Cadillac SRX Crossover
As the performance and features of cars improve exponentially, blurring the lines between mainstream and luxury, design becomes of the utmost importance. Swooping sheet metal can be the difference for buyers looking from one brand to the next, simply because one better captures their emotions.
Cadillac understood that more than a decade ago when it adopted its "stealth fighter" sharp lines. Design language can be polarizing; some love it, some hate it – but it does make the brand stand out.
The SRX has been in its current form for five years. It still looks distinctive enough not just to be recognized as a Cadillac, but to stand out from the softer and more generic mid-size crossovers on the road today. General Motors' luxury brand has made an effort to attract younger buyers and, while twentysomethings won't be spotted en masse gravitating to the brand yet, it's not a geriatric chariot any more. The SRX is aggressive yet mature enough not to be radical, an impressive feat and, over all, an exciting design.
But sometimes, form must yield to function. Take the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system found inside the SRX (and other cars in the brand). It's a stunning, futuristic concept of controlling the radio, which works by simple touches of a finger rewarded with haptic, tactile responses; no moving knobs or switches. But it doesn't work all the time. One of the most frustrating things is trying to concentrate on the highway while furiously trying to turn down that grating Rick Astley song, searching for a particular spot on the console that will accept your touch, but finding none.
The CUE is a system that would appeal to an early adopter, someone eager to grab the newest, most radical technology. However, that doesn't exactly describe Cadillac's clientele; when you buy a Cadillac, you expect things to work. It's not like owning a beautiful old Ferrari, of which the carbureted V-12 sometimes works and sometimes doesn't; it's still worth it for those times it does fire up. No, a radio in a luxury car needs to work all the time. The CUE system is a beautiful design, but its hiccups are enough to call for a return to the conventional knobs and switches. Or, at least more development on getting it to work consistently.
Tech Specs
- Base price: $42,930; as tested: $54,705
- Engine: 3.6-litre V-6
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Fuel economy (litres/100km): 14.8 city; 10.4 highway, regular gas
- Alternatives: Acura MDX, Lexus RX 350, BMW X5, Audi Q5, Porsche Cayenne, Infiniti QX70, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, Range Rover Evoque, Jeep Grand Cherokee
You'll like this car if ... you want to feel like a rock star when you drive into the country club parking lot.
RATINGS
- Looks: The sharply creased exterior is well balanced and upscale looking, with that cheese-grater chrome grille and huge jewelled headlights demanding attention. The neon-look tail lights give a subtle interpretation of fins from the 1950s.
- Interior: Relatively conventional with an air of luxury, accented by aluminum and polished wood on the steering wheel and console. The pillars impede visibility.
- Performance: Even with 308 horsepower, acceleration from a stop seems sluggish, and the six-speed transmission isn’t reactive enough. Cadillac will be introducing an eight-speed gearbox.
- Technology: The CUE centre stack design means you need to take your eyes off the road more than with a conventional setup. Amenities include the heated steering wheel and seat vibration to warn the driver of parking proximity.
- Cargo: A power tailgate that can be adjusted to lift to different heights will help those of smaller stature, but cargo room is just middling. in this category. But it does have ample Cabin storage is ample and there’s a trick hidden door in the centre stack.
THE VERDICT
7.0
The SRX stands out in this segment for looks, but others may have better performance, fuel economy, cargo room or even more luxury.
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