You know, when Cadillac introduced the new front end styling a few years ago, I thought they looked like angry kitchen appliances or something. But you know, driving this lovely SRX around town, it's starting to grow on me.

The new version of the SRX is smaller, more stylish, more economical and cheaper than the original. Oh, and it's also much better.

And that's saying something, because the first generation was a terrific truck. But we are in a new era and so gone is the Northstar V8 and seating for 8. The limit is 6 now, and the engine choices are of the 6-cylinder variety. Actually, there's only one choice. Under the hood of our swoopy SRX is the new 3.6-liter, 308 horsepower V6, which is the same lovely mill that powers the Chevy Equinox.

Trouble is, in the Caddy weighs considerably more than the same size Chevy at over 4200 pounds, so the little six works a bit harder. That said, it's a lively little beast and starting at $36,000, 50 for our Premium Collection model, it's a gorgeous trucklet.

Inside, if you're going to pay that much money, it should look it. And it does. The interior is beautifully laid out, with supple leather