Introduction:
Once dismissed as "soft trucks" that couldn't put in an honest day's work, crossover SUVs have proven to be an easy sell in the early years of the 21st century. These trendy vehicles that look something like traditional SUVs but don't drive like them speak to those fed up with the clumsy handling of truck-based SUVs and the parent-for-life image of minivans. Now that Porsche has the Cayenne, everyone who's anyone among premium automakers has a crossover at the ready. Although more sedate in appearance than Cadillac's first SUV, the Escalade, the SRX is one SUV that will never get lost in a parking lot. Like it or not, there's no escaping the company's current approach to exterior design, as the SRX bears a strong family resemblance to its CTS platform mate. Inside, the SRX makes up for its so-so design and materials quality with a great deal more practicality than you typically get in a luxury SUV. Rear legroom measures 41 inches in the SRX -- more than any other midsize luxury SUV -- while the Cadillac's 56.3 inches of rear hiproom tie it with the MDX for the most in that category. A two-person third-row bench is optional on every SRX -- something you can't get at all on the BMW X5, Infiniti FX35/45 or the Lexus RX 330. Nevertheless, if you compare the dimensions of its rearmost seat with those of family-oriented SUVs like the MDX, Volvo XC90 or Lincoln Aviator, you'll find less room to go around. Similarly, the SRX falls midpack in terms of cargo capacity. Still, the Cadillac does have a few advantages, including the fact that its third-row seat powers down into the floor. Additionally, buyers can opt for the UltraView sunroof, which lets in five square feet of open air over the first two rows. In addition, the driving experience alone makes the SRX a desirable choice among midsize luxury SUVs. Cadillac gives buyers the choice of a 260-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 or a 320-hp, 4.6-liter Northstar V8. With the optional Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension, handling is outstanding, as the body feels tight and responsive around turns, giving the 4,400-pound SRX a tossable feel on par with the X5 and FX35/45. At the same time, the highway ride is smooth and comfortable just the way most crossover SUV buyers want. The SRX is the most refined sport-utility vehicle a domestic manufacturer has ever turned out. Its drivetrain and handling dynamics are sublime, its interior comfort and space lead the class for the most part, and its exterior design lends it a distinctiveness few modern vehicles can offer. If the interior were better sorted it would be hard to fault the SRX, but even as it stands, the vehicle is still one of the most compelling choices in the midsize luxury SUV segment.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:

Cadillac gives buyers two SRX models to choose from -- V6 and V8. Every V6 model includes leather seating, StabiliTrak stability control, side airbags for front occupants, head curtain airbags for the first two rows and OnStar telematics. The V8 models add such features as wood trim pieces, seat heaters, power-adjustable pedals, a power front-passenger seat and a six-disc CD changer; this stuff is optional on the V6. Options for both models include all-wheel drive, Magnetic Ride Control, a third-row seat, the extra-large UltraView sunroof, a DVD rear entertainment system (with the screen mounted on the center console), a DVD-based navigation system and XM Satellite Radio.

Powertrains and Performance:

There are two available engines: a 3.6-liter V6 good for 260 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque, and a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 that generates 320 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. Both engines feature variable valve timing and electronic throttle control. A five-speed automatic with regular and sport shift programs, as well as a separate automanual gate, comes standard with either engine. Buyers must decide whether they want rear-wheel drive (to maximize performance and economy) or all-wheel drive (for driving in the snow). One option to consider is Magnetic Ride Control, an adaptive damping system also available on the XLR and Corvette. Thusly equipped, the SRX offers decidedly sporty handling characteristics.

Safety:

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes (with a panic assist feature) and stability control are standard. Airbags include seat-mounted side bags for front occupants and head curtain airbags spanning the first and second rows. In tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the SRX earned four out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. Side-impact tests resulted in a perfect five-star rating for front and rear passengers.

Interior Design and Special Features:

Inside, the SRX provides comfortable accommodations for its passengers, but both the design and the materials leave something to be desired; the available wood trim helps create a more luxurious ambience. There is plenty of room to go around in the second row, though occupants of the third-row seat may feel more cramped than in some competitors. The optional UltraView sunroof allows both front and rear passengers to experience open-air driving. The rearmost bench folds flat into the floor, yielding 32.4 cubic feet of capacity behind the second-row seats. Fold the second-row seats and you've got 70 cubes.

Driving Impressions:

Handling is nothing short of exceptional, as the body feels tight and responsive, giving the 4,400-pound vehicle a tossable feel on par with only the X5 and FX35/45. We have also been impressed by the well-weighted steering and progressive brakes. Fortunately, this doesn't come at the expense of ride quality, which is smooth and comfortable. If you love to drive but need more space than either the BMW X5 or Infiniti FX35/45 can provide, this is probably the best alternative.