2010 Cadillac SRX Premium Car Review

Drive Time drives and gives a full review to the 2010 Cadillac SRX Premium

2010 Cadillac SRX Premium Car Review If you love the original first generation SRX like I did, then this all-new 2010 model might be a bit of a surprise. You don’t typically see a manufacturer start from scratch following what critics declared was an excellent first machine. But buyers thought otherwise and largely stood one of the original Crossovers on the market. This one here is obviously smaller front drive based and offers no third row seat or V8 option. In other words, it’s joined the rank and file of the industry leaders like the Lexus RX. The SRX is offered with either a three-liter V6 or a 2.8-liter V6 turbo. My first of back-to-back two-week long test drives begin with this model, the SRX front wheel drive premium with the naturally aspirated base engine. This top trim of non-all wheel drive non-turbo models carries a sticker price of $44,720.00, $46, 015.00 as seen here with the very user-friendly rear DVD system. While I can appreciate the flamboyant new styling, though little too southern view like for my taste, I'm not exactly a fan of this engine. You may have heard me make this point before about this 265 horsepower direct injection V6. It doesn’t make a great impression on the equinox and terrain so it’s certainly doesn’t wow me in a Cadillac. It’s a little coarse and just doesn’t provide this caddy with enough juice. Luckily, the 300 horse turbo model fixes that but at a significant price and fuel economy cost. Gas mileage here is 18 mpg city and 25 highway on regular. The SRX was developed on a new chassis with a sport suspension but front drive models like this one missed out on the real time damping system, which adjusts shock rates in response to road conditions. As it turns out, the SRX never really feels that sporty and the ride quality is unexceptional either. I’d say it’s average on both fronts but with not enough power to keep it engaging. One of the problems the SRX faces is that its little brother, the CTS Sport Wagon with about 4 cubic feet less cargo room drives immeasurably better and it’s priced less. It’s the hidden gem on the Cadillac lot. The SRX’s interior is where it shines where the high quality feel, attractive details, superbly integrated infotainment electronics and long trip comfort. Cargo room, though not a completely flat space with the seats folded is ample while the turbo all-wheel drive model is the SRX to get if you’re looking for more than just transportation. You’d be remised if you didn’t take the CTS Sport Wagon for a spin before deciding. For Drive Time on Yahoo Autos, I'm Steve Hammes.