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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Cadillac SRX

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Cadillac SRX

Overview

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2009 Cadillac SRX Review

By KBB.com Editors

Combining the sure-footed stability of a performance sedan with the versatile utility of an SUV makes the 2009 Cadillac SRX one of the automaker's more attractive offerings. The SRX has the power, moves and luxury trappings to compete with such favorites as the BMW X5 and the Infiniti FX, while offering a number of unique amenities such as Magnetic Ride Control and a huge "UltraView" power sunroof. Capable of carrying up to seven passengers, the SRX is a viable alternative to a full-size SUV, although those who need to tow heavy loads will require more than the SRX's 1,000-pound base tow rating. For those who don't care about towing or off-road ability, the SRX's low step-in height, manageable dimensions and respectable fuel consumption should hold strong appeal.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the feel of a sports wagon but would prefer to sit up a bit higher, the 2009 Cadillac SRX will fit you like a glove. In addition to its agile handling and powerful optional V8 engine, the SRX returns a smooth, controlled ride and can accommodate lots of cargo.

You May Not Like This Car If...

With its optional third-row seat, the SRX can carry seven people, but in doing so loses most of its cargo space. People who have big families or need a higher tow rating would be better served by the full-size Escalade.

What's New for 2009

No major changes for 2009.

Driving the SRX

Driving Impressions On the open road, the 2009 Cadillac SRX glides serenely without veer or vagueness. Some SUV suspensions don't deal particularly well with curvy roads, but not that of the SRX,...

which negotiates corners without giving the impression it has a somewhat higher center of gravity, even when loaded down with people and cargo. The steering feel is light at first, but quickly firms up as the speed rises, and it operates with commendable precision, with dead-on straight-line tracking and confident predictability when turning into corners. On the whole, the SRX easily rivals the handling characteristics of the Volvo XC90 and may be just slightly short of matching the BMW X5. When fitted with the V6, the SRX's acceleration feels strong, but lacks the sense of urgency provided by the V8.

Favorite Features

Huge Sunroof
The optional UltraView sunroof is composed of a huge glass panel that covers a five-foot section of the roof, effectively exposing the first and second rows to the sun.

Unobtrusive DVD Screen
The SRX's optional DVD entertainment screen is mounted on the back of the center console, not the roof, allowing the vehicle to be fitted with both the DVD system and the UltraView sunroof.

2009 Cadillac SRX Details

Interior

After undergoing a major makeover in 2007, the Cadillac SRX interior has changed very little. The seats are firm and supportive and the handsome dash is straightforward, with softer edges and simplified audio and ventilation controls. The center touch-screen operates the audio and climate controls, as well as the optional navigation system. The second-row seat offers the most legroom in its class, and the improved step-over makes entry and exit easier than in previous models. The optional power-folding third-row seat folds flush to create a level cargo hold.

Exterior

The 2009 Cadillac SRX is a sharp-looking vehicle. Since the SRX is not quite fully an SUV and not quite a station wagon, it might fit into the same category as Ford Taurus X – if it were not so loaded with luxury features and a big V8 engine. The SRX's short front and rear overhangs make it relatively easy to park and maneuver in tight spots, and a thoughtful standard feature is the power-operated rear liftgate.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment for the two-wheel-drive models includes dual-zone air conditioning, front side-impact airbags, remote start, front and rear side-curtain airbags, leather seats, Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist, power rear liftgate, Bose audio, StabiliTrak stability control, leather-covered tilt wheel with touch controls, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) and cast aluminum wheels. The V8 model adds a six-disc in-dash CD changer, 18-inch wheels, eight-way power passenger seat with power lumbar support, limited-slip rear differential and Magnetic Ride Control.

Optional Equipment

Popular options include a 5.1 Bose Surround Sound audio package, a Sport Package that adds a body-colored grille with V-Series mesh insert, 20-inch wheels and tires, a limited-slip rear differential and all-wheel drive. Other options include the UltraView power sunroof, power adjustable foot pedals, DVD navigation, OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, third-row power folding rear seat and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Under the Hood

The V6 engine has its pros and cons. While powerful enough to move a loaded SRX around town, it lags somewhat when you need a quick launch or speedy passing maneuver. On the other hand, its fuel economy is slightly better than the more potent V8, a point that may become more relevant as fuel costs continue to rise.

