The SRX is a midsize five-seat crossover built on a front-wheel-drive platform. All-wheel drive is optional. Competitors include the Acura MDX, Lexus RX and Lincoln MKX.
New for 2012 A new 308-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 with direct injection becomes the standard engine, replacing a 3.0-liter V-6. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, and door-lock switches have been added to the door panels.
Exterior The SRX bears a resemblance to the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. The roofline slopes downward as the belt line rises, resulting in side windows that narrow to a squint by the time they end at the rearmost pillars. Cadillac has long used vertical taillights as homage to the tail-finned designs of the 1950s, but the SRX’s taillight lenses rise in a peak to form little three-dimensional tailfins. Exterior features include:
Standard 18-inch wheels
Available 20-inch wheels
Standard heated power side mirrors
Available power liftgate
Interior The SRX’s interior quality is as big a jump from the previous generation as was the current CTS’ interior. The five-passenger SRX’s design now emulates that sedan, complete with an optional navigation touch-screen that rises from the dashboard. The materials are much improved, and the gauge lighting is top-notch.
The backseat accommodates three passengers and has a 60/40-split folding backseat that extends the cargo area forward when down. Interior features include:
Standard Bluetooth connectivity
Standard dual-zone automatic air conditioning
Optional heated steering wheel
Optional hard drive-based music storage
Optional backseat entertainment system
Under the Hood A new 3.6-liter V-6 with direct injection is standard for 2012. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission that includes a driver-selectable Eco mode that changes shift points for better fuel economy. Mechanical features include:
Standard 308-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with 265 pounds-feet of torque
Standard six-speed automatic transmission
Standard front-wheel drive; optional all-wheel drive
V-6 uses regular gas
Safety The SRX has side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags. Other safety features include:
All-disc antilock brakes
Electronic stability system
OnStar with automatic crash notification (subscription required after one year)
Available adaptive headlights that swivel in direction of turn
