There may be cars that cost more, or drive faster, or last longer. But Cadillac still symbolizes the finest in American luxury vehicles. And the 2013 SRX is a great example of why we all love those Cadillacs.
I was quite delighted to learn a new Cadillac SRX AWD Premium Collection edition would be my test car for the week. With a starting price of $50,730, this top of the line model competes with such brand-name luxury cars as the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK Class.
My SRX was equipped with all-wheel drive, (although it’s also available in front wheel drive) with 308-HP 3.6-liter V-6 and 6-speed automatic transmission. Better gas mileage is achieved through Eco mode, and since the SRX runs on regular gasoline instead of premium, that adds up to welcome savings at the pump.
The Cadillac SRX received several design improvements for 2013, with bolder outside styling that included LED light pipes; 18-inch wheels (but the Premium edition came with 20-inch wheels in chrome and polished aluminum); sparkling new colors (mine had a Platinum Ice Tri-coat); and upgraded interior materials.
The SRX has three new colors for 2013 (Evolution Green Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic, and Silver Coast Metallic), all with light Titanium interior color combination and Raven Sapele wood accent. However, I thought the Platinum Ice on the test model was quite beautiful even if it was so last year.
The SRX has top of the line technology with the Cadillac User Interface (CUE). The glossy black central control panel with touch-sensitive buttons provides instant confirmation that you have activated the right function. The steering wheel and instrument panel with its bright gauges all help the driver perform at top capacity.
CUE can provide radio streams from Internet radio, HD radio, Bluetooth, or other digital ports including an illuminated USB port accessible from the dashboard. A backseat entertainment system also has the capability of playing games, music, or DVDs.
Standard safety features on the Premium Collection model include a few that were optional or unavailable on lower SRX: Safety Alert Seat, Lane Departure Warning, and Forward Collision Alert. My test model also included the optional Driver Assist Package, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Collision Preparation, and Front and Rear Automatic Braking.
Plus OnStar, a General Motors feature that I dearly love, since it has guided me safely and efficiently through many a road trip adventure. One of these days I will write an entire column on how OnStar came to my rescue.
The test model had an MSRP of $50,730 but options such as the rear seat entertainment system (which would be priceless with kids on a long trip) added $1,595 and the Driver Assist Package added an additional $2,395. Add in the $995 for the Platinum Ice Tricoat (which is really beautiful) and $895 for the 20-inch chrome wheels for total options of $5,880, plus destination charges of $895, and you arrive at the total price for the test model: $57,505.
Gas mileage is estimated at 18 mpg (16 in town and 23 on the highway) or 5.4 gallons per 100 miles. Luckily, it’s not premium but regular gas that you are buying for this Premium edition SRX.
Jo Ann Holt is a journalist and car columnist based in Dallas and a member of Texas Automobile Writers Association (TAWA).
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