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2006 Cadillac SRX Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2006 Cadillac SRX Review
Cadillac's crossover SUV gets a standard power rear liftgate for 2006. SRX seats up to seven and offers V6 and V8 engines. The only transmission is a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive optional. Intended for on-road use, the AWD system does not include low-range gearing. V6s come on 17-inch wheels and offer, as optional, the 18s standard on V8s. Any SRX can be ordered with GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension that automatically adjusts firmness based on road surface. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and leather upholstery are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags covering the front two seating rows. A split folding 2nd-row seat slides 4 inches fore/aft for extra leg room or cargo space. An available 3rd-row seat is power operated to fold flush with the cargo floor. It replaces an available compartmentalized storage bin. V8s include wood interior trim, heated front seats, and tire-pressure monitor; all are available for V6s. Also optional are DVD entertainment, Cadillac's UltraView sunroof with a 5.6-square-foot opening, and UltraView Plus that adds a vented glass panel over the 3rd-row seat.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.
News
We hear SRX's first redesign has been pushed back to model-year 2010. It was planned for '08, but GM's recent huge losses apparently prompted a delay. A 2007 interior freshening is reportedly still on track. Meantime, there's talk of a smaller "BRX" crossover on the same GM Theta architecture as the Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent and Saturn Vue. It's said to be on Cadillac's 2009 agenda with a choice of 2.8- and 3.5-liter V6s, available all-wheel drive, and luxury-class equipment. Three-row seating should be standard.
2006 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 6.2

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 3.4

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. The V6 uses regular-grade fuel. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for the V8.
Ride Quality

AWD V6 2WD V8 AWD V8 Class Average
7 7 7 5.5

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 5.7

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 6.6

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

AWD V6 2WD V8 AWD V8 Class Average
7 7 7 6.6

Angular, hi-tech shapes. Large, clear gauges. Most controls easy to reach and understand. 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 7.5

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
8 8 8 7.9

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 5.8

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. Unless you go off road or tow heavy loads, the SRX's friendly road manners and efficient packaging make it preferable to most truck-type rivals. Add the all-weather security of all-wheel-drive, and SRX is a thoughtful alternative to a traditional luxury sedan. That's Best Buy material in this class.
Total Score

AWD V6 2WD V8 AWD V8 Class Average
69 68 68 61.5
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
52
Average Score
61
High Score
73
2006 Cadillac SRX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
V6 4-door wagon $36,270 $33,912 $720
V8 4-door wagon $44,270 $41,392 $720
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
V6
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, rear-obstacle-detection system, wiper-activated headlights, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row adjustable split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power liftgate, AM/FM/CD player, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month), digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65HR17 front tires, 255/60HR17 rear tires, alloy wheels.
V8 adds to V6:
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning, heated 10-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood interior trim, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, universal garage door opener, rear storage system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights w/washers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/60VR18 front tires, 255/55VR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Level One Luxury Pkg.
V6
$700
$581
Tire-pressure monitor, wood interior trim, universal garage door opener, rear storage system. Requires Seating Pkg.
Seating Pkg.
V6
$1,400
$1,162
Heated front seats, power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), front-seat lumbar adjustment, driver-side automatic day/night mirror.
Level One Driver's Pkg.
V6
$1,795
$1,490
Limited-slip differential, xenon headlights w/washers, 235/60VR18 front tires, 255/55VR18 rear tires, unique alloy wheels.
Utility Pkg.
V6, V8
$1,100
$913
Power-stowable 3rd-row seat, rear air conditioning, heavy-duty engine and power-steering cooling, trailer-wiring harness. Deletes rear storage system on V6 Level One Luxury Pkg. and V8.
Magnetic Ride Control Suspension
V6, V8
$1,650
$1,370
Powertrain
All-wheel drive
V6, V8
$1,900
$1,577
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning
V6, V8
$375
$311
Requires UltraView power sunroof.
UltraView power sunroof
V6, V8
$1,800
$1,494
Includes power sunshades. Requires rear air conditioning.
UltraView Plus power sunroof
V6, V8
$2,250
$1,868
Includes venting sunroof over 3rd-row seat, power sunshades. Requires Utility Pkg.
Navigation system
V6, V8
$1,995
$1,556
V6 requires Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
V6
$1,000
$830
DVD entertainment system
V6, V8
$1,200
$996
V6 requires Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Power-adjustable pedals
V6, V8
$150
$125
Includes memory. V6 requires Level One Luxury Pkg.
Wood interior trim
V6
$495
$411
Includes wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
V6, V8
$100
$83
Special paint
V6, V8
$995
$826
Mud guards
V6, V8
$95
$79
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch
V6, V8
$385
$320
2006 Cadillac SRX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Cadillac SRX 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 116.0
Overall Length, in. 195.0
Overall Width, in. 72.6
Overall Height, in. 67.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 4438
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 69.5
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 40.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.1
Rear Head Room, in. 38.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 41.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.6 /217 4.6 /279
Horsepower @ rpm. 260 @ 6500 320 @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 254 @ 2800 315 @ 4400
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed automatic 16/22 15/20
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Cadillac SRX 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 4/50,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- Premium Care standard on XLR. Includes oil and oil filter replacement, engine air filter replacement, and passenger compartment air filter replacement at regularly scheduled maintenance intervals for the first four years or 50,000 miles.
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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