• The Cadillac SRX is a mid-size luxury crossover vehicle that offers all the features Cadillac customers expect, as well as the utility of a five-passenger CUV.
• The SRX is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, and is powered by a new 3.6-liter, direct-injection V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, Stabilitrak electronic stability control, six airbags with occupant sensing system, tire pressure monitor, theft-deterrent system, daytime running lights and OnStar. Available luxury and high-tech features include genuine wood interior trim, adaptive Xenon headlights, rearview camera, navigation system, double-sized glass sunroof, 20" wheels and tires and rain-sensing wipers.
• For 2012, the Cadillac SRX replaces both 2.8-liter and 3.0-liter V6 engines with one new 3.6-liter V6 engine.

Midsize crossovers such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 give the more powerful SRX a run for its money, but we'd take the Cadillac any day over the best-selling Lexus RX. The 20-inch wheels on upper trims have a new finish for 2012. We found the new 3.6-liter V6 smooth, quiet, and responsive. But Cadillac is not content to rest on its laurels, and with good reason. Fortunately, that's been fixed. In just two years, the midsize crossover SUV has ascended from the number nine to the number two midsize luxury crossover on the market.

All-wheel drive is available for all but the base model.

The 3.6-liter engine, based on the one found in the Cadillac CTS, cranks out 308 horsepower (16 percent more than the old version) and 265 pound-feet of torque. A rear U-well rail system uses adjustable sliding bars to keep gear in place, rather than using nets or boxes that rattle.

Fuel economy for the 2012 Cadillac SRX is an EPA-rated 17 mpg City/24 mpg Highway for front-wheel-drive models, and 16/23 mpg for all-wheel-drive models, although it's not clear whether those numbers were achieved using Eco mode.

Upgrades on the 2012 Cadillac SRX include standard Bluetooth hands-free connectivity on all models and a heated steering wheel on all trims except the base. An optional Pet Guard Cargo Net behind the front seats can help keep your dog in back and may help prevent cargo from flying up front in hard braking. As an added bonus, the 2012 Cadillac SRX runs on regular unleaded gasoline, which saves shelling out for premium at the pump. To combat the ticking noise characteristic of direct-injection systems, Cadillac engineers packed on added sound-proofing material in strategic places, which helps to keep the cabin quiet.

With a new 3.6-liter V6 direct injected engine and weight-saving modifications, the 2012 Cadillac SRX is more capable than ever. Forget the fast sedans and the behemoth SUVs. Interior door lock switches have been added to the door panels on 2012 SRX models, although they also remain in the center console. It's also Flex Fuel capable, allowing it to run on E85 ethanol. With the Eco button on, drivers can get up to 1 mpg fuel savings while driving at speeds up to 50 mph.

The 2012 SRX also features a new Eco mode for the 6-speed automatic transmission. Although the SRX has always boasted unique styling, luxurious cabin appointments and the cachet of the Cadillac moniker, the biggest complaint about the previous generation was its lackluster power. Smart cargo solutions appeal to practical senses. The Cadillac SRX is the number-one selling model in the Cadillac lineup.

Inside, the SRX continues to impress with upscale materials and thoughtful design. Front-wheel drive is standard. It's also 20 pounds lighter, thanks to several weight-saving innovations including a plastic intake manifold, lighter connecting rods and exhaust manifolds which are integrated into the heads. New for 2012, the 3.6-liter V6 is the only engine available and replaces the 2011 model's 3.0-liter and 2.8-liter engines.

The 6-speed automatic transmission offers several driver-selectable modes: Eco, Sport, Manual, and Normal.

The Cadillac SRX handles remarkably well, despite being quite a bit heavier than most of its rivals. Thanks to a plethora of sound-deadening material, noise from the direct injection system is mitigated. The 6-speed automatic transmission includes a driver-selectable Eco feature that alters shift points for greater fuel economy. The brakes feel like they're better suited to gradually cruise to a stop and lack the bite of the sportier CTS. Its responsive steering is a refreshing change from the numb feel of the Lexus RX. New for 2012 is a larger, more powerful 3.6-liter V6, which pulls the weight of the Cadillac SRX around with ease. With the Eco mode switched on, the SRX shifts at lower revs, which Cadillac said will save about 1 mpg at speeds of 50 mph or slower.

But the SRX isn't sporty in all respects. We pressed it and noticed it lost some oomph, but we weren't rendered powerless.

The rear seats are split 66/33 and recline through a fairly wide range of adjustment. The leather-clad seats are cushy yet supportive, and we especially welcomed the ventilated seat feature while driving in the afternoon summer sun. The under-floor area can also be used to store an optional spare tire. With the rear DVD entertainment system, flip-up screens are mounted in front seat backs instead of in the headrest, which make them easier to adjust. A Pet Guard Cargo Net is available that can help keep dogs in the back where they belong and may help reduce the chance of stuff flying forward when braking hard, a rare and useful option. Deep door cubbies will fit a variety of gadgets and water bottles. When not in use, the cargo bar stows away in under-floor storage area beneath cargo area. Materials are high-quality and luxurious. A clever U-shaped rail system uses adjustable sliding bars to keep gear in place, rather than using nets or boxes that rattle. Legroom is generous. The steering wheel and pedals are adjustable for maximum safety and comfort.

The number of buttons on the center stack seem overwhelming at first, but they're logically laid out and it doesn't take much time to figure out what's what. On the down side, drivers who travel with a purse or messenger bag will bemoan the lack of a storage hook. We liked the opaque covering over the panoramic sunroof (unlike earlier versions which used translucent coverings that always let light in), but it limits rear headroom for taller passengers.

The cargo area offers 29.2 cubic feet of space with the rear seats in place, and more than 61 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The driver information center is comprehensive, and the navigation screen is easy to use and features real-time traffic and other useful information. The cabin of the Cadillac SRX shines.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Laura Burstein reported from northern California.