Cadillac SRX Pictures, Accesories & Performance

Third Place: Cadillac SRX V8 AWD cont...
On the wet racetrack, the SRX behaved similar to the BMW: terminal understeer requiring slower entry in most corners. The Cadillac's all-wheel-drive system relies on three open differentials and a host of monitoring devices to manage wheelspin through selective brake application. When the system detects loss of traction at a wheel, a brake is applied to the spinning culprit and power is routed to the wheel(s) with traction.

The problem here was both front wheels weren't spinning, but skidding wide of our intended path. We suspect the SRX's all-wheel-drive system is designed for, and is better suited to, getting a driver out of a slippery or icy situation from a stop rather than enhancing at-speed racetrack performance.

The SRX is an eye-catching, comfortable, and fleet-footed luxo-cruiser. It boasts the largest second-row accommodations despite being the only one here with an optional third row of seats for a total of seven-passenger spaces.

The $1800 "UltraView" sunroof practically removes and stows the entire roof for a true open-air driving experience. Keep in mind the base price of the V-8 SRX doesn't include all-wheel drive. It's bundled with the $7145 Luxury Performance package (with the trick shocks and other equipment) or as a $1900 stand-alone option. Cadillac's claim of the SRX being a "performance utility" is backed up by its test-leading acceleration, with the rest of its grades falling midpack.