The 2016 model year is the last for the midsize Cadillac SRX crossover sport-utility, its place in the lineup taken by the sleeker, all-new Cadillac XT5 for 2017. The 2016 Cadillac SRX is a smaller, more maneuverable and more fuel-efficient midsize alternative to the full-size Escalade SUV, but by no means is less luxurious. It’s only available in a 5-passenger model and cedes the optional third row and V8 engine to larger competitors.
The SRX comes equipped with a full array of safety gear, including dual front, overhead and front-seat side airbags, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, OnStar crash notification, anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction and stability control. Premium SRX models come standard with safety alert seat technology, lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert and Intellibeam high-beam control. Optional on most models is adaptive cruise control and automatic front and rear braking, While it doesn’t have the Escalade’s ability to carry more than five passengers or tote big cargo, the compact SRX offers up to 29.9 cu ft. of cargo space behind the rear seat and 61.1 cu ft. with the rear seat folded. It’s rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The 2016 Cadillac SRX continues with the smartphone-like CUE in-vehicle user interface featuring touch-panel controls for infotainment and climate control. Also standard is OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and in-car Wi-Fi. The peppy direct-injected 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 remains the SRX’s sole power plant.
What We Like
Ample performance; stylish exterior; quiet interior; 3.6-liter V6 uses regular fuel; good handling; pop-up navigation screen; standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems
What We Don’t
Hard seat cushions; harsh ride impacts; poor outward visibility; no spare tire; CUE touch-panel interface has a steep learning curve
Fuel Economy & Engine Specs
The 2016 SRX is equipped with a direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 that produces 308 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque on regular unleaded fuel. Unlike some other luxury crossovers, premium fuel is not required. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the V6 delivers good all-around performance. Available all-wheel drive adds an electronic limited-slip differential for improved traction and control. Equipped with front-wheel drive, the 3.6-liter V6 is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while AWD models receive an 16 mpg city/23 mpg hwy rating. The maximum tow rating is 3,500 pounds. A driver-selectable Eco mode delivers earlier upshifts to save fuel. Active noise cancellation — which feeds through the audio system speakers — helps diminish ambient noise.
Standard Features & Options
The 2016 SRX comes in base, Luxury, Performance and Premium trims.
The base SRX is FWD only and features the CUE user interface, standard Bluetooth phone connectivity, OnStar with turn-by-turn directions and 4G LTE broadband connectivity, SiriusXM radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with remote audio controls, remote keyless entry, an 8-speaker Bose AM/FM/CD stereo, automatic headlamps, a power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, 18-in alloy wheels, HD Radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, three USB ports, an SD card slot, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with a cargo pass-through, power doors, power windows and heated power mirrors.
Moving up to the Luxury adds the option of AWD, plus standard leather seating, Sapele wood interior trim, heated power front seats with driver’s-seat memory, a heated leather-and-wood steering wheel, a power moonroof, a power lift gate, power folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, adjustable pedals, rain-sensing wipers, keyless access, a garage-door opener, interior ambient lighting, chrome roof rails, a cargo shade and cargo management system, front and rear park assist and a backup camera. Popular options include a 10-speaker DVD audio system, 2-screen rear-seat DVD entertainment with headphones and Blu-ray compatibility and a navigation system with a 7-in touchscreen.
The Performance trim gains a standard adaptive suspension, fog lamps, navigation, Bose 10-speaker Surround Sound DVD audio, a rear camera, HID headlamps with adaptive forward lighting, variable-effort speed-sensing steering and 20-in wheels.
The Premium trim includes the same offerings as the Performance package, plus rear air conditioning and audio controls, heated outboard rear seats and ventilated front seats.
Pricing
Midsize luxury crossovers are a hot commodity in the new-car market, and that popularity makes clean, low-mileage used versions equally desirable. For a good idea of the 2016 SRX’s price range, check out the used-car values at KBB.com. You can also search the Autotrader Classifieds to see what models are for sale in your area. Related: 2015 Cadillac SRX Review.
Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued no safety recalls for the 2016 SRX as of this writing.
Recall repairs are required by law, even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed and, if not, will fix the car at no charge to you.
Safety Ratings & Warranties
NHTSA scored the 2016 Cadillac SRX at five stars overall: four stars for frontal impacts, five for side-impact performance and four stars for rollover resistance.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2016 SRX Good scores for moderate-overlap front- and side-impact crash tests, as well as roof strength, head-restraint and seat crash performance.
Cadillac covered the 2016 SRX with a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a transferable 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 6-year/unlimited-mile corrosion-perforation warranty and 6 years/70,000 miles of roadside assistance
Cadillac certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles must have entered service within the last four years. Every CPO Cadillac SRX undergoes a 172-point inspection. Those that pass receive a limited vehicle warranty that kicks in after the original bumper-to-bumper factory warranty expires and covers the vehicle up to 6 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date. CPO status also includes three months of SiriusXM radio and OnStar coverage, roadside assistance and trip-interruption coverage. The warranty is fully transferable.
Other Cars to Consider
2016 BMW X3 — The 2016 X3 still looks and performs like a baby X5, offering a fuel-sipping 180-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel to the 240-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas turbo and 300-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter six in its engine lineup, all hooked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is available with the 4-cylinder gas engine and AWD on all engines. All versions are fun to drive. Related: 2016 BMW X3 Review.
2016 Lexus RX 350 — The strong-selling Lexus RX is all-new for 2016, featuring dramatically chiseled styling, a wide-screen infotainment display and an extra-large spindle-shaped grille. It continues with a 3.5-liter V6, now makin 295 hp and teamed with a new, slick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. The RX offers a smooth ride, generous cabin and cargo space, and its fit, finish and materials are top-notch. It’s available with FWD or AWD, as well as a hybrid version dubbed the RX 450h. Related: 2016 Lexus RX 350 Review.
Autotrader’s Advice
The Luxury trim is our preferred choice for a used 2016 SRX, as it offers leather seating, smoother-riding 18-in tires, available navigation, rear-seat entertainment and the option of AWD. The 2016 SRX’s standard CUE user interface will take some getting used to as it relies on a smartphone-like touch panel without traditional knobs or buttons to operate the climate control and infotainment systems. Look for a CPO model if available and, if not, select a well-cared-for, low-mileage example. Always check with the dealer to make sure all applicable safety recalls have been performed.
