Overview

What Changed for 2008:

• Adaptive remote start system


• New 18-inch and 20-inch Wheel Sport packages


• New UltraView sunroof with 5.6 sq. ft. of open space above first and second rows


• New UltraView Plus sunroof fixed glass plus power shade over third row

Overview
The 2008 Cadillac SRX is basically unchanged from 2007, when it was heavily updated. A new Sport Appearance package is available this year, along with an adaptive remote start system, but most of the other changes are minor. First introduced in 2004, the midsize SRX was Cadillac's first crossover sport utility model. According to Cadillac, the SRX boasts the longest wheelbase in the segment, seating up to 7 passengers when equipped with the optional third-row seat. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac CTS sedan, the SRX has a low center of gravity and improved ride and handling compared to larger, truck-based SUVs, Cadillac says. Competitors for the SRX include the Acura MDX, Volvo XC90 and Lexus RX 350.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Cadillac SRX is available with either a V-6 or V-8 engine under the hood. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on both 6- and 8-cylinder models. Standard equipment on the V-6 includes a power rear liftgate; driver information center; leather front bucket seats; split-folding adjustable leather second-row seats; and dual-zone climate control. V-6 optional packages include the V-6 Luxury Collection, Convenience, Premium Seating, and Theater packages. The V-8 standard equipment list includes the Convenience and Premium Seating packages. There are three optional packages for the V-8, including the V-8 Premium Luxury Collection, the Utility package and the Theater package.

Options on the SRX include an UltraView sunroof that offers 5.6 sq. ft. of space above the first and second rows. Also available as an option is the UltraView Plus with power sunshade that adds a fixed glass roof over the third row.

New for 2008 is the optional SRX Wheel Sport package, available in either 18-inch or 20-inch wheel sizes. The 18-inch Wheel Sport package with 18-inch cast aluminum wheels is available with RWD and AWD, while the 20-inch package (20-inch polished aluminum wheels) is only available on the AWD SRX. Both include the Driver's package (limited-slip differential, RWD only; Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps with integrated washers); sport grille; dual chrome exhaust tips; front and rear sport fascias; and chrome roof rails.

Powertrain
Two engines are available in the 2008 Cadillac SRX: a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with variable valve timing (VVT) that delivers 255 hp at 6500 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque at 2800 rpm, and a 4.6-liter, Northstar V-8 engine with VVT producing 320 hp at 6400 rpm and 315 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. The V-6 engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with electronically controlled shifts and Driver Shift Control (clutchless manual operation). The V-8 engine uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the 2WD V-6 engine is estimated at 15 mpg city/ 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway for the AWD. For the V-8 engine, the 2WD and AWD EPA estimates are 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway. Standard on every 2008 Cadillac is a 5-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain limited warranty with no deductible, 24/7 roadside assistance and courtesy transportation.

Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Cadillac SRX receives a 4-star rating for driver and front passenger in frontal crash testing, and a 5-star rating for side-impact crash tests. In NHTSA rollover tests, the SRX receives a 3-star rating for 2WD and a 4-star rating for the AWD configuration. The 2008 Cadillac SRX features driver and front passenger dual stage air bags and seat-mounted side-impact air bags, along with front and second-row outboard passenger head curtain air bags, and lap and shoulder belts for all occupants and pre-tensioners for driver and front passenger. Standard are 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system and brake assist; 4-channel electronic stability control system; and speed-sensitive steering. Magnetic Ride Control is optional.

Technology
The 2008 Cadillac SRX offers a Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound system plus voice recognition with DVD navigation; GPS-based, 6.5-inch touch screen with voice and text guidance; and DVD playback (with transmission in park mode only) as a free-standing option, or as part of the V-6 or V-8 Theater package, or the V-8 Premium Luxury Collection package. Also available on the V-8 is an entertainment system with rear-seat DVD player with liquid crystal diode display, wireless headphones and remote control. Included with all SRX models is three free months of XM satellite radio and one year of OnStar Directions & Connections and Turn-by-Turn Navigation.