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2012 Cadillac SRX

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Overview

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2012 Cadillac SRX Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.3

Once overlooked by the majority of luxury crossover shoppers, the Cadillac SRX is now a force to be reckoned with and asserts its rightful place as one of Cadillac's top sellers. The 2012 Cadillac SRX addresses prior grievances concerning its uninspiring powerplants with a brand-new 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a revised 6-speed transmission with a fuel-saving "Eco" feature. While the segment-leading Lexus RX models deliver unrivaled comfort and practicality, the improvements made to the 2012 SRX help secure its place as a top contender in the category.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are looking for a luxury crossover with distinctive styling, car-like handling, an overabundance of available features and an appealing base price, the 2012 Cadillac SRX is worth a closer look.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If sizeable adults regularly occupy your rear seats, a Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Lexus RX or BMW X5's superior headroom dimensions may better suit your needs. Additionally, the SRX's unique design and thick roof pillars hinder outward visibility.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.3
Driving Dynamics

7.2
Comfort & Convenience

8.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.0
Value

7.0
Safety

10.0

How It Ranks

#27

out of 49

MPG

#7

out of 49

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

7.9 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

For 2012, a new 3.6-liter V6 replaces the two previous engine choices, and a new Eco feature is added to the current 6-speed transmission for increased fuel economy. Additional refinements include an available heated steering wheel, new Xenon Blue exterior color and ebony interior trim. Bluetooth hands-free phone technology is now standard across all trims.

Driving the SRX

2012 Cadillac SRX Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Although it lacks the previous generation's V8-engine option, the 2012 SRX remains true to the spirit of a performance crossover. In terms of standard horsepower, the 2012 SRX's new 3.6-liter...

is a large improvement over last year's engine choices. With its hydraulic speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering (not the energy-efficient – but often numb – electric power steering found in many competitors these days), the SRX delivers sports-car feel and feedback with strong on-center feel. We found the SRX a delight to drive in town, on high-speed highways and especially on twisty 2-lane roads, thanks to the available continuously variable real-time damping system that automatically adjusts suspension damping to specific road conditions and driving situations.

Favorite Features

Pop-Up 3-Dimensional Navigation
We love the optional, user-friendly pop-up navigation system with its sharp 3-dimensional imaging... and the fact that accurate "Turn by Turn" spoken directions are readily available through GM's OnStar service.

Advanced All-Wheel Drive
The SRX's available advanced all-wheel-drive system available features an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that enables it to distribute torque from side-to-side across the rear as well as front-to-rear for optimum dry and wet performance.

2012 Cadillac SRX Details

2012 Cadillac SRX Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

While exterior preference to a vehicle is subjective, few would disagree that the SRX's interior design is nothing short of spectacular. Navigation-equipped models include a modernistic pop-up navigation display featuring brilliant graphics, 3-dimensional imaging and various infotainment functions. Sometimes the simplest feature delivers the greatest emotional impact – in this case, it's the SRX's available Ultraview sunroof that covers nearly 70 percent of the roof. The 5-passenger 2012 Cadillac SRX helps you get the most out of the 61 cubic feet of cargo space with its configurable cargo area and clever storage features like an under-floor storage compartment.

Exterior

Coinciding with Cadillac's revered design language, the 2012 SRX's bold front end features Cadillac's signature multi-piece, shield-style grille and massive vertical headlights. Base and Luxury models ride on 18-inch split-spoke wheels while fender-filling 20-inch wheels outfit the Premium and Performance trims. While we admit the SRX's striking design is also its most persuasive attribute, our sole objection to the exterior styling is Cadillac's unsuccessful attempt to spice-up the SRX's dynamic profile with a pair of faux fender vents.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Cadillac SRX's extensive list of standard features includes an 8-speaker Bose sound system with a USB port for your MP3/WMA player, heated power outside mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a full-color vehicle information display, 8-way power driver's seat, tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with a pass-through for long objects. Among its important standard safety features are GM StabiliTrak stability and traction control, roll-over mitigation sensing, trailer stability assist, and a 1-year trial subscription to OnStar's emergency and concierge services.

Optional Equipment

Among the significant SRX options are advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) with an electronic limited-slip differential that splits torque left-to-right between the rear wheels, a hard drive navigation system with an 8-inch display and 3-dimensional graphics, adaptive forward lighting that swivels to follow the steering direction, a power liftgate with a programmable height setting, a dual-screen rear entertainment system capable of simultaneously playing media from two sources,, a 10GB hard drive for music storage, 20-inch wheels and a tow package good for up to 3,500 pounds.

