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Luxury crossover utility vehicles are fast replacing truck-based SUVs for all but the most serious of hauling, and the field is rife with contenders. The Lincoln MKT, Lexus RX350, Audi Q5, Acura MDX, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-class and the Infiniti FX45 are among the heavy hitters.

The 2010 Cadillac SRX points a bold new face at its competition and competes without the slightest apology. The SRX is one of Cadillac’s best products to date, and I was impressed every time I slid behind the wheel.

Compared to the original SRX, the 2010 is superior in almost every way. The 2009 lacked the personality and panache of the 2010. It was not nearly as quiet or refined, and its styling looked a bit long in the tooth.

Many competing crossovers have larger engines, but the SRX’s 3.0-liter engine never felt as if it lacked for power. The direct-injection V-6 was butter smooth, and its 265 horsepower delivered plenty of zip. The engine has been isolated from the body so that vibration is minimal.

Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

Fuel economy is rated at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, numbers that are as good as or better than others in the segment.

For those who want more zip, a turbocharged, 2.8-liter engine, with 300 horsepower, is optional.

SRX base prices begin at $33,330 and top out at $51,360 for an all-wheel drive, turbocharged Premium model.

By comparison, the 2009 SRX started at $40,460 for the V-6 and $47,460 for the V-8.

The test vehicle was a front-wheel-drive Premium model with a base price of $43,895.

Cadillac says that the all-new chassis was developed to balance driving dynamics with a comfortable ride. The suspension’s real-time dampening reacts instantaneously to driving conditions so the SRX soaks up bumps without sacrificing responsive handling.

The wheelbase of the SRX is 2 inches shorter than that of two of GM’s newest crossovers, the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain, and that results in a slightly smaller interior.

The interior is stylistically similar to that of the CTS sedan. The cabin feels nicely tailored because the dash is covered with hand-cut and hand-sewn material that looks rich and elegant. A navigation screen rises from the center of the instrument panel when the vehicle is started. The instrument pod looks great because the three gauges have light backgrounds and dark numerals. The center of the speedometer contains a bright-blue display that can show a variety of items, from navigation instructions to digital speed readout, and it is very handy.

Clever touches abound. Two small crystal-like pieces near the top of the speedometer glow when the turn signals are activated.

The SRX has Bluetooth connectivity and input for an MP3 player. The rear-seat entertainment center has separate screens in the back of each front seat.

The cargo space has a handy track for lashing down cargo, and a good-sized concealed storage space under the floor. The sloping roof impinges a bit on the cargo capacity.

Safety items include front, side and side-curtain airbags, along with anti-lock brakes, traction control and a vehicle stability system with trailer stability assist and rollover mitigation sensors.

Price

The base price of the test car was $43,895. Options included a rear-seat entertainment system and Platinum Ice paint. The sticker price was $47,010.

Warranty

Four years or 50,000 miles with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2010 Cadillac SRX

Engine: 3.0-liter, 265-hp V-6

Transmission: Automatic

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 110.5 inches

Curb weight: 4,224 lbs.

Base price: $43,895

As driven: $47,010

MPG rating: 18 city, 25 hwy.

To contact Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.