2010 SRX Turbo AWD: All New Crossover From Cadillac

By Denis Flierl

Denis Flierl

Contributing Writer BIO

Denis Flierl is a Denver native and has a passion for automobiles. His extensive automotive background includes racing, 13 years in automotive... More

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1,556 views Jan 23, 2010

Cadillac has completely redesigned the SRX for 2010. The only thing they did not change was the name. The original SRX had a rear drive configuration with the choice of a V6 or V8 engine. The 2010 version is a front-wheel-drive vehicle and comes with a transverse mounted V6 powerplant. Another big difference comes on the inside. Where most models from one year to the next keep getting bigger, the new version went from three rows and seven seats to two rows and seating for five. The interior now shares some of the same technology with the new 2010 CTS sedan. Exterior styling is also new with a new crisper and sharper design.

With all the changes to the 2010 SRX, it is now in the very popular midsize luxury segment of sport utility vehicles. The SRX comes standard with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, the same engine that powers the Cadillac CTS. I was able to test the optional 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine. The new engine comes from Saab and produces a powerful 300 horsepower and 295 ft pounds of torque. It is mated to a completely new Aisin-Warner six-speed automatic transmission that is capable of handling the higher power and torque that the turbo produces.

The handling and braking are very good on the SRX and it feels like riding in a taller version of the CTS sports sedan. The optional 20-inch sport wheels and tires are very responsive and also look good on the SRX. My test vehicle ($51,360) came with the available Haldex II all-wheel-drive system. It is an excellent system and makes the SRX a highly capable winter commuter on snow packed roads or icy conditions. It also handles excellent on dry roads and would be worth the extra $2495 to have it. The Haldex II all-wheel-drive system made its debut last year on the Saab 9-3X, and according to Cadillac, it is among the world's fastest-acting and most capable systems, able to move up to 100 percent of the engine's torque from front to rear tires in about one wheel rotation, and through its electronic limited-slip rear differential, it is able to transfer up to 85 percent of the drive torque from left to right in a few milliseconds. While it is designed for ice, snow, rain and mud conditions, this all-wheel-drive system makes high-performance dry-road driving a lot more fun because high-speed cornering is accomplished by all four tires. EPA fuel economy estimates are 15/22 city/highway using premium fuel.

Inside, the SRX is luxurious and comfortable. It is loaded with features and everything is easy to use. My test SRX had an enormous list of standard equipment including pushbutton starting, a tilt-and-telescope steering column, upper and lower adjustable ambient lighting. Available are a full-color driver information center between the main gauges, OnStar, and satellite navigation with voice recognition. Also included were 20-inch Michelin 235/55R20 with aluminum wheels, a remote power liftgate, and the huge ultraview sunroof. It carried the full load of electronics including the optional Bose sound system, navigation, voice activation, sport suspension, adaptive xenon headlamps, front and rear park assist, chrome roof rails, Sapele wood trim, heated power seats, power adjustable pedals, Bose audio with 40-gig hard drive, navigation, rearview camera, USB and iPod sockets, voice recognition, and Bluetooth connectivity. SRX Premium upgrades with three-zone automatic climate control, rear audio controls, and heated rear seats.

The all-new 2010 SRX is Cadillacs latest arrival in the growing market of luxury crossover SUVs. The SRX's competition includes the Lexus RX 350, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Acura MDX, BMW X3, and Audi Q5. It's priced $3500 less than the Lexus RX 350, with about the same power, performance and fuel economy. Its a great choice for those who are looking to downsize and economize.