2005 Cadillac SRX Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2005 Cadillac SRX includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Cadillac SRX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Cadillac SRX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Cadillac SRX help you decide if a 2005 Cadillac SRX is right for you.

2005 Cadillac SRX Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V8 models)	Fuel economy

Passenger and cargo room	Navigation-system controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD V6	2WD V8	AWD V8	Class Average
6	7	7	6

Test V6 AWD did 7.6 sec 0-60 mph, with fine movement away from a stop and in around-town traffic, but tepid response in high-speed freeway passing maneuvers. V8 models have tangible advantage only in highway passing power and in climbing long grades. No opportunity to time V8 version, but Cadillac claims 6.9 sec 0-60 mph with AWD V8. Transmission shifts well enough, though slow to respond to manual-mode inputs.

Fuel Economy

AWD V6	2WD V8	AWD V8	Class Average
4	4	3	3.3

Test V6 AWD models averaged 17.1 mpg in mix of city/highway travel, just 13.6 in test that included mostly city driving and gas-eating performance tests. Test V8 AWD averaged 15.0 mpg in mixed driving. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

AWD V6	2WD V8	AWD V8	Class Average
7	7	7	5.3

Among better-riding SUVs of any stripe, but not luxury-sedan absorbent. Rear end, in particular, reacts abruptly to sharp bumps or cracks, peaked ridges. Little bob or wallow over highway crests, dips.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD V6	2WD V8	AWD V8	Class Average
7	6	7	5.4

Also among the class leaders, if not up to BMW, Infiniti, Porsche competitors for quick, confident moves. Substantial weight and slightly elevated ride height contribute to some unwieldy feel in fast maneuvers, but overall balance, grip in turns is good. Testers divided on steering: natural and precise to some, slightly artificial and slow to react for others.

Quietness

AWD V6	2WD V8	AWD V8	Class Average
7	7	7	6.2

Premium-car isolation from road noise and most mechanical ruckus. Some testers cited wind rush around outside mirrors at highway speed, others considered V6 too coarse in rapid acceleration.

Controls

AWD V6	2WD V8	AWD V8	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

Angular, hi-tech shapes. Large, clear gauges. Most controls easy to reach and understand, though role of multifunction steering-wheel buttons not always obvious. Driver looks to floor console for transmission-gear position because it's displayed in main instrument pod only during manual-shift mode. Navigation system integrates some audio functions, complicating simple adjustments. Cabin's leather upholstery, wood accents (wood optional on V6) contribute to upscale ambience. But some interior panels flex easily when pressed, and various plastic storage-bin covers have low-budget feel. One test example suffered rattling 2nd-row seats; on another, the brake-pedal pad fell off.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD V6	2WD V8	AWD V8	Class Average
7	7	7	7.6

Ample head and leg room. Comfortable, supportive seats. Steering wheel tilts manually; top rivals offer power tilt/telescope operation. Thick roof pillars impede outward visibility to sides and rear. Entry requires taller step-in than car-based roots would suggest.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD V6	2WD V8	AWD V8	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

Second-row elevated slightly for "theater-seating" feel, slides fore/aft to create generous leg room, though right-side cushion contour squeezes passenger. Head clearance OK even with sunroof. Wider doorways would aid entry/exit. Hard-to-access 3rd row best suited for child use, though not as cramped as might be expected.

Cargo Room

AWD V6	2WD V8	AWD V8	Class Average
7	7	7	7.5

Minimal space with 3rd-row seat in position, but power-folding feature a useful convenience, though slow acting. Second row folds with moderate effort and rests nearly flat. With both folded, overall cargo volume mimics large station wagon rather than tall, traditional SUV. Available triple-compartment rear storage bin a smart feature. Good in-cabin storage.

Value within Class

AWD V6	2WD V8	AWD V8	Class Average
9	8	8	5.9

Against similarly priced premium midsize SUVs, SRX is among the best in performance, features, and accommodations, if not always in the quality of cabin appointments. But unless you off-road or tow heavy loads, the SRX's road manners and efficient packaging make it preferable to most truck-type rivals. Add AWD security, and it's a thoughtful alternative to a traditional luxury sedan. That's Best Buy material in this class.

Total Score