3.6-liter V6
255 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
254 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 (RWD), 14/22 (AWD)

4.6-liter V8
320 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
315 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/20 (RWD), 13/20 (AWD)

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2009 Cadillac SRX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.8

Out of 10

Based on 260 Ratings for the 2004 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

7.9/10

Quality

8.1/10
Reliability

8.0/10

Performance

8.5/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.6/10

Best ever

By Don't have one (CT) on Sunday, May 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "Nothing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the third Cadillac SRX I have owned. I love everything about it, so much so that I will not buy anything but Cadillac in the future. The On Star feature proved extremely efficient when I had an accident. Before the airbags had deflated, they were on the line talking to me. I had no idea where I was or what had happened. Within minutes, On Star had called the State Police and the fire department and they were at my side. The first SRX I had was my first experience of 'all wheel drive'. I had 4 wheel drive previously. I was nervous, but took it out in the middle of a snowstorm and it behaved beautifully without any input from me. I vowed to only get the SRX, but then in2011 or 12 they changed the design, made it smaller, less visibility and a lithe claustrophobic. I do not like the new design, so am hoping that my 2008 will last me until I don't need to be out in all weathers. (I am a volunteer EMT). I can't think of anything I would change about this 2008 SRX."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best Vehicle of the twenty I have owned

By Hurricane (AL) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "responsive, powerful, fun to drive, great value,"

Cons: "none that I have found in these years"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"If I knew that a Cadillac was this nice I would have bought one twenty years ago. The Cadillac SRX is beautiful and wonderful for traveling. The seats are large, well designed and comfortable. Even the back seats are adult sized and comfortable. The responsive, powerful vehicle rides and drives like none other. (I have owned twenty diffent vehicles, high end and low, foreign and domestic.) The bells and whistles are all functional and intelligent. I have owned three convertibles and the Cadillac panoramic sunroof is a great alternative to a convertible."

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best suv i ever owned top gun !!!!

By ti-b (Canada) on Saturday, January 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "comfort spacieaus good looking fun to drive"

Cons: "nil"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"best suv my 2006 srx fully leoded to the guils not to hard on gas and lots of fun to drive in our canadian winters snow you want snow we got it and -40 below we got it too alays starts and never stuck in snow the wife love it to go shopping top truck for me i love it ....."

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BEWARE!

By mm (NJ) on Monday, December 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 2/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Look of car and drive are great. Quiet drive"

Cons: "Very expensive servicing that will be ongoing..."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I love the looks, feel and drive of this car. However, for this I am paying through the roof in service repairs that are never ending. I have had every leak possible, differntial replaced, turn signals replaced several times, car towed twice as wouldn't start, door latch not catching and now have it in again for power steering issue and a rattling coming from underneath. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Even repair centers have informed me of the many issues not only with my model but with many Cadillacs in general. Parts are made only to last 3 yrs as they want you to trade in or buy a new car every three years."

24 people out of 27 found this review helpful

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I love this vehicle...BUT

By DRitt (MI) on Monday, October 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Smooth, quiet ride - luxury feel"

Cons: "Pricey upkeep, consumes oil, what's next?"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"Thank goodness for the Cadillace Certified Pre-Owned Warranty, since I bought the SRX in 2011, the timing chains went bad, but were covered. It consumes oil...somewhere, somehow the oil disappears leaving no leak spots in my garage or driveway and the dipstick showing a quart+ low every 6 to 8 weeks. BUT its a Cadillac SRX..I love it. It flows over the road..I've never had a more quiet and smooth ride. I expected repairs and maintenance would be more costly and it has been. $120 to change a turn signal! I've got 2 years left on the CPO warranty, and will turn it in...just too pricey for me to keep up. BUT I love it anyway and would love to keep it."

10 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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NICE STYLE BUT,IHAD TOO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR

By NOT HAPPY on Thursday, July 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 129,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "NICE LOOKING CAR ,LOVE THE STYLE"

Cons: "2004 -2006 TOO MANY PROBLEMS"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"REPLACED THE TIMING CHAIN PROBLEMS WITH FRONT TURN SIGNALS,ENGINE LIGHT,WHEEL BEARINGS,TRANSFER CASE ,POWER STEERING HOSE,MOON ROOF,FUEL INJECTORS,REAR PINION SEAL LEAK,FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACED.CAN YOU SEE WHERE I AM GOING WITH THIS? THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT BUYING SRX FROM 2004-2006.ANYONE CARE FOR LEMON-AID!"

36 people out of 36 found this review helpful

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See all 260 reviews