Like the second-generation CTS that introduced this era of Cadillac interiors, the SRX's cabin is logically arrayed and a handsome bit of work. The controls have decent quality, and the gauges offer a quick read, aided by an LCD screen that displays digital mph or other information. Get the optional navigation system, and it rises out of the dashboard, using theatrics similar to those of the CTS nav screen. It's a user-friendly setup, with decent graphics, a touch-screen interface and plenty of shortcut buttons.

I'm less enthusiastic about the cabin materials. Genuine wood trim and upholstery-stitched dashboard panels add an upscale touch, but the frosted silver plastic around the steering wheel and center controls drag the quality down — especially when a number of competitors gird their cabins with real aluminum.

The front seats are supportive and comfortable, with good adjustment range for drivers of varying sizes. However, some may find that the SRX's low roofline hurts the view through the windshield, and a combination of factors — narrowing back-door windows, tiny rear-quarter windows and large C-pillars — make for a hefty blind spot.

The backseat has adequate headroom and legroom, but I found the bottom cushions to be on the short side; the seat sat too low for my 5-foot-11-inch frame to get adequate thigh support. The seats fold down for 61.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. That's down 8.3 cubic feet versus last year, but it's competitive for this price range.
Cargo Room Compared
Base price Behind 2nd row (cu. ft.) Behind 1st row (cu. ft.)
Volvo XC60 $32,395 30.8 67.4
Acura RDX $32,520 27.8 60.6
Cadillac SRX $33,330 29.2 61.2
Infiniti EX35 $33,800 18.6 47.4
Mercedes-Benz GLK350 $34,600 23.3 54.7
Land Rover LR2 $35,500* 26.7 58.9
Lexus RX 350 $37,250 40.0 80.3
Audi Q5 $37,350* 29.1 57.3
Lincoln MKX $38,345 32.3 68.6
BMW X3 $38,750* 30.0 71.0
*Denotes models with standard AWD. Others have 2WD standard.
Source: Automaker data