2010 Cadillac SRX

When the 2010 Cadillac SRX arrived in my driveway for a test drive, I was preparing for a trip north with my family. Talk about perfect timing! If I'd had the option to pick any crossover for our road trip, the SRX would have been my choice. It's packed with luxurious appointments for the front and backseat passengers, including a rear entertainment system. That's a beautiful sight for any parent psyching themselves up for a three-hour ride with the family.

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This crossover, with its sharp exterior and lush interior, has amazing cargo space, which is a must on any long trip with the family. It held our cooler, suitcases and beach equipment with ease.

In the driver's seat, I enjoyed an elevated view and great forward visibility. Of course, I also enjoyed the SRX's turbocharged V-6, which allowed me to keep pace with all the other cars rushing north for some R & R. I liked the SRX's agility and quick-to-respond braking, which were gained without taking obvious or drastic weight reduction measures from the crossover. All the doors were solid and hefty, with no tinny "ding" when closed. Instead, each offered an assuring "thud" with every entrance and exit.

My loaded test car, a SRX Turbo Premium, will set car shoppers back $53,980. The base model starts at $33,830, so a lower price point does exist.

EXTERIOR

Redesigned for 2010, the SRX caught my eye right away. It's sharp-looking. Literally. The body comes to a point both in the front and back. This car looks so good and represents GM's attempt to grab the attention of younger buyers and more aggressive drivers. That said, my dad, who's in his 50s, liked the SRX's looks as much as I did.

The SRX sits just high enough off the ground to give the driver a great view of the road. That same stance, however, caused problems for little ones trying to get in and out of their second-row seats. The second-row's doors didn't open wide enough for my kids (or me when I tried it), and the step-in height was significant enough that my boys had to climb onto the floor and then climb up into their seats. Between the small door openings and the limited floor space, this was a tough maneuver for them.

Front-row passengers have a much easier time getting in and out of the crossover since the doors and openings are larger.

Space isn't an issue in the huge cargo area. A power liftgate with programmable height positioning, which allows the liftgate to open to a preprogrammed height, makes life with luggage and/or groceries simple.

My test car, the Turbo Premium with all-wheel drive, is the top-of-line trim. It boasts a 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6, and yes, it was quick. Despite the spec sheet saying regular gasoline would do the trick in the five-seater, the sticker on the fuel door requested premium. I obliged ... begrudgingly. The SRX gets an EPA-estimated 15/22 mpg city/highway. During my week test driving it, I averaged just over 20 mpgs.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great