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Christopher Jackson | 9/6/2007 | Cadillac
Ah, the holidays. What better time to have a vehicle as versatile and capable as the Cadillac SRX in the driveway? We don't necessarily like the fuel consumption associated with V8-powered SUVs, but there aren't many times of year that reaffirm the usefulness of these popular behemoths.
We used the SRX to haul 69.5 cubic feet of presents, relatives, folding tables and chairs for twelve and a turkey fryer through driving sleet to ensure that Christmas dinner went off without a hitch. After that, it wasn't so hard to forgive the SRX' thirst.
Is the SRX a sport-ute, or a crossover? Cadillac calls it a "medium luxury utility" vehicle. Whatever you want to call it, the recipe is relatively simple; it's basically an all-wheel drive STS station wagon on stilts. Okay, maybe that's not so simple. But after sampling its many talents, we do know one thing for sure; however you decide to classify it, the SRX works.
While it shares the STS' rear-wheel drive chassis, the SRX is more than just an extra-cargo version of that sedan. The design suggests otherwise, with Cadillac's signature pressed-tuxedo lines and wall-to-wall eggcrate grille. Stacked headlamps and tall taillights give the SRX a straight-backed, rigid bearing. One of the important distinctions between SRX and STS is a longer wheelbase, which adds cargo space, legroom and contributes to a gentler freeway ride.
The cabin is comfortable and luxurious, in a butterscotch pudding kind of way. It's basic wood and leather Cadillac stuff, with the angular exterior design echoed on the dash. Burled walnut wood trim decorates the console, door panels and steering wheel. The SRX will seat up to seven passengers with the available third-row seat. The stretched wheelbase offers plenty of room in the back. All of the seats fold flat to open up an 69.5 cubic foot cargo hold. Power amenities abound, from the heated seats to the standard automatic tailgate. The available "Ultra View" sunroof opens the SRX' entire roof to the sky. Our tester had a pounding Bose sound system, too.
The SRX is available with a choice of V6 or V8 power. The 260-horsepower 3.6 liter V6 gets better fuel economy, of course, but the thirstier, more powerful 4.6 liter V8 is the engine of choice. 320 horses of Northstar V8 power give the SRX authority at the stoplights. This 4500-pound vehicle has no problem getting up to speed, and does so with a proud roar. Five-speed automatic transmissions are used with both powerplants, as is variable valve timing. Rear-wheel drive is the standard configuration, but the SRX can be had with pavement-taming all-wheel drive as well. An optional towing package offers 4250 pounds of towing capacity, but the SRX is more station wagon than pack-horse.
All-wheel drive or not, the SRX is a foul-weather friend, not an off-roader. The four-wheel independent suspension is carlike, with short-long arms up front and a multilink rear. All-aluminum components reduce unsprung weight. Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control is also part of the package; its variable damping uses magnetically-charged fluid to adjust the spring rates to fit road conditions, and makes the SRX a pleasant place to be on unpleasant road surfaces. The weight distribution is surprisingly good for an SUV, so the SRX feels more balanced and together than its size suggests. Anti-lock brakes are standard equipment, too.
2006 Cadillac SRX pricing starts at $36,270 for the V6, and V8 power will set you back $44,275. Our tester was just a shade under $50,000. That's nicely in line with what a comparably-equipped Lexus GX470 or Infiniti FX goes for, but the 2006 Cadillac SRX offers a better ride than the Lexus and more space.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 Cadillac SRX.
Length: 195.0 in.
Width: 72.6 in.
Height: 67.8 in.
Wheelbase: 116.0 in.
Curb weight: 4527 lb.
Cargo space: 69.5 cu.ft. (all seats folded)
Towing capacity: 4250 lb.
Base price: $47,275
Price as tested: $49,895
Engine: 4.6 liter DOHC V8
Drivetrain: five-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive
Horsepower: 320 @ 6400
Torque: 315 @ 4400
Fuel capacity: 20.0 gal.
Est. mileage: 15/21
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