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2004 Cadillac SRX Road Test

As Good as an X5?

Do you like it? I do, at least when it comes to styling. I really think Cadillac is onto something with its edgy, angled art of science approach, with the SRX falling right into the brands new lineup both from a design and contextual perspective.

Its aggressive, but not quite as much as the CTS sedan or XLR roadster, more of a tall station wagon a la Volvo XC70 than a testosterone induced SUV. The rear lights are massive, reminding me of a bygone era when tall, vertical tail lamps were all the rage in Cadillac design. The center mounted brake light just might be the largest in recorded history, almost spanning the entire width of the vehicle. Just below, the SRXs rear side windows wrap around to seamlessly form into a large back window. Its nicely shaped too with a chevron dip at its middle, mirroring the attractive grille at the vehicles opposing end.

The headlamp clusters are vertical, similar

I really think Cadillac is onto something with its edgy, angled art of science approach. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

to Cadillacs other recent offerings, with a blunt front fascia integrating large square fog lamps. The fenders are sharply creased to match the rest of the vehicles rigid angles, a nice alternative to the ovoid sameness all too common in the luxury car set. Will everyone like it? Most definitely not! But premium marks hardly do well when trying to be everything to everybody, or merely imitating class leading style such as Lincoln did with its LS carbon copy of the BMW 5-Series. Cadillac should be commended for its bold design move.

Speaking of commendable moves, a near 50:50 weight

Will everyone like the SRX? Most definitely not! But premium marks hardly do well when trying to be everything to everybody, and Cadillac should be commended for its bold design move. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

distribution and low center of gravity helps this SUV handle like a sports sedan. I particularly like the CTS from a driving dynamics standpoint, which is also based on GMs Sigma rear-wheel drive architecture, so I expected the XRS to perform well. The SUVs independent short/long arm (SLA) front and fully independent multi-link rear all-aluminum suspension is outstanding on dry or wet road surfaces, the latter assisted by traction control and four-channel StabiliTrak active suspension control. GMs Magnetic Ride Control, an electronically controlled magnetic-fluid based real-time

The brakes even hold up well under repeated panic stops, a test the majority of SUVs fail at miserably. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

damping suspension control system (the worlds fastest-reacting by the way) is immediately felt when the road gets bumpy or starts to twist and turn, reducing harshness while improving overall stability, control and feel.

As far as feel goes, the speed-sensitive variable effort steering gives generous feedback for this class of vehicle, responding wonderfully to input and tracking well at high speed. Braking feel is good too, as is the reaction to a solid stomp on the pedal. Its 4-wheel discs aided by 4-channel ABS with Panic Brake Assist bring highway speeds to a standstill in short order. The brakes even hold up well under repeated panic stops, a test the majority of SUVs fail at miserably.

"SRX is a true drivers utility, an innovative entry in a crowded segment." (Photo: General Motors)

Partial credit for my test vehicles braking and handling prowess has to go to its 235/60R18 front and 255/55R18 rear Michelin all-season performance tires. They werent particularly grippy in deep snow, but are a better compromise for varied conditions than a dedicated snow tire would be. Base models get Goodyear all-season 235/65R17s in the front and 255/60R17s in the rear, not quite as large in diameter but offering the same expansive contact patch.

To be taken seriously in the SUV or crossover category all- or 4-wheel drive is a must. To this end Cadillac offers AWD as an option, feeling that a great many of its potential customers would rather go without the added expense of driving all four wheels, initially at the time of purchase and thereafter in the

The new Cadillac can be ordered without the 3rd row, an optional rear cargo management system taking its place. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

form of increased fuel consumption and out of warranty maintenance. Therefore the base SRX comes with rear-wheel drive, better for spirited driving as well as towing and toting a payload than front-wheel drive. With that in mind the SRX will be capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds with a package available mid-year.

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