Under the Hood

The 2012 SRX's new direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 churns out an additional 43 horsepower over the 2011 model's standard 3.0-liter V6. While its horsepower figures are comparable to the outgoing turbocharged 2.8-liter engine, the SRX's new V6 delivers superior fuel economy. All 308 horsepower is transmitted to the wheels via a 6-speed transmission with a driver-selectable Eco mode that adjusts shift points for improved fuel efficiency

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 (front-wheel drive), 16/23 mpg (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Cadillac SRX has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting around $36 000, with the fully loaded Premium all-wheel-drive model topping out close to $57,000. The SRX's entry-level price undercuts the Lexus RX 350 by about $4,000, the BMW X3 by $3,000, the Mercedes-Benz ML350 by a whopping $13,000, and all other contenders except the Acura RDX and Audi Q5. The available all-wheel-drive package adds a bit over $6,000. To get the best deal on your SRX, be sure to check KBB's Fair Purchase Price to learn what buyers are actually paying in your area. On the resale value side, the SRX retains residuals similar to the ML350 over time, but trails the rest of its rivals.

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2012 Cadillac SRX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.9

Out of 10

Based on 83 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.1/10

Quality

8.3/10
Reliability

8.3/10

Performance

8.0/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.9/10

Superb vehicle no problems

By Dave (NJ) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,330

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive"

Cons: "None"

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

"Drove it 3.4 years. All the bells and whistles with no maintenance problems. Very comfortable and stable ride with good hwy mileage. Large display with ONSTSAR nav, Bluetooth hands free calling. Left outside during winter and summer with no rust or paint fade - still looks and acts like new. Could have a bit more cargo space."

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Absolutely love this car!!!!!

By Nurse1973 (CA) on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,000

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: "Design, plenty of leg room, and CUE!!!!"

Cons: "None"

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

"Absolutely love this car. Bold design, plenty of leg room ( extra plus since I'm 5'10), comfortable. CUE is awesome and easy to use. Blind side alerts are an excellent safety feature! Smooth ride, very quiet engine. Plenty of storage"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Excellent

By robertc (GA) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Quality and looks"

Cons: "Need extra 50 horse being turbo"

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

"little tough on gas since it is turbo and have to use premium gas, but it delivers smooth acceleration specially over 70 mph. Almost everything is covered under warranty. My cost to maintain is near zero out of my pocket. Unless you got lemon this car is built solid."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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A Terrible Car

By Sorry (NV) on Friday, March 22, 2013

I owned and sold this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Just Looks"

Cons: "See below"

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

"I bought this car as a temporary vehicle to tide me over for what I thought would be less than a year, and it turned out to be almost two. For looks and design I give it 10 out of 10. A nice interior, and that's where it ends. This car is drastically underpowered with a noisy engine, and a transmission that is jerky and always searching for the right gear. The ride is horrible and you feel the slightest bump. Add to that the seats that have the same comfort as a park bench. Gas mileage is very poor and under the best conditions with a light foot in city driving is about 16 MPG. I've had a lot of new Cadillacs over the years, and I have never disliked a car as much as this one. If you enjoy the ride of a 1947 Chevy pickup, you'll love this car. I traded for the new 2013 Cadillac XTS and love everything about it, so I'm not anti Cadillac. You really need to think twice about buying a 2010 or 2011 SRX, and then walk away from it. One last thought, I was loaned a 2013 SRX while my XTS was in for a minor service, and in fairness they beefed up the engine, and slightly softened the ride...not a lot, but some."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle! One of my favorite cars ever owned

By CKing (AL) on Monday, March 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great vehicle, fun to drive and looks great!"

Cons: "Wide support beam on each side of windshield."

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

"I have had a lot of cars and this is one of my all-time favorites. I bought it new and have never regretted the decision. It drives and handles great, has plenty of power and is comfortable. The only con about the vehicle is the wide support beam on each side of the windshield, which can create a blind spot if you are not aware of it. I've had no problems with any of the mechanics or electrical functions and plan to drive it for several more years."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Not a traditional Cadillac

By 1979L82 (MN) on Thursday, January 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, good materials."

Cons: "Not built in USA"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"Very good handling. Average MPG. Nice styling ques. Too much engine noise. Ride very stiff. Seats very wide. Very easy to enter/exit vehicle. Excellent brakes."

11 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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See all 83 reviews