• 2013

• 2012 Cadillac SRX

• Used Cadillac SRX
• Repairs Cadillac SRX

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Cadillac SRX U.S. News Best Cars 8.3
Critics' Rating:	8.5
Performance:	7.9
Interior:	8.5
Safety:	9.8
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Plush interior
• More powerful, standard engine
• Utilitarian cargo features

• Limited rearward visibility
• Limited headroom with sunroof

Research Other Years

• 2013 Cadillac SRX
• 2011 Cadillac SRX
• 2010 Cadillac SRX
• 2009 Cadillac SRX
• 2008 Cadillac SRX
• 2007 Cadillac SRX

With a new 3.6-liter V6 engine, test drivers now love everything about the 2012 Cadillac SRX: its powerful engine, upscale interior and bold exterior.

Most reviewers say that the 2011 Cadillac SRX’s interior amenities exuded luxury, but they dislike its underpowered, standard 3.0-liter engine. Those opinions have changed for the 2012 model year, as Cadillac has fitted all 2012 SRX trims with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that test drivers call smooth, powerful and quiet. Paired with good performance are a head-turning exterior and an exceptional interior that reviewers still call luxurious, comfortable, high-quality and spacious.

However, there are a few things test drivers don’t discuss much. One is the 2012 SRX’s low fuel economy ratings. Second, the Cadillac SRX has a high price tag. Pricing hasn’t been released for the 2012 model, but like last year, GM requires shoppers to upgrade to higher trims to gain access to coveted amenities like heated seats, sunroof, navigation, a power tailgate and a reviewer-liked cargo management system that has a cargo fence and under-floor storage. In 2011, adding these features easily increased the 2011 Cadillac SRX’s bottom line to more than $40,000.

However, those are the types of prices shoppers looking at luxury compact SUVs should expect. Most models in this class start at between $33,000 and $35,000, just like the 2012 Cadillac SRX, and adding tech features makes them pricier. That said, if you can afford to pay a premium for your next SUV, reviewers say you won’t be disappoint with the SRX’s new engine and plush interior. 

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

If you want to beat the Cadillac SRX’s fuel economy numbers, the Audi Q5 is a good option. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and averages as much as 20/27 mpg city/highway, and its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine receives praise from test drivers for being both refined and powerful, even though it only has four cylinders. But, you should know that the Q5 takes premium gasoline and the SRX doesn’t.

The SRX is more of a city cruiser than an off-roader, which means it’s not the best option if you’re headed to the outback. In that case, check out the Land Rover LR2. It’s capable of soaking up bumps in the road, and has Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, which allows you to customize the suspension based on road conditions. While the LR2 is great off-road, keep in mind that it is not fuel-efficient, averaging 15/22 mpg city/highway, but it does use regular gasoline.   

Details: Cadillac SRX

The SRX’s most significant change for the 2012 model year is its new standard 3.6-liter engine that replaces the 3.0-liter V6 and 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engines that are available on the 2011 model. Other significant changes include standard Bluetooth, standard heated steering wheel and an Eco feature that GM says improves fuel economy.

There are four trims: standard, luxury, performance and premium, and all-wheel drive is available on all of them. The base trim comes with an eight-speaker Bose audio system, AM/FM/satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a one-year OnStar subscription and a power driver seat. A cargo management system, rearview camera and sunroof are standard on the next trim up, the luxury trim, and navigation and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are optional on the luxury trim and higher. 

• "That said, if you're not sure what you want - or if you're open to trying something new - then by all means test drive the Cadillac SRX. It provides a great blend of luxury and performance, it delivers excellent value for money, and it's unlike anything else on the road. Even if you've never considered buying a Cadillac, you might be surprised at how much appeal the SRX has. I sure was." -- About.com
• "The General simplifies its best selling product and in the end makes it a more capable vehicle." -- Left Lane News
• "Like the second-generation CTS that introduced this era of Cadillac interiors, the SRX's cabin is logically arrayed and a handsome bit of work." -- Cars.com