Cadillac’s new SRX is the standard of the United States, if not the world

The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing (VVT) mated to a French-built, five-speed automatic transmission. Making 255 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque, this V6 provides 90 percent of its peak twist over a wide rev range from 1,600 rpm to 5,800 rpm. The available 4.6-liter Northstar V8 also includes VVT and routes power to the pavement through a slightly modified five-speed automatic transmission. It makes 320 horsepower and 315 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are equipped with drive-by-wire throttle control, and properly equipped the 2004 Cadillac SRX will tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Both transmissions include Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL - which prevents upshifts during spirited driving), electronically controlled engine braking and downgrade detection with brake assist. Muscular V8 models benefit from Performance Algorithm Shift (PAS - which automatically downshifts during hard cornering to anticipate the proper gear before the driver tries to accelerate out of a turn) just in case the driver wishes to hot-shoe the Cadillac SRX through some twisty bits. With a near perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution and a low center of gravity, the SRX proves to be as sporting to drive as some performance-minded sedans.