Choosing a Smart May Be Getting Smarter
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 Cadillac SRX Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest Web road tests on the new 2008 Cadillac SRX to write this comprehensive review. TheCarConnection.com's car experts also drove the 2008 Cadillac SRX to be able to deliver a conclusive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to give you the information you need to make the best purchase decision.

Likes:

  • Rorty V-8 engine
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Improved interior
  • Headroom in first two rows

Dislikes:

  • Fuel economy
  • Teensy third-row seats
  • Tall rear end

Buying Tips:


For whatever reason, the 2008 Cadillac SRX hasn’t been a strong seller for GM’s luxury brand. Discounts are widely available, but plan ahead for higher gas prices -- is 13 mpg in the city really acceptable for a family vehicle? Only your wallet can tell you for sure. Cadillac will replace the SRX with a smaller BRX crossover in the 2010 model year; the new vehicle will be based on a global platform that will also spawn a Saab 9-4X.

The crisply styled 2008 Cadillac SRX is a mid-size crossover vehicle built off the same platform as the rear-drive CTS and STS sports sedans.

A 3.6-liter, 260-horsepower V-6 is the standard engine in SRX, teamed with a five-speed automatic. Its performance is fairly ordinary and so is its gas mileage. There's every reason to order the optional 4.6-liter, 320-horsepower Northstar V-8 engine, which gets a six-speed automatic for the 2008 model year. It's capable of much more impressive acceleration--it can launch the crossover to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds--but fuel economy is an issue. The SRX is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive, and with either drivetrain, its 4,000-pound-plus heft cuts fuel economy to 13/20 mpg with the V-8 versions, and only 15/22 mpg with the V-6, rear-drive model.

The SRX is a tastefully drawn crossover vehicle that's aging well in its final years on the market (it was introduced in 2004 and likely will be dropped after the 2009 model year). The wagon rear end is a bit tall for some tastes, but the crisp lines have worn well over the years. Inside, the redesign of the center console and trim imparts a much richer feel to the Cadillac SRX than the original cockpit. The SRX's interior can hold as many as seven passengers with the optional power-folding third-row seat, but those in the back should be very small--elementary-school small. The second-row seat is much more hospitable to adults.

The 2008 Cadillac SRX handles nimbly, with either its standard suspension or GM's Magnetic Ride Control, which uses magnetic force to control the stiffness of the shocks. Six airbags and stability control are standard.

Other features include a standard navigation system on the V-8 version (it's optional with the V-6). OnStar-equipped models also get turn-by-turn navigation assistance. Adaptive Remote Start is a new option for 2008; it permits the driver to start the engine, adjust the heat and air to a preset temperature, and defrost the windows. A large Ultra View sunroof opens nearly all the first two rows of seats to sunshine.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Cadillac SRX, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class doesn't offer a third-row seat, but it is spacious and will be offered with a six-cylinder diesel engine for the coming model year. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport shares the Cadillac SRX's love for straight lines, but comes off as a more upscale knockoff of its Range Rover brother. The Volkswagen Touareg is a five-seater as well, and it has a conservative look. The Infiniti FX seats five and is relatively outrageous by the standards of the crossover class, while the Lexus RX 350 is a traditional luxury crossover with an enviable reputation for quality.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Cadillac SRX is handsome and capable, but poor fuel economy and a small third-row seat cut into its usefulness.

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest Web road tests on the new 2008 Cadillac SRX to write this comprehensive review. TheCarConnection.com's car experts also drove the 2008 Cadillac SRX to be able to deliver a conclusive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to give you the information you need to make the best purchase decision. Likes:Rorty V-8 engineSix-speed automatic transmissionImproved interiorHeadroom in first two rowsDislikes:Fuel economyTeensy third-row seatsTall rear endBuying Tips: For whatever reason, the 2008 Cadillac SRX hasn’t been a strong seller for GM’s luxury brand. Discounts are widely available, but plan ahead for higher gas prices -- is 13 mpg in the city really acceptable for a family vehicle? Only your wallet can tell you for sure. Cadillac will replace the SRX with a smaller BRX crossover in the 2010 model year; the new vehicle will be based on a global platform that will also spawn a Saab 9-4X. The crisply styled 2008 Cadillac SRX is a mid-size crossover vehicle built off the same platform as the rear-drive CTS and STS sports sedans. A 3.6-liter, 260-horsepower V-6 is the standard engine in SRX, teamed with a five-speed automatic. Its performance is fairly ordinary and so is its gas mileage. There's every reason to order the optional 4.6-liter, 320-horsepower Northstar V-8 engine, which gets a six-speed automatic for the 2008 model year. It's capable of much more impressive acceleration--it can launch the crossover to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds--but fuel economy is an issue. The SRX is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive, and with either drivetrain, its 4,000-pound-plus heft cuts fuel economy to 13/20 mpg with the V-8 versions, and only 15/22 mpg with the V-6, rear-drive model. The SRX is a tastefully drawn crossover vehicle that's aging well in its final years on the market (it was introduced in 2004 and likely will be dropped after the 2009 model year). The wagon rear end is a bit tall for some tastes, but the crisp lines have worn well over the years. Inside, the redesign of the center console and trim imparts a much richer feel to the Cadillac SRX than the original cockpit. The SRX's interior can hold as many as seven passengers with the optional power-folding third-row seat, but those in the back should be very small--elementary-school small. The second-row seat is much more hospitable to adults. The 2008 Cadillac SRX handles nimbly, with either its standard suspension or GM's Magnetic Ride Control, which uses magnetic force to control the stiffness of the shocks. Six airbags and stability control are standard. Other features include a standard navigation system on the V-8 version (it's optional with the V-6). OnStar-equipped models also get turn-by-turn navigation assistance. Adaptive Remote Start is a new option for 2008; it permits the driver to start the engine, adjust the heat and air to a preset temperature, and defrost the windows. A large Ultra View sunroof opens nearly all the first two rows of seats to sunshine. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Cadillac SRX, also consider:Mercedes-Benz M-ClassLand Rover Range Rover SportVolkswagen TouaregLexus RX 350Infiniti FXReason Why:The Mercedes-Benz M-Class doesn't offer a third-row seat, but it is spacious and will be offered with a six-cylinder diesel engine for the coming model year. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport shares the Cadillac SRX's love for straight lines, but comes off as a more upscale knockoff of its Range Rover brother. The Volkswagen Touareg is a five-seater as well, and it has a conservative look. The Infiniti FX seats five and is relatively outrageous by the standards of the crossover class, while the Lexus RX 350 is a traditional luxury crossover with an enviable reputation for quality. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Cadillac SRX is handsome and capable, but poor fuel economy and a small third-row seat cut into its usefulness. TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest Web road tests on the new 2008 Cadillac SRX to write this comprehensive review. TheCarConnection.com's car experts also drove the 2008 Cadillac SRX to be able to deliver a conclusive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the ...

Other Choices:

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class doesn't offer a third-row seat, but it is spacious and will be offered with a six-cylinder diesel engine for the coming model year. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport shares the Cadillac SRX's love for straight lines, but comes off as a more upscale knockoff of its Range Rover brother. The Volkswagen Touareg is a five-seater as well, and it has a conservative look. The Infiniti FX seats five and is relatively outrageous by the standards of the crossover class, while the Lexus RX 350 is a traditional luxury crossover with an enviable reputation for quality.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Cadillac SRX

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Cadillac SRX

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Cadillac SRX near you

See the Cadillac SRX in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy