2011 Cadillac SRX Review

Review

The 2011 Cadillac SRX will see few changes for the new model year, after seeing a complete redesign for 2010. This vehicle, and the 2010 model, seats only five people, while the 2009 model was able to fit a third row in. It will be available in either front or all-wheel drive, and will most likely be offered in four different trim levels. While the 2011 year is expected to be a carryover, there could be a few changes to trim levels. This car review will detail what the new vehicle has in terms of performance and features, among others:

2011 Cadillac SRX Specifications

In the ultra-crowded luxury crossover SUV category, the 2011 Cadillac SRX falls squarely in the middle. On the one hand, its starting MSRP is right around $34K, which isn’t outrageous. On the other, its base 3.0-liter V6 engine leaves a lot to be desired. By upgrading to the optional turbocharged V6, drivers have to fork over a lot more cash. However, the SRX is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, which is sure to be appreciated by many drivers. Special tuning and other features help improve the drive quality of the Cadillac SRX, but it may not be enough to stand apart from the competition.

Here are the specifications we know at this point about the 2011 Cadillac SRX:

• Pricing: car pricing is likely to go up a little bit from the 2010 model year price, which is currently $33,830
• Fuel economy: should maintain a fuel economy of 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the base model in front-wheel drive
• Engines: 3.0-liter, 265 horsepower V6; turbocharged 2.80-liter, 295 hp V6
• Acceleration: base model’s 0 to 60 mph time is about 8.2 seconds
• Car safety features: antilock brakes, OnStar, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags
• Suspension: regular suspension tuning with struts in the front and multilink suspension in the back
• Warranty: four-year/50,000 mile basic warranty; five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty; six-year/100,000 miles corrosion coverage; five-years/100,000 miles roadside assistance

Exterior Features

The exterior of the 2011 Cadillac SRX is not likely to change much from the previous year. Its styling is aggressive; some like it, some do not. Base features should include dual power remote, heated side mirrors, roof rails, a rear step bumper, daytime running lights, and halogen headlights. Higher level trims and options should feature rain sensing windshield wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, xenon headlights with washers, parking sensors, and fog lamps.

Interior Features

The interior of the 2011 Cadillac SRX is likely to retain many of the features from the previous model. For most drivers, the interior of the 2011 Cadillac SRX is bound to be its chief selling point. It is bursting at its seams with high-quality materials and exceptional build quality. Optional features, like the UltraView sunroof, definitely up the ante. The buttons along the center stack can be a tad confusing, but most people will grow accustomed to them. A height-adjustable power tailgate is a very useful feature. The backseat is as sumptuously comfortable as the front ones, except that taller passengers may not have quite enough headroom. Maximum cargo capacity is 61 cubic feet, which is middle-of-the-road for this class. The vehicle seats five; the seats are comfortable and there is plenty of head and leg room in the back. The cargo space is not likely to be as large as some of the other vehicles, but there is a cargo management system that is useful to many. The base model has standard features like a powered driver’s seat, two zones of automatic temperature control, a Bose audio system, and a CD player with an audio jack and satellite radio. Higher trims and options are likely to include driver seat memory, heated leather seats, Bluetooth compatibility, a backup camera, an upgraded stereo, and a navigation system.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Cadillac SRX boasts a much-ballyhooed rear eLSD that provides enhanced traction control by not only suppling torque from the front axles to the rear ones, but by distributing along the rear axle as well. To be sure, this is sure to be appreciated, especially by drivers in areas that regularly experience inclement weather. The base 3.0-liter V6 direct-injection engine gets 260 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque; the turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 gets 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission is the only one available.

Performance

Assuming that the engine choices do not change for 2011, the base V6 engine can be a little sluggish for the vehicle’s hefty size. Both the standard and the turbocharged engine come with a six-speed automatic transmission, but the turbocharged engine is more responsive. The vehicle has great handling, and is quiet while on the road.

On the Road

The 2011 Cadillac SRX has a very high curb weight. Considering that, it is surprising that its base engine is so weak. In models that are equipped with the base V6, the driving experience is so-so at best. For its price, drivers are bound to expect a whole lot more. Fortunately, the SRX offers a quiet, serene ride. Steering is remarkably responsive, too, which helps mitigate the mediocre engine. The SRX handles quite nicely, too, which also enhances the experience. All told, though, a crossover with this price tag should offer a more superior driving experience.

Pros

With a plethora of standard and optional features, the 2011 Cadillac SRX is loaded with plenty of bells and whistles. The exquisite quality of this crossover’s interior materials is sure to win over many eagle-eyed drivers. Enhanced traction control and available all-wheel drive are pluses for anyone who has to contend with slippery, icy roads on a regular basis. At 61 cubic feet, cargo capacity isn’t excessive; however, it should more than suffice for the vast majority of drivers, including families. When upgraded to the turbocharged engine, the 2011 SRX is sure to live up to most people’s expectations.

Cons

When parting with a minimum of $34,000, most drivers are going to expect a crossover SUV that packs a whole lot of wallop. Imagine their consternation, then, when they discover that the 2011 Cadillac SRX comes with a lackluster base V6 engine. The sluggish performance of that engine is sure to be a turn-off for many people who are shopping within this segment. Poor visibility doesn’t help matters, and is sure to be a particular issue for less-than-confident drivers. Despite special tweaks, like the rear eLSD traction control feature, the 2011 Cadillac SRX doesn’t always live up to its hype.

How the 2011 Cadillac SRX Compares to Other Luxury Crossover SUVs

The 2011 Cadillac SRX is likely to be a good vehicle, with great fuel economy, great reliability, comfortable seats, and a decent price. However, the base engine and cargo space could be drawbacks. It’s always a good idea to look at a few vehicles before making a final decision. You may want to take a look at these vehicles:

• Lexus RX 350
• Acura RDX
• Volvo XC60
• Audi Q5

The 2011 Cadillac SRX may be just what you’re looking for. You will be able to find out in the middle of 2010, when it is expected to appear on the showroom floor.