The name stays the same, but the SRX is very different from its past. In its first-life, the rear wheel drive SRX had an optional V8 and a third row seat. In its new life, the SRX is front wheel drive (also available with all wheel drive), is sold only with V6 engine choices (3.0-liter direct injected and 2.8-liter turbocharged) and does not offer a third seating row. There’s a lot to like about the 2010 SRX. One of the first things to pop out (in a literal sense) is the navigation system. After a push-button start, put the midsize crossover in reverse gear and an 8-inch touch screen—complete with three-dimensional imaging—pops up from the dashboard to show what’s behind the vehicle. Beyond the screen (also the interface point for navigation), the interior gets noticed for other reasons. For instance, use a turn signal and the middle of three dashboard gauges illuminates on the side the vehicle will turn.

SRX’s new chiseled exterior is as attention grabbing as the vehicle’s nimbleness. An electronic limited slip differential enables distribution of torque from front to rear axle and side-to-side. The standard fare list on the SRX is plentiful, including power adjustable pedals, heated rear seats, adaptive forward headlamps, and front and rear parking assist. An optional entertainment system features dual rear screens with wireless headphones and remote control. The front wheel drive Cadillac SRX Premium Collection vehicle when powered by the 3.0-liter V6 (265 horsepower at 6950 rpm and 223 pounds-feet of torque at 5100 rpm) gets estimated mpg of 18 city/25 highway and carries a MSRP of $43,895.