In front-, side- and rear-impact tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the SRX earned the top score of Good. It hasn't been subjected to IIHS' roof-crush tests, so it's not eligible for the organization's 2010 Top Safety Pick status. Of this group, the XC60 is the only contender to earn that title.

Standard safety features on the SRX include six airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system. Click here to see the full list.

The base SRX starts at $33,330 and includes vinyl upholstery — or leatherette, as it's often marketed — plus a Bose CD stereo with an MP3 jack, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power driver's seat. Move up the chain, and you can get a power passenger seat, a USB/iPod-compatible stereo with surround-sound technology, a navigation system, a panoramic moonroof, a third climate zone for rear passengers, heated rear seats, and heated and ventilated front seats.

Base trims come only with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive runs an extra $2,495 on the Luxury trim and $3,645 on Luxury and Premium trims. The sport-tuned adaptive suspension, included on all-wheel-drive Luxury and Premium models, accounts for the $1,150 difference. On all-wheel-drive Luxury and Premium models, the turbo V-6 adds $3,820.

Load up an all-wheel-drive, turbocharged SRX Premium, and the sticker runs just shy of $55,000.