2011 Cadillac SRX4 2.8T
02/21/2011
Shahed Hussain
Cadillac redesigned its formerly wagon-like SRX into a smaller crossover to better compete against the class-leading RX350. In its newly recast role, the SRX also takes on the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Lincoln MKX in a highly contested market. Underneath the skin, the SRX transitions to a front-drive platform with a transversely mounted 3.0L or 2.8L turbo V-6.
SRX models range in pricing from $34,430 to $55,850, and are available in FWD and AWD drivetrains. A fully equipped SRX costs significantly more than a loaded Lexus RX350. The same money could buy a BMW X5, Infiniti FX35, or Acura MDX. As with most luxury vehicles, Cadillac's extensive options list can rapidly balloon the bottom line beyond reason. We tested the top end of the SRX lineup, powered by a 2.8L V-6 turbo and AWD. Options included a trailering package ($445), rear seat entertainment system ($1,395), crystal red tintcoat paint ($995), roof cross rails ($255), floor mats ($135), and pet guard cargo net ($90). Including the $875 destination charge, the total sticker price added up to $56,550. A better value among the SRX models is the 3.0L V-6 Luxury Collection AWD ($41,355); equipped with nearly an identical set of option packages nets an MSRP of $47,115, on par with a similarly equipped Lexus RX350.
The SRX shares the familiar interior cues that separate Cadillacs from other GM brands. Glossy bands of dark sapele wood trim adorn the upper door panels and the center console. The two-tone brown/cream color scheme is attractively finished in soft-touch plastics. CTS owners will immediately recognize the steering wheel and gauge cluster layout, although the SRX gets unique black-on-white backlit instruments. The driver faces a 160-MPH speedometer, inset within is a multi-function trip computer display. Adjacent is a smaller 8,000 RPM tachometer plus fuel level, coolant temperature and a turbo boost gauges. A push-button starts and stops the engine, eliminating the need for an ignition key. At the top of the center stack is a retractable LCD displaying navigation, rearview camera, climate control and audio functions. Knobs and buttons for the climate control and the Bose AM/FM/XM/MP3 audio system are logically laid out. Dual cupholders are located between the front seats. Door pockets and a center console bin provide additional storage.
Upholstered in cream-colored leather, the 8-way adjustable front seats provide excellent support and comfort. The driver's seat includes an adjustable thigh bolster, a bonus for taller occupants. Temperature settings for the heated/cooled front seats are adjusted via buttons on the center stack. The rear seats accommodate up to three passengers, but are better suited for two. Legroom is adequate for passengers under 5'-10", but taller occupants will find limited headroom. The optional dual-screen DVD entertainment system and audio/video inputs should provide hours of diversion for kids and adults. Separate climate controls and vents ensure that rear seat passengers can adjust settings for their comfort. Folding the rear seats down yields just over 61 cu. ft. of cargo room. With the seats up, about 29 cu. ft. of cargo will fit inside. A pass-through opening between the seats allows room for passengers and skis. A convenient power-operated tailgate eases loading and unloading, while an adjustable aluminum divider on slotted rails ensures that luggage and groceries stay in place. Instead of a temporary spare underneath the cargo floor, Cadillac provides a can of tire sealant and an inflator kit.
Although the SRX shares its standard 265-bhp 3.0L V-6 with GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox, the all-aluminum 2.8L V-6 turbo is unique to Cadillac. Rated at 300-bhp @ 5,500 RPM and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 RPM, the forced-induction 2.8L adds 35-bhp and 72 lb.-ft. over the 3.0L V-6. Throttle response from the turbocharged V-6 from a standstill is unimpressive, but midrange acceleration is satisfyingly quick once the turbo comes on boost.
Both powerplants are mated to 6-speed automatics, but the 2.8L gets an Aisin Warner AF40, while the 3.0L is mated to the GM Hydra-Matic 6T70. Shift quality is superb, with barely perceptible gaps in power delivery. The spot-on transmission calibration rarely required manual intervention via the center console-mounted shifter. Despite the higher power and torque output from the turbo 2.8L, the Aisin transmission has shorter overall gearing vs. the Hydra-Matic gearbox.
According to the EPA, the 2.8L turbo is rated at 15/22 MPG (city/hwy.) vs. 17/23 MPG (city/hwy.) for the 3.0L V-6. We averaged around 16-17 MPG in the city, and between 20-21 MPG on the highway, so the EPA estimate seems realistic. For comparison, the Lexus RX350 AWD gets an 18/24 MPG (city/hwy.) from the EPA. Even the substantially more spacious and marginally heavier Buick Enclave achieves 16/22 MPG (city/hwy.), surpassing the Cadillac's city mileage and matching its highway fuel consumption.
The SRX suspension consists of front struts, coil springs and tubular stabilizer bar; at the rear are a linked H-arm, coil springs, and tubular stabilizer bar. Vented disc brakes with ABS and Stabilitrak (electronic stability control) are standard. All SRX models come with 18-inch alloy wheels and P235/65R18 all-season tires. The tested SRX was equipped with optional 20-inch alloys and P235/55R20 Michelin tires. Cadillac's suspension tuning favors a comfortable ride over any sporting pretensions, a wise decision since most customers are unlikely to expect the SRX to do double duty as a sport wagon. Nonetheless, the suspension takes the edge off bumps and potholes without undue body roll or excessive understeer. The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering filters out most road textures, but without feeling disconnected from the road. Despite its competent handling, the SRX is more comfortable cruising at a relaxed pace, erasing the miles from a long road trip.
During our stint with the SRX, we were impressed with its high level of standard equipment and overall drivetrain refinement. Unfortunately, the steep sticker price makes the SRX 2.8T a tough sell, especially since the model lineup starts at less than $35K. Against the perennially popular Lexus RX350, BMW X3 or the Audi Q5, the 3.0L SRX models stack up as a reasonable alternative. However, the SRX 2.8T is priced in the same range as more luxurious and spacious SUVs such as the Acura MDX and BMW X5. So although the less expensive SRX models are decent values, the SRX 2.8T is a less than compelling proposition.
