Used 2013 Cadillac SRX

The Cadillac SRX is a 5-passenger mid-size luxury crossover SUV that competes well against rivals such as the Lexus RX, Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The 2013 SRX is defined by its angular and athletic looks, a strong engine, and the plush cabin and creature comforts expected in a Cadillac. While not as athletic as a BMW X3 or as comfortable as a Lexus RX, the slightly larger Cadillac SRX comes standard with a V6 engine, offers commendable cargo room, and boasts high-tech features such as the new CUE infotainment system. Add in its chiseled looks and competitive starting price, and it’s easy to see why the SRX has become one of Cadillac’s top sellers.

Whether on the highway or a twisty canyon road, the SRX is a capable and competent driving partner. It does not feel as nimble or as quick as a BMW X3, but the SRX offers a good balance between comfort and agility. The 3.6-liter V6 that arrived in the vehicle last year is a big improvement over past engine options and provides commendable power. As for steering, the SRX’s available speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion system helps the SUV feel sporty and offers good feedback as to what’s happening on the road below. The SRX’s optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system is a sophisticated one that distributes torque from side to side as well as front to back, which helps the tires retain grip on slippery surfaces.

Step inside the 2013 Cadillac SRX and you’ll be greeted by a thoroughly modern – some might say futuristic – cabin awash in supple materials and glimmering gauges. The pop-up navigation screen in past models has been replaced by the 8-inch display for the CUE system high in the dash. Surrounding the screen are a few low-profile buttons for oft-used features such as fan speed and volume control. The new instrument cluster features digital readouts in addition to traditional analog gauges for speed and fuel capacity. The front seats are roomy, but the rear can be snug for taller adults. The rear cargo bay offers flexibility and plenty of capacity.

When the SRX was redesigned for 2010, the formerly long and tall wagon looked like it went on a diet and got ripped. That chiseled look remains for 2013 with the Cadillac’s angular sheetmetal, arching side creases, and stylish but visibility-hampering sloped roof. A new grille and front-fender vents with LED light pipes are a tasteful update to the SRX. Large wheels are also part of this SUV’s persona, with the smallest being 18 inches and the largest, 20 inches.

CUE SYSTEM
This abbreviation for Cadillac User Experience can also be translated as a top-notch command station for all your audio, phone, climate and navigation needs. This standard system features an 8-inch touch screen that can sync with up to 10 (!) wireless Bluetooth devices. Like tablets and the latest smartphones, the screen recognizes finger swipes and pinch/spread gestures.

DRIVER AWARENESS PACKAGE
This optional system is all about safety. This builds on the SRX’s available blind-spot-monitoring and rear cross-traffic systems with features such as a lane-departure warning and Safety Alert Seat, which literally shakes the driver’s seat when the vehicle senses potential danger such as drifting from a lane or parking too close to an object.

In base form the 2013 SRX offers a decent amount of standard features, but spending a little over $5,000 more and stepping up to the Luxury trim bring a lot more. Base models come with an 8-speaker Bose audio system with dual USB inputs and Bluetooth streaming, dual-zone auto climate control, and keyless entry. The Luxury trim adds the UltraView sunroof, power liftgate, leather seating, heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, power-adjustable pedals, rearview camera, and blind-zone monitoring. The top trim Premium edition brings heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 10-speaker Bose audio system, and the Driver Awareness Package.

AWD can be had on all but base models of the 2013 SRX, and other options vary by trim. Among them are a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, and the Driver Awareness Package with features like lane-departure warning. A trailering provisions option equips the SRX with a hitch and wiring harness, while the pet cargo partition makes it easier to accommodate Fido.

A direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 is standard in the 2013 Cadillac SRX. The engine makes a commendable 308 horsepower but its fuel economy tops out at 24 mpg for the highway. Rivals such as the BMW X3, Acura RDX and Audi Q5 achieve better fuel-economy figures with both 6-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines. Unlike some rivals, the SRX does not require premium gasoline, and the driver-selectable Eco mode is said to slightly improve efficiency by changing transmission shift points. The engine is also flex-fuel capable, meaning it can run on a gasoline/ethanol blend. All Cadillac SRXs employ a 6-speed automatic transmission. The SRX can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

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)