2007 Cadillac SRX Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Cadillac SRX includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Cadillac SRX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Cadillac SRX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Cadillac SRX help you decide if a 2007 Cadillac SRX is right for you.

2007 Cadillac SRX Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V8 models)	Fuel economy

Passenger and cargo room	Navigation-system controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

V6 w/AWD. Lux. Pkg.	V8	V8 w/AWD, Prem. Lux. Pkg.	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. The 5-speed automatic shifts well enough, though it's slow to respond to manual-mode inputs. No opportunity yet to test V8 with 6-speed automatic transmission. Test V8 models with 5-speed showed tangible benefit over V6 in highway passing and climbing steep grades.

Fuel Economy

V6 w/AWD. Lux. Pkg.	V8	V8 w/AWD, Prem. Lux. Pkg.	Class Average
4	4	3	3.6

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

Ride Quality

V6 w/AWD. Lux. Pkg.	V8	V8 w/AWD, Prem. Lux. Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	7	5.7

Among the 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

V6 w/AWD. Lux. Pkg.	V8	V8 w/AWD, Prem. Lux. Pkg.	Class Average
7	6	7	5.6

Also among the class leaders, if not up to Porsche Cayenne 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

V6 w/AWD. Lux. Pkg.	V8	V8 w/AWD, Prem. Lux. Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.5

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

V6 w/AWD. Lux. Pkg.	V8	V8 w/AWD, Prem. Lux. Pkg.	Class Average
8	8	8	6.5

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 absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio adjustments. Revised interior a vast improvement over previous design. High-grade leather trim, real wood and metal accents impart sophisticated interior ambience that impresses, even among premium SUVs.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

V6 w/AWD. Lux. Pkg.	V8	V8 w/AWD, Prem. Lux. Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.3

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)

V6 w/AWD. Lux. Pkg.	V8	V8 w/AWD, Prem. Lux. Pkg.	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

V6 w/AWD. Lux. Pkg.	V8	V8 w/AWD, Prem. Lux. Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.8

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

V6 w/AWD. Lux. Pkg.	V8	V8 w/AWD, Prem. Lux. Pkg.	Class Average
9	8	9	5.9

Against similarly priced premium midsize SUVs, SRX is among the best in performance, features, and accommodations. Unless you go 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 Best Buy alternative to a traditional luxury sedan.

Total Score