Few cars can outrun their histories. When you look at buyer trends and customer loyalties, only the Hatfields and McCoys outrank American car buyers in back-to-back grudges held. But not so for the 2013 Cadillac SRX.
Consider the history: When the SRX was introduced in 2004, the mid-size luxury crossover had the style sensibilities of a tuxedoed man sporting a mullet. When the second-generation SRX was launched in 2010, that model looked better but it suffered deeply from poor engine options. Buyers chose between a poorly powered 3.0-liter V6 and a 2.8-liter premium-fuel-only turbo V6 that apparently made people run for the hills. (Not coincidentally, the Saab-branded version of that SRX helped drive one of the final coffin nails for that brand.)
Two years later, it seems all was forgotten. Sins of the past were completely erased. The 2012 Cadillac SRX sported only one engine, a 3.6-liter V6, with the same good looks. Now in 2013, it’s Cadillac’s best selling model and it’s not hard to see why —or to wonder how it got there so fast.
The SRX makes all sorts of sense on paper. The 5-passenger crossover tickles America’s fancy for luxury ‘utes that haul cargo and kids every day of the week, but wouldn’t ever dare be called a wagon. It also appeals to empty nesters looking for a Cadillac but not yet willing to part ways with the idea of an SUV. The only coveted demographic the SRX doesn’t satisfy is Scrooge McDuck, and I’m not sure if he spends his money or just swims in it.
And about that 3.6-liter V6: it’s much better than it sounds. The 306 horsepower and 265 ft.-lbs. of torque are perfectly suited for the relatively sedate nature of the SRX. It doesn’t exactly peel the asphalt from the highway, but the low, 2,400-rpm mark for its torque delivery mean it feels solid on standing starts and highway passing.
The SRX comes standard with an automatic six-speed transmission, and front- or all-wheel-drive configurations are available in every trim except Base.
Because crossovers are mostly designated for suburban duty, gas mileage falls in that large gray area of buyer priorities between “high” and “What do you mean, ‘gas mileage?’” Presumably, if you’re buying a Cadillac that starts at $37,330 and goes upward of $50,000, you’re not scraping the ashtray for gas change. Conversely, if you’re a human being who doesn’t like the idea of mandatory SPF 3,000 in the next 10 years, it’s worth at least a passing thought. For both of those folks, the SRX manages 16/23 mpg city/highway.
I happen to fall in the category of people who think crossovers should at least attempt interesting. For me, the 2013 SRX boasts available 20-inch wheels, new grille designs, and three new colors, of which two aren’t silver. For the people who think crossovers should make a break for the middle, don’t worry. There are still six shades of black, beige or silver to choose from — maybe a John Tesh album or two in there as well.
Inside, the SRX dons one of Cadillac’s newest features, CUE. Short for Cadillac User Experience, the all-in-one entertainment system melds navigation, media, climate and system information into a haptic touchscreen that pulses when you touch it. At only two years old, CUE is still relatively new — but it’s still a fussy toddler. For example, I couldn’t get CUE to turn on when I drove the SRX for the first time. Also, using CUE’s voice commands are a great way to practice perfect diction, over and over and over again.
Staring at the navigation screen is no way to drive, so I stopped asking CUE to solve the world’s problems shortly after climbing in the car. Cadillac’s new Active Noise Cancellation makes a perceptible difference and the SRX is whisper quiet on the inside. It made for comfortable cruising for me, and I can only imagine hearing crystal clear shouts from the backseats if there are children inside.
When you’re driving the SRX though, you forget that you’re behind the wheel of a Cadillac and are reminded that you’re simply driving a luxury car. The soft seats and quiet interior are the only noticeable qualities the SRX has, and that’s the way it should be.
Other, older models suffered from a heavy-handed approach or a hurried model to market. The 2013 combines the sculpted exterior styling of Cadillac’s current approach with interior luxuries that place it well atop the list of competitors like the Lexus RX, Mercedes M Class and Audi Q5.
Learning from its history enabled Cadillac to have a solid crossover for the future.
Aaron Cole is a syndicated auto columnist. He knows he’s wrong, but he’d rather hear it from you. Reach him at acole@aurorasentinel.com