2012 Cadillac SRX
Cadillac’s SRX gets a new engine for 2012, a 308-horsepower V-6 that will go into every model. Now Cadillac luxury comes with even more performance. The new engine builds on a successful year for GM’s luxury brand. SRX sales were up 17.7 percent in the first half of 2011.
While the new engine is the headliner for 2012, other enhancements include a new 6-speed automatic transmission, standard heated steering wheels on all collections, standard Bluetooth on the base model, and a new color selection: Xenon Blue Metallic.
The SRX is available in a base model and three “collections,” Luxury, Performance and Premium. Our test model was the Premium Collection, filled with amenities ranging from the panoramic sunroof that stretches way back over the rear seats to the optional rear-seat DVD player. With generous headroom and amenities like these, it’s not necessarily a bad thing to take a back seat in the SRX.
The new direct-injected V-6 is impressive, launching the SRX from a stop with 265 lb.-ft. of torque. There is plenty of power for virtually any driving scenario, from Interstate entrance ramps to passing on 2-lane highways. The new transmission has a driver-selectable Eco feature that improves fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon. The 5-passenger SRX is estimated to get 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
From the front, the SRX is unmistakably Cadillac. The Caddy shield on the front grille, vertical headlights and angular design work with the vehicle’s wide stance to give the SRX a chiseled, muscular look. The standard headlights are adaptive, meaning they swivel from side to side when the steering wheel is turned. Wheels in the Premium Collection are 20-inchers.
The interior is well-appointed, with interesting gauges and instrument clusters. And I’ve always liked the Cadillac navigation screens that rise from the dash. There are three circular gauge clusters directly behind the steering wheel that contain the tachometer and speedometer, as well as gauges for fuel, engine temperature and the Eco status.
The rest of the dash follows the angular theme of the exterior design right down to the air conditioner vents, which are tall along both sides of the center stack.
On the road, the SRX is fast and nimble for a 5-passenger crossover. Even slight pressure on the gas pedal produced an instant response from under the hood. The test SRX was equipped with AWD, which made handling crisp and sure. The vehicle remained flat in hard cornering, and braking was adequate.
Sound deadening between the engine and passenger compartments could be improved, however. Under heavy acceleration, engine noise was noticeable. The ride was firm and comfortable in the heated and cooled leather seats.
In all, we thought SRX was a comfortable and powerful ride with a great amenity package standard. The only extra in the test SRX was the rear-seat DVD system, something only kids really appreciate. Without it, the price of the 2012 SRX AWD Premium was $48,785. With the DVD and destination charges, the bottom line was $51,055.
Engine: 3.6-liter direct injection V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 308
Test model base price: $48,785
As tested price: $51,055
EPA mileage rating: 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway