepower gain over the base V6 and also slows steering response.

Models with V8 engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission that affords smoother operation and improved performance over the five-speed, which remains standard on SRX models with the base V6. Both gearboxes include a manual shift function.

The SRX has myriad standard chassis control systems like Stabilitrak and brake assist programs to help maintain grip in varying conditions. A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system is optional and probably a good choice for those who live in places with harsh winters.

The Cadillac SRX has a long wheelbase (the space between front and rear wheels), which makes for a smooth ride. Its fully independent suspension contributes to the sporty handling. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard. An optional system called Magnetic Ride Control improves handling by sensing road conditions and continually adjusting the suspension.

The Cadillac SRX is not a hearty off-roader or burly tow vehicle. With an optional trailer hitch, it’s rated to pull a maximum of only 2,000 pounds, which is enough to tow a small camper or fishing boat, for example. An optional tow package can boost this rating to 3,500 pounds, which is still far less than truck-based SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade.

A navigation system is standard on the V8 version and optional with the V6. Other options include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, high-intensity headlamps with headlamp washers, power-adjustable brake/accelerator pedals and heated seats. The Ultra-View Plus sunroof creates the closest thing to a convertible SUV with a power-sliding glass panel over the first and second rows of seats and a fixed window over the cargo area.

Is the BMW 3 Series Sedan for You?

Buy the BMW 3 Series Sedan if	You want a sleek and sporty car-based SUV; the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz R-Class appeal to you, but you’d rather buy American; you need seating for five and the option to seat seven in a pinch.
Keep Looking if	You require heavy-duty towing capabilities or plan on going off-road; you’d like to get better gas mileage and don’t really need the cargo bay or optional third row of seats, in which case one of Cadillac’s sedans is a better choice.
Who Fits?	Five occupants ride in comfort, with two more able to squeeze into the optional third-row seat; power-adjustable pedals are available and will benefit shorter drivers.
Closest Competitors	Audi Q7 BMW X5 Infiniti FX Lexus RX 350 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Volkswagen Touareg