2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo Premium Review

Cadillac introduced the first generation Cadillac SRX way back in 2004, with a major interior update in 2007.



The Cadillac SRX features every major amenity that you would expect from a modern luxury vehicle while focusing on the needs of a modern SUV buyer. The shape of the 2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo maintains the classy form of the current Cadillac lineup while offering plenty of room inside – all without looking “clunky” like some other sport uses on the market. While some people might not care for the bold styling of the modern Cadillac, this is one sport utility vehicle that offers as much sport on the outside as it does utility inside.



BIG POWER FROM 300-HP TURBOCHARGED V6

The base engine is a 3.0-liter V6 that generates 265-hp and 223 ft-lbs of torque, and the upgraded power plant, which is only available in the all-wheel drive model, is a 2.8-liter turbo V6 that puts out 300-hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque at a very low and usable 2000 rpm, and remains flat until about 5000 rpm.



The interior is the new Cadillac SRX is beautiful, luxurious, and inviting. There’s an LCD info screen in the center of the Speedo for all the electronic trip computer, fuel mileage, cruise control settings, etc. Each gauge has a surround of bright work, which is carried over to the steering wheel insert, HVAC outlets and center stack.



The interior is covered in soft touch leather on the door armrests, and dual storage center console. A pop-up Navigation system dominates the top of the center stack. The test vehicle also was equipped with the reasonably priced rear seat entertainment system, which puts a dual TV screens behind each of the passenger seats, to keep the kids occupied with DVDs. The system comes with dual wireless headphones, and a remote control.



Rear seatbacks also fold flat to double the cargo space. The base Cadillac SRX Turbo in Performance trims starts at $49315, while the Premium trim goes for $51,860. Cadillac has hit another home run with the SRX Turbo.



Cadillac’s website lists the Lexus RX and Audi Q5 as its top competitors and the vehicle itself is built in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico alongside the Saab 9-4X.



To note, the entry-level SRX lacks today’s luxury necessities such as a GPS, heated leather seats, remote start, keyless access and ultrasonic parking assist. The engine powering our tester is a turbocharged 2.8L V6 engine that makes 300 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque, which is a significant boost from the base model’s 3.oL LF1 V6 engine that pushes out a more docile 265 horsepower and 223 pounds-feet of torque. The SRX was also made an NHTSA Top Safety Pick.



There is no mistaking the Cadillac SRX for another crossover, as it rolls around with noticeably more swagger than the conservative design language of the Lexus RX — the sales leader of the segment.



Our tester also felt confident in the corners thanks to its sporty FE3 suspension system and its all-wheel-drive. These features give the Cadillac SRX Turbo a much more dramatic and dynamic driving feel than the naturally aspirated base model, which uses a more cushy FE2 suspension system and starts with just front-wheel-drive before charging a little extra for the AWD system. However, the overall handling and suspension subtracts from the ride comfort, but such is the world of sport luxury crossovers.



While the 2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo Turbo is leaps ahead of the base model in terms of a rewarding driving experience, it doesn’t fall in as a performance leader in this hyper-competitive segment. Compared to the Cadillac CTS, the SRX feels a little fancier, with subtle ice blue lighting illuminating the footwalls and striking through the dash. …It turns out that there is the lack of an electronic tilt/telescope option for the steering wheel across the board for the 2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo. If it sounds like I’m describing Audi’s MMI system, I am. From a sheer numbers standpoint, the SRX Turbo is all over the place. The SRX Turbo’s engine output was also nearly the same as the X5, being just under in the torque margin by 5 pounds-feet and even at 300 horsepower.



More vehicles for the money one might say, but with its poor fuel economy rating of 22 MPG on the highway and 15 MPG in the city, the Cadillac SRX Turbo sports nearly the same fuel economy numbers as the much more massive Audi Q7, a crossover that is over 200 inches long and weighs in at 5,192 pounds. It’s one thing if you’re shopping for a sport luxury crossover or SUV the size of a Q7, as lower fuel economy numbers are commonplace in such a segment. If you could never put a finger on why over 90 percent of all SRX crossovers sold last year cradled the more economical 3.0L LF1 V6 engine instead of the thirsty 2.8L turbo, you can now.

After my time with the Cadillac SRX Turbo, it became evident that those involved in deciding what they wanted the crossover to be couldn’t make up their minds.



Though the" Cadillac SRX Turbo" is a fun and stylish crossover, I found too many things that kept me from really falling in love with it.