The SRX is offered in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models. A 300-horsepower, 3.6L V6 is standard, fitted to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It replaces last year's base 3.0L V6 and turbocharged 2.8L V6.
The new engine has an all-aluminum construction along with direct-injection, which allows it to produce more power than most other engines its size while still using regular fuel. Despite its larger displacement, the new engine is actually more fuel efficient than last year's engines, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 17 city and 24 highway in front-wheel drive models. An Eco mode stretches efficiency to one additional mile per gallon, and the new engine can also run on E85 fuel.
The all-wheel drive system in the SRX can move all available torque to either the front or rear wheels as needed, and it can also divide torque from side to side, so as to allow especially strong grip, even under power on slick roads. And with the base engine, the tow rating is 3,500 pounds--enough for a small boat or a pair of jet-skis.
The driving experience in the SRX is sophisticated and refined, thanks to the available continuously variable real-time damping system, which adjusts shock rates to road conditions. Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering gives a sporty feel of the road, and electronic stability control is standard, along with anti-lock brakes.
The SRX has space for five adults in its two seating rows. A cargo management system in back includes a retractable cargo fence to restrain smaller items, along with a track system. The back seats fold flat to expand cargo space when they're not in use.
Materials in the SRX include hand-cut and hand-sewn instrument-panel trim and soft leather upholstery, with matte-metallic accents. The SRX builds on the angular, beveled design theme that most Cadillac vehicles now have, with a prominent center control stack flanked by big, vertical vents.
Standard equipment on the SRX is very generous and includes dual-zone automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, steering-wheel controls and an MP3-compatible Bose 8-speaker CD sound system with XM tuner.
A Luxury Collection package adds lots more, including heated seats, more seat adjustability, wood trim, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, a power liftgate, heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, remote start and LED lighting accents.
The Performance Collection package adds huge 20-inch painted cast aluminum wheels with H-rated tires and upgraded steering, plus a navigation system, a rearview camera, and Bose surround-sound audio with a 40-gigabyte hard drive, rear-seat audio controls and iPod interface.
Affordable Full-fledged Luxury Crossover
Available Turbocharged Performance
Respectable Fuel Economy
Comfortable Interior
Following a comprehensive redesign in 2010, the Cadillac SRX receives only several changes for 2012. An all-new 3.6L engine has been fitted in place of last year's 3.0L and 2.8L engines. The new engine makes 300 horsepower and 260 lb-feet of torque. Other changes include the addition of Bluetooth as standard equipment on all models, a heated steering wheel on Luxury, Premium and Performance trim levels and revised door lock switches.
Cadillac's performance-oriented SRX features a standard direct-injection V6 that provides good fuel economy and great performance. For families, the SRX offers a hard-drive-based entertainment system. Value always comes back to price, and with a price starting in the mid-thirties, the base-model 2012 SRX is a luxury crossover bargain.
