Cadillac SRX

On Sale:
Second Quarter 2009

Expected Pricing:
Starting around $40,000

Cadillac is repositioning its SRX crossover. Instead of a rear-wheel-drive based seven-passenger vehicle, the 2010 Cadillac SRX is a front-wheel-drive based five-passenger crossover aimed squarely at the leader in the segment, the Lexus RX.

The 2004-2009 SRX used the CTS sedan's rear-wheel-drive Sigma architecture, but the 2010 model will be based on a new front-wheel-drive premium crossover architecture that will also host the Saab 9-4X.

With the new architecture come new dimensions. Compared with the previous-generation model, the 2010 SRX is 2.4 inches wider but it's 4.8 inches shorter overall, with a 5.5-inch shorter wheelbase.

Exterior styling is also changed, with an evolution of Cadillac's Art and Science design theme. The shield-like front grille is taken from the newest generation of the CTS. The vertical headlights are mirrored at the rear by vertical taillights. The flanks feature raked accent lines emerging from chromed front fender vents and give the 2010 SRX a look of forward motion. Flared wheel arches at all four corners surround 18- or 20-inch wheels.

Both SRX engine choices will also change. The current model's 4.6-liter V8 and 3.6-liter V6 engines won't return. Instead, the 2010 Cadillac SRX will have two smaller, direct-injected V6s. The base engine will be a 3.0-liter version of the 3.6. This 24-valve, dual-overhead cam V6 will produce 260 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque and will be able to run on E85 ethanol. A 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine will be optional. This engine, which is currently offered only in the Saab 9-3, will produce 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Both engines will use a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, and both will be able to tow up to 3500 pounds.

Front-wheel drive will be standard, but models with the 3.0-liter V6 will be offered with an all-wheel drive system with an electronic limited-slip rear differential (eLSD). The eLSD will allow power to be apportioned side to side along the rear axle, which can aid handling. An adjustable real-time dampening system will also be offered.

Inside, the SRX will use elements of the CTS's interior, including the leather-covered instrument panel, a pop-up navigation system, and hard-drive radio. Bluetooth connectivity will be standard, and available features will include dual-screen rear DVD entertainment, a power rear liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof. Safety features will include six airbags, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, trailer stability assist and OnStar. Adaptive front lighting that swivels the headlights to illuminate dark corners will be optional. A parking system that steers the car for you will also be offered, and Cadillac says it will work faster than similar systems from competitors.

Pricing hasn't been announced for the 2010 Cadillac SRX, but we estimate a starting price around $40,000, which is slightly higher than the Lexus RX.

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