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Premium midsize SUV; Built in Mexico
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $13,400 – $42,800*


2010 Cadillac SRX front


2010 Cadillac SRX rear


2010 Cadillac SRX profile

Pros:
  • Cargo versatility
  • Quietness
  • Front seat room/comfort
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Rear-seat room
  • Visibility

With an aggressive look and rather firm suspension, the downsized SRX aims at the sportier side of the “sport-utility” equation. With the 3.0-liter engine, at least, SRX doesn’t quite fulfill its performance promise. We give Cadillac kudos for including the electronic sport suspension on all models equipped with the available 20-inch wheels, as it does a good job of smoothing out this SUV’s ride. A host of clever cargo-storage solutions, and a roomy, nicely appointed cabin, are among its greatest assets. A base SRX might undercut the Lexus RX on price, but loaded versions can cost significantly more, new or used.

Overview

A redesign for the 2010 model year gave Cadillac’s midsize SRX sport-utility vehicle freshened styling, smaller dimensions, and new engines. About 5 inches shorter in both wheelbase and overall length than its 2004-09 predecessor, the SRX seated five (it previously offered a third-row seat for up to seven-passenger capacity). The Base model had front-wheel drive, and a Luxury version was fitted with all-wheel drive. Each used a 265-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 that was capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Topping the line was the AWD Turbo Performance model, with a 300-horsepower 2.8-liter turbocharged V6. Both engines teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity was 3,500 pounds. Standard safety features included antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. A navigation system with a hard drive for storing digital music files, a rearview camera, and steering-linked headlights were standard on the Turbo Performance and available for Base and Luxury models. Tri-zone automatic climate control, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and keyless access/engine start were optional on all models. SRX competitors included the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

Yearly Updates

2011 SRX
The SRX lineup gained more trim levels following its 2010 redesign. Previously offered only as the Base, Luxury, and Turbo Performance, the 2011 SRX came as the 3.0, 3.0 Luxury, 3.0 Performance, 3.0 Premium, Turbo Performance, and Turbo Premium.
2012 SRX
A 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 became the standard and only engine for the 2012 Cadillac SRX, replacing both the 3.0-liter V6 and turbocharged 2.8-liter V6.
2013 SRX
After receiving a new engine for the 2012 model year, General Motors updated SRX in a number of other ways for 2013. The exterior styling saw a few tweaks, but the bigger news was inside, were this crossover got an almost completely new interior, highlighted by a revised dashboard and control stack.
2014 SRX
One of the few changes to the 2014 SRX was the availability of self-dimming headlights.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

Three engines have been available under SRX hoods. Early 2WD base models and the AWD Luxury edition had a 3.0-liter V6 developing 265 horsepower. In the AWD Turbo Performance model, a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 generated 300 horsepower. In 2012, both these engines were replaced by a 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. All engines mate with a six-speed automatic transmission.

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/182
Engine HP 265
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 223
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 17/23

 16.5
Turbocharged dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.8/170
Engine HP 300
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 295
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 15/22

 17.5
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.6/217
Engine HP 308
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 265
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 17/24

 21.8

Road Test

Front-drive 3.0 models deliver fine acceleration, but AWD versions feel a bit slower, particularly from a stop. With the turbocharged engine, full-throttle starts are a bit lazy for the first 30 feet or so, but power builds quickly thereafter. Its power delivery is more linear compared to other turbo motors. The 3.6-liter V6 that replaced both of those engines for 2012 provides impressive acceleration and ample passing power. On all models, the transmission sometimes hesitates before downshifting for more power under full throttle.

In Consumer Guide testing, front-drive models averaged 15.0 to 17.9 mpg–disappointing figures given SRX’s relatively modest exterior dimensions and engine size. Similarly disappointing, a test AWD Turbo Performance model averaged just 17.1 to 17.8 mpg in a fairly even mix of city/highway driving, and it requires premium-grade fuel. The 3.0-liter V6 uses regular-grade gas, and it can also run on E85 ethanol. Ditto for the 3.6-liter V6 that arrived for 2012, which returned 21.8 mpg in our tests.

SRX rides more firmly than top premium-class competitors such as the Lexus RX. Even minor pavement imperfections are noticed, and larger bumps can produce a jolt. The optional 20-inch tires make the ride appreciably stiffer on the Base model. Performance and Premium models have an electronic suspension that helps smooth out bumps fairly well, despite having standard 20-inch wheels. On the positive side, the SRX feels planted and well controlled over pavement dips and swells.

What the firm suspension takes away in ride quality, it gives back in handling. Body lean is moderate in fast turns, and the SRX feels quite responsive to quick steering inputs. The Turbo Performance model’s electronic suspension does little to aid handling. Brake action is smooth and linear.

Cadillac’s 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter V6s makes a hushed, turbine-like whine under full throttle. The 2.8-liter turbocharged engine has a more throaty sound that’s not at all annoying. Wind and road noise are well controlled, but bumps produce a noticeable thud. If installed, 20-inch tires are only slightly louder than the standard 18s.

