The Cadillac SRX is a medium-size luxury utility. The
Cadillac SRX delivers as much or more functionality, space
and all-weather capability as most sport utilities, but it's
wrapped in a distinctive package and delivers a spirited
driving experience. The SRX remains a top choice in this
class. This Cadillac is one utility vehicle that does it
all. It drives like a European sedan and its edgy styling
stands out in a sea of boxy sport-utilities and minivans.
Yet the SRX is quite practical. It can carry up to seven
passengers, and its flat, carpeted cargo area works great
for hauling cargo. Overall improvements to the SRX for 2007
include an all-new cockpit with new design, materials and
hand-crafted assembly process. Cadillac also has mated the
Northstar V8-equipped models to a new fully electronic
six-speed automatic transmission for 2007. The base audio
system for the SRX has now been upgraded to Bose for 2007.
New options for 2007 include a Sport package with 20-inch
wheels, all-wheel drive and limited slip differential; a
Bose 5.1 digital surround sound option; a Theater option
package with Bose 5.1 digital surround sound, navigation and
rear-seat entertainment; an automatic odor filtration
option; and Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint (PSIR)
Suppression, which detects the occupant's size and, in turn,
enables or disables the air bag automatically.
’07 Cadillac SRX Power and Drive
SRX is available with a V6 or V8 engine. Both engines
feature the latest technology, including electronic throttle
control and four overhead cams with fully variable valve
timing. The V8s are smooth and confident and deliver
brilliant acceleration for a vehicle of this size. All-wheel
drive is available and we've found that the SRX performs
superbly in the snow. The V8 is sportier and more fun to
drive than a Lexus RX 330 or Mercedes M-Class, and it has
more room and a better ride than a BMW X5. A V6 SRX with
all-wheel drive compares favorably with a Volvo XC90, both
in price and performance. It has the driving dynamics of a
good luxury sedan, the all-weather capability of some
truck-based SUVs and the space and functionality of a
minivan. The Cadillac SRX boasts a superb balance between a
smooth ride and responsive handling. It's much more nimble
than any truck-based SUV. The 4.6-liter V8 delivers lots of
power. Cadillac's Northstar V8 is rated at 320 horsepower
and 315 pound-feet of torque. Cadillac reports 0-60 mph
acceleration in the low seven-second range for the V6, which
is reasonably quick.
2007 SRX Design
Like many of the latest crossover vehicles that are based on
cars, the SRX feels and drives more like a station wagon
than a traditional truck-based sport utility. While
Europeans buy lots of station wagons, American buyers have
not received them well because of the mom-mobile image.
Station wagon fans think wagons are more sophisticated than
sport utilities, possibly because they are. The SRX
straddles the middle. It has the function and driving
performance of a wagon, but a look (and higher seating
position) that's suggestive an SUV. Its ride, handling and
technology are more sophisticated than most truck-based
SUVs. The SRX features Cadillac's edgy Art and Science
design philosophy, introduced on the CTS sedan.
Inside the Cadillac SRX
The SRX comes trimmed with leather upholstery and is loaded
with luxury features. The interior is stylish and
comfortable. Its flat cargo floor makes the SRX a good dog
car. The standard interior has two rows of seats for five.
An optional two-place power folding rear seat can increase
seating capacity to seven. The 2007 Cadillac SRX brings an
all-new handcrafted interior, featuring a new instrument
panel, hand-wrapped upper trim, console, center stack, door
trim, wood trim, analog clock and steering wheel.
The
redesigned cockpit has softer, more tactile surfaces and
greater use of wood-grain and chrome trim. Switches and
controls are now flush-mounted, and the center console now
is more streamlined. The new instrument panel and door trim
are built using Cadillac's new cut-and-sew interior process
that combines advanced technology with the hand-rendered
expertise of craftsmen. The new cockpit for 2007 is
hand-built, using the same elite process as the
limited-production Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V models.
Five-passenger seating is standard, with individual seats in
front and a three-place bench in back. The second seat
powers back and forth for more legroom or more cargo space.
More SUVs should have this feature. The cargo area in the
five-passenger model can be outfitted with covered storage
spaces built into the floor.
2007 SRX Lineup
The SRX V6 comes with leather upholstery, dual-zone
automatic climate control and a long list of luxury
features, including an eight-way power driver's seat, a
power-adjustable second-row seat, one-touch power windows,
heated mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a
premium Bose audio system and the popular OnStar tele-aid
system with a basic subscription for one year. This SRX
comes standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels.
The SRX V8 adds more than a bigger engine. Its standard
feature list includes heated front seats with memory for the
driver's seat and power adjustments for the front
passenger's seat, wood interior trim and a premium Bose
audio system. The V8 also adds 18-inch wheels and a tire
pressure monitoring system.
Conclusions
The Cadillac SRX is a good choice among luxury SUVs, if you
can call it an SUV. Its sharp handling, quick acceleration
and high-performance braking make for a sporty, enjoyable
experience with a smooth, extremely quiet ride. The SRX
comes standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive (AWD)
is optional on both models. For further research, read a
2007 Cadillac SRX review by Autoblog. Options include the expansive UltraView Plus Power Glass Sunroof, Cadillac's Magnetic Ride
Control variable-dampening suspension; and power-adjustable
pedals. Option groups allow the SRX V6 to be equipped like
the V8 without the bigger engine. For example, the Luxury
Package adds Ultra View sunroof, rear air conditioning,
premium seating package and power adjustable pedals. The
Theater Package includes Bose 5.1 Digital Surround, DVD
navigation and rear seat DVD entertainment. Safety features
include most of the active and passive safety features
available today. The SRX comes standard with dual-stage
front airbags, front side-impact airbags and curtain-style
head protection airbags for the first two rows of seats. To
help avoid collisions before they occur, the SRX has
anti-lock brakes with the latest electronic brake-force
distribution and panic Brake Assist technology, traction
control and electronic stability control. Rear park assist
is optional. New safety equipment for 2007 is the optional
PSIR Suppression, which detects the passenger occupant's
size and automatically enables or disables the air bag
accordingly.