Compared with its competitors, there are few attributes that make the SRX stand out. Its driving experience is unexceptional, in terms of both excitement and refinement. Interior quality is worlds beyond what GM used to send to the plate, but you still won't revel in the cabin's luxury or marvel at its utility.

If the box office were full of snoozers, I might recommend — reluctantly — a two-and-a-half-star sequel. But this season, the class is brimming with hits. The SRX will charm its share of shoppers, but I'm not sure Cadillac has the makings of a blockbuster.