2015 Cadillac SRX

Relatively short front and rear overhangs, vertically stacked headlights, and a trapezoidal chrome grille give the right level of detailing to match. Especially of note is the powerful character line that runs from the trailing edge of the front wheel well through to the taillight lens, while the tail lamps themselves extend—to aerodynamic advantage—like vestigal tailfins. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof also extends the sleek lines and further improves aerodynamics; although we see the exposed rear wiper, which could have been tucked underneath, to be a design miss on a luxury vehicle. This year, the eighteen-inch wheels have been redesigned, and 20-inchers are offered; illuminated sill plates and piped lighting are among the touches of class.

Even if it doesn't carry the swept-back, long-hooded proportions of Cadillac's sedans—or quite enough of the panache and presence of the brawny Escalade, in our opinion. It fits in just enough with other luxury crossovers on the outside.

Compared to the top seller in the class, the Lexus RX 350, the SRX looks less cookie-cutter, with strongly sculpted, dramatic sides to complement the sharp front and rear appearance. Although the proportions aren't beautiful, there's absolutely no boring angle.

Where does the fizz go? Part of the problem is that the SRX is geared quite tall, but the other issue is sheer weight; the 3.6-liter V-6 makes its peak torque at 2,400 rpm, so it's a relaxed combination, but even with the responsive six-speed automatic transmission the SRX just isn't that quick on its feet when a quick burst of power is needed. That said, in all-out acceleration, the SRX will make it to 60 mph in a respectable seven seconds—in the same ballpark as the Acura MDX, Lincoln MKX, or even Lexus RX 350. 

You can get this vehicle with front- or all-wheel drive, and the all-wheel-drive models use a Haldex system with electronic limited-slip differential; the latter is a great choice for snowy climates and bad weather.

Larger wheels usually tend to make the ride worse, and they don't always improve handling; but the 20-inch wheels are fine here. We recommend the optional FE3 suspension, with an active suspension and Continuous Damping Control, which reads the road and other inputs, adjusting every two milliseconds.

What sets the SRX apart from mainstream crossover models, other than its feature set, is in the details. Its design holds up well, with materials, fits, and finishes that feel as good or better than other vehicles in the class, and a level of detailing that closely parallels what you see in the new XTS flagship. There's a sense of solidity throughout.

With either of the suspension setups, ride quality isn't pillowy soft, but it's tight enough for crisp handling without being too jarring. Your passengers will be happy, and this is actually a decent vehicle for realtors or others who want to impress clients but not be too over-the-top.

A new active noise cancellation system introduced last year uses a microphone to detect ambient noise and counteracts harshness; with it or not, the SRX cabin is a very quiet, comfortable place for the commute or a long road trip. There's also remarkably little noise from under the hood.

The interior has just two rows of seating, but it's really for the better; there's ample space for five, with well-contoured seats front and back—plus extendable thigh bolsters in front and what most adults will find to be a great seating height. As such, the interior is roomy, nicely detailed, lavishly appointed, and one of the nicest in this size and price range.

Especially from one of the front seats, there's a lot to like. The driving position is upright, and front seats are nicely contoured and well bolstered—even with extendable thigh bolsters for taller drivers. Back-seat passengers will like the long moonroof, which gives the interior an airy feel. Head and leg room back there is a little tight, but good contouring and long cushions saves it.

The SRX's forward collision prevention systems were also among the top-rated ones on the market, as tested by the IIHS; it was one of just seven models to earn the new 'superior' rating in the IIHS front crash prevention ratings.

It's earned top five-star ratings from the federal government as well as Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS. And last year Cadillac added an array of radar-, camera-, and sensor-based safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, cross traffic alert, a safety alert seat, and automatic front and rear braking assist. Last year Cadillac added its Intellibeam headlamps as part of the Driver Awareness Package.

We do caution that there's one issue: Take a look over your shoulder and note outward visibility. There are front and rear parking sensors, and a rear camera system, but depending on your height lane changes might not be so confident.

Luxury Collection, Performance Collection and Premium Collection models add many more features, including three-zone climate control; adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in sync with vehicle steering; a power liftgate with adjustable height setting; and a dual-screen video system for rear entertainment.

Top Premium Collection models include navigation, Bose surround audio, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel, a Sapele wood-trimmed interior, remote start, tri-zone climate control, rear-seat audio controls, adjustable pedals, fog lamps, and rain-sensing wipers.

With the new CUE infotainment system included across the model line, you get enhanced steering-wheel and instrument-panel controls, plus an eight-inch capacitive screen interface with proximity sensing. The touch-based controls feature both haptic feedback and proximity sensing technology to ensure consumers know when a command has been registered. And the touch-screen is motorized and can flip up to reveal a hidden storage cubby. CUE can pair up to ten Bluetooth devices, and incorporates all the latest technology including standard HD radio, Bluetooth audio streaming.

And considering that a number of larger crossovers—like GM's own full-size SUVs such as the Buick Enclave, or even the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid—get around the same, with much more passenger space, or towing ability, it's impossible to call the SRX fuel-efficient.