2010 Cadillac SRX Quality Review

The tidier dimensions of the new 2010 Cadillac SRX work wonders for the vehicle in a lot of areas, but some reviews read by TheCarConnection.com object to the lack of third-row seating on Cadillac's crossover. On the positive side, the SRX Cadillac sports arguably the nicest interior in the class.

One of the biggest changes for the 2010 Cadillac SRX is the elimination of the third row of seats—Car and Driver noting that "no longer are seven passengers welcome; five's the limit." However, Autoblog reviewers feel that "since those [third-row seats] were only suitable for small children, we're guessing the empty nesters and young professionals that Cadillac is targeting won't miss them." The good news here is that the remaining seats inside the Cadillac SRX are world-class, with Car and Driver reporting that "the front seats are quite firm and bolstered perfectly; they would make a BMW engineer proud." Jalopnik also points out that, on the Cadillac SRX, "front and rear accommodation is limo-like; plenty of legroom, comfy seats, ambient lighting in the doors and optional pop-up DVD screens." Rear passengers also get the option of an incredible view out of the available moonroof, as Autoblog says "its absolutely huge dimensions give occupants an unencumbered view of the world above them."

Crossovers, or CUVs, aren't meant to be driven off-road, so their utility is measured more in terms of available cargo space for weekend Costco runs. In this regard, the 2010 Cadillac SRX is as useful as just about any other crossover on the road. Car and Driver observes that, "with the rear seats flat, the cargo bay will swallow nearly the same sheet of plywood that the roomy RX350 can ingest, and the Caddy will carry three bonus cases of beer." Overall utility is increased with the rear seat's "60/40-split," and Cars.com points out that "both a power liftgate and an adjustable cargo-floor anchor system are available" on the Cadillac SRX.

Cadillac's latest models mark a dramatic resurgence for the brand in terms of interior quality, and if you ever need some ammo for the water-cooler debate on the quality of domestics versus imports, look no further than the 2010 Cadillac SRX. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are unanimously impressed with the attention to detail inside the SRX Cadillac's cabin. Car and Driver proclaims that "what you instantly notice about the SRX is that its cabin equals or exceeds anything in the class," and Jalopnik says "the interior fit and finish in the SRX is seriously luxurious." Cars.com feels "the materials are much improved" compared to previous Cadillac models, and Autoblog raves that the Cadillac SRX's "dual stitched dash is soft and pliable to the touch, and the thick, leather-stitched steering wheel is a joy to hold." Jalopnik aptly deems the interior a "return to that whole 'standard of the world' business that Cadillac hasn't been able to claim in at least three decades."

One area where Cadillac's renewed emphasis on quality is most evident is the level of interior noise when driving the 2010 Cadillac SRX. Car and Driver tests show that, "at wide-open throttle and at a 70-mph cruise, the SRX is as quiet as the RX350 and is only one decibel noisier at idle," which they say is "a major achievement." Motor Trend likewise reports that "the crossover is exceedingly quiet, especially in terms of wind and powertrain noise."