Gauges are brightly lit and easily seen. Most audio controls are mounted at mid-dash and easily reached. The optional navigation system absorbs radio preset buttons into the pop-up touchscreen, which complicates their use somewhat and puts them out of easy reach for some drivers. Climate controls are mounted low but are easy to reach, though adjustments are made with buttons rather than more convenient rotary knobs. Every SRX features a tasteful blend of wood and metal-look trim. Padding on the dash and doors is a bit thin, but all surfaces, even those made from hard plastic, look classy.

Taller occupants get plenty of front headroom and legroom, on firm but comfortable seats. Step-in is a bit high–perhaps enough to impede entry and exit. Thick roof pillars obscure visibility to most angles, and the small rear window restricts the view straight aft. Heated and ventilated front seats are a welcome feature, and shorter folks might appreciate the available power-adjustable pedals. While a tilt/telescopic steering wheel has been standard, it isn’t power-operated.

Backseat space is adequate for adults unless the front seats are set far down and back. In that case, legroom and foot space are severely restricted. Entry and exit are eased somewhat by large door openings.

SRX shines for convenience and ingenuity if not for outright cargo space. The opening height of the available power liftgate can be adjusted so shorter folks can reach the lip and taller folks won’t hit their heads. Even better is a cargo containment system with an adjustable-width gate that runs on a U-shaped floor-mounted track. It allows the gate to partition off small or large objects so they won’t roll around. That gate can be removed and stored under the lid of the large, under-floor bin. Split rear seatbacks can fold forward. Impressive cabin storage includes upper and lower gloveboxes, a two-tier console box, unusual two-tier map pockets in the doors, a couple of small dash bins, and two open console cupholders.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2011 Cadillac SRX 3.0 AWD Premium

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 7
70%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 64

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
110.5 190.3 75.2 65.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
61.2 21.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.7 38.4 41.2 36.3
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 SRX 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Steering problems
Description: At extremely low temperatures, the power steering can leak or make noises.(2012)
Vehicle noise
Description: A buzzing sound (dial tone like) may be heard on the receiving end of a call when using a Bluetooth (except with 3G and 4G phones) unless the hands-free microphone has been replaced. (2009-11)
Vehicle noise
Description: Clicking sound may come from front or rear axle when shifting between reverse and drive (or under hard acceleration) unless a shim is installed on the end of the axle shaft. (2010-11)
Headlights
Description: One or both low beam headlights (except HID lights) may quit working requiring replacement of the bulb connectors. (2010-11)
Electrical problem
Description: Brake lights may remain on after the vehicle is parked resulting in a dead battery. (2013-14)
None
Description: Faulty main or rod bearings may cause the engine to seize. (2010-14)
Check-engine light
Description: Engine may run at reduced power and the check engine light may come on, especially when driving in rain or after a carwash, unless the instrument panel wiring harness connector has been sealed. (2005-11)
Liftgate
Description: The power lift gate may not work from the key fob, switch or touch pad because the module loses communication with the system and must be reprogrammed. (2010)

Recall History

2010 SRX equipped with a 2.8l V6 engine
Description: If low-octane (regular) fuel is used instead of premium, the combination of regular fuel usage and aggressive driving maneuvers may induce pre-ignition, noted by pinging or knock sound from the engine. If vehicle continues to be driven, a connecting rod or piston could break, resulting in engine damage or failure.
2010
Description: Processing of the crimp during manufacture of power-steering pressure line may have damaged the line, allowing leakage of power-steering fluid and possible increase of steering effort.
2010-12 SRX
Description: A bolt securing the front-seat power-height adjuster can fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to its lowest position.
2010-14 SRX
Description: Some of these vehicles have a condition in which a wax coating on the rear suspension toe link jam nuts may allow the nut(s) to loosen. If a nut sufficiently loosens, the toe link could separate and the rear wheel would be able to turn inboard or outboard. Owners may hear a metallic clanking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle that may warn of a loosening nut. The driver may experience sudden changes with vehicle handling and may not be able to control the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will clean all wax residue free of charge from the rear suspension toe link and install two new jam nuts and if necessary the rear suspension toe link may be replaced.
2010-2011 SRX
Description: Improperly installed transmission shift cable could come loose, causing loss of shifting ability or allowing the vehicle to roll away when it says it is in park.
2011
Description: Software in electronic climate-control module may disable the ability to adjust the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
2011
Description: Driver and/or front-passenger seatbelt buckle anchor may fracture and separate in a vehicle crash, and may not properly restrain the occupant(s).
2011 SRX
Description: The software in the electronic climate control (ECC) module may disable the ability to adjust the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system settings. If this happens, the driver will not be able to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle. If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver’s visibility, and could possibly result in a crash.
2011 SRX passenger vehicles
Description: The airbags are programmed to turn off the right side roof-rail airbag if the passenger sensing system determines that the right front passenger seat is unoccupied. The right rear occupant may not be protected and suffer injuries in certain frontal and side crashes. GM dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge.
2012 SRX
Description: A loose nut in the power brake booster could lead to loss of braking.
2013 SRX with 3.6 engine
Description: A faulty transmission control module could cause a 3 to 4 second lag in acceleration.
2013 SRX with 18-inch wheels
Description: Wheel lug nuts may loosen allowing a wheel to separate from the vehicle.
2013 SRX
Description: A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode and eliminate engine braking.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 20, 2016.
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