Interior Style

The SRX's interior has the same commitment to angular surfaces as the exterior, and it looks cohesive throughout the cabin. Our test model came with an optional moonroof that covered two rows of seats, and that really brightened things up inside.

The gauges also have a nice look to them. There's a "Christmas light" edging to the speedometer that blinks in unison with the turn signals. Other editors were completely turned off by this, but I thought it looked OK at night, at least. From there, things go downhill.

The center control panel is the lowest low for me. For starters, it looks like it was grafted over from any one of the Chevrolets I've driven lately, and that's bad for two reasons: First, if I'm spending more than $50,000 for a car (the as-tested price), I'd like something that, if not unique, at least looks upscale.

Second, of all the layouts out there, this is not the one Cadillac wanted to clone. It's extremely busy and counterintuitive, and there's no way to distinguish among all the buttons by feel, meaning you always have to look for which button to push. And why the rotary knobs are laid out the way they are is beyond me; one of the tuning knobs is close to the button that allows you to change between radio bands (FM, AM, XM), but it feels like it should be in the spot taken by the volume knob. Other elements, including the exposed cupholders, the center storage bin and the pedals, don't really say "luxury" either. Another Cars.com editor said everything below elbow-level isn't great, and I can't disagree.

    See also:

    Cruise Control Messages
    APPLY BRAKE BEFORE CRUISE If this message displays when attempting to activate cruise control, apply the brake pedal and try again. CRUISE SET TO XXX This message displays when the cruise co ...

    Roof Rack System
    WARNING If something is carried on top of the vehicle that is longer or wider than the roof rack—like paneling, plywood, or a mattress—the wind can catch it while the vehicle is being driven. The ...

    Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
    WARNING! Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Stor ...