Used 2016 Cadillac SRX

With its angular good looks and hefty list of luxury features, Cadillac’s 2016 SRX crossover SUV makes no bones about appealing to a younger audience. Being the final year for this body style, the 2016 SRX departs still being competitive against such lofty challengers as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK. The German brands may deliver more spirited driving experiences, but the SRX won’t disappoint, and its ride is more in line with what most buyers expect of a luxury-crossover SUV. A powerful V6 ensures impressive performance, while a roomy interior allows everyone plenty of head- and legroom. Combine all this with the SRX’s technology-rich CUE touch-screen infotainment system, and it becomes clear why an aging SRX remains relevant.

Our 2016 Cadillac SRX test drive included equal time on winding back roads and long freeway expanses, and we found both equally suited to the SRX’s abilities. Though it tips the scales at nearly 4,300 pounds the SRX doesn’t feel ponderous or bloated, delivering good onramp acceleration and agile handling in tight corners. Even more notable is the SRX’s ride, which is devoid of the abruptness sometimes experienced with more enthusiast-oriented SUVs. If we had to pick, we’d say the SRX rides more softly than a BMW X3 or Acura RDX, but its handling falls more in line with the Audi Q5 and Lincoln MKX. The SRX’s 308-horsepower V6 never feels taxed, but its rather lackluster fuel-economy figures leave something to be desired. To help mitigate frequent fill-ups, Cadillac equips the SRX with 21-gallon fuel tank.

The 2016 Cadillac SRX’s cabin is thoroughly modern, and then some. Although we applaud the cutting-edge CUE infotainment setup and its touch-sensitive 8-inch display, the system requires a steep learning curve to operate when driving. The SRX’s front seats are roomy, though the 3-passenger rear seat can be tight for taller adults. Behind the folding and reclining rear seat is about 30 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s less than a smaller SUV like the Honda CR-V, but ample for all but the biggest shopping splurges. The UltraView sunroof does a good job giving the cabin an airy feel.

“Athletic” and “attractive” are just two ways to describe Cadillac’s crossover SUV. The SRX’s sense of style is highlighted by angular sheet metal and a stylish – but visibility-hampering – sloped roof. Prominent creases rise along the sides from just aft the front wheels to below the rear windows, conveying a sense of momentum. The power liftgate – standard on all but base models – is an arm-saver. Twin tailpipes and large, 18- or 20-inch wheels round out a package well-suited for a young executive.

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The SRX’s automatic emergency braking setup can detect an impending low-speed collision and warn the driver. Should the driver fail to respond in time, the system will intervene and bring the car to a complete stop.

BOSE SILENCE AND SOUND
Cadillac’s SRX luxury SUV for 2016 includes a marvelous Bose audio system with Active Noise Cancellation. This system quiets the cabin by using opposing sound waves to cancel out intrusive road and wind noise.

In base form, Cadillac’s 2016 SRX luxury-crossover SUV includes an 8-speaker Bose sound system with dual USB inputs and Bluetooth streaming, and dual-zone auto climate control. Leatherette is the upholstery in base models. Stepping up to the Luxury trim adds a few thousand to the price, but brings real leather, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, a rearview camera, keyless access and blind-spot monitoring, which is a big help on crowded roads. The top-end Premium trim adds 10-speaker Bose audio, navigation, a ventilated driver’s seat to keep you cool, and safety features like lane-departure warning.

All-wheel drive can be had on all but base models of the 2016 Cadillac SRX luxury-crossover SUV. Other options vary by trim. Among them are the Driver Assist Package that includes the automatic braking feature and adaptive cruise control. Other features of note include a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, Safety Seat Alert (it alerts the driver to a potential collision by vibrating the seat), and a pet cargo partition to accommodate Fido.

The 2016 SRX employs a direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 good for 308 horsepower, a figure that bests most rivals. Better yet, the SRX does not require premium gasoline, and the driver-selectable Eco mode is said to slightly improve efficiency by changing transmission shift points. All Cadillac SRX models employ a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the SRX’s standard format, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. The SRX’s powertrain warranty runs six years or 70,000 miles. Another nice perk is Cadillac’s standard Premium Care Maintenance program, which covers services such as oil changes for four years or 50,000 miles.

3.6-liter V6
308 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
265 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (FWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)