SAFETY | 10 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
‘Good,’ frontal offset; ‘good,’ side impact, ‘good,’ rear impact; 'good,' roof strength; Top Safety Pick
IIHS
Five stars, frontal and side impact; five stars overall
NHTSA
The 2013 Cadillac SRX includes some of the most impressive safety features in its class, as well as pretty much the best-possible set of safety ratings. So it should rank high among safety-conscious family shoppers.
Head-curtain side airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and OnStar roadside and emergency assistance are included in all SRX models, as well as stability control and anti-lock brakes. Also, an available adaptive headlight system helps illuminate around dark corners. And structurally, the SRX is one of only a few vehicles, according to GM, to use Martensitic steel, one of the strongest available, to help prevent against intrusion in a side impact.
Newly available for 2013 are Driver Awareness and Driver Assist technology packages, adding Safety Alert Seat Technology, Automatic Front and Rear Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control, among other features.Â
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested the SRX and given it top 'good' ratings in all categories, along with its Top Safety Pick designation, which ranks the SRX among the safest new vehicles. It's also earned top five-star ratings from the federal government in frontal and side impact, as well as a five-star overall score.
There's one issue, and while it's potentially minor, it's one you should keep in mind on the test drive. Take a look over your shoulder and you might realize that the Cadillac SRX isn't all that great for outward visibility. Between the standard rear camera system, along with front and rear parking sensors, you should be able to make do, but whether you're confident with it might depend on your height.
Conclusion
The SRX is a safety superstar, with top ratings from both U.S. agencies and some standout accident-avoidance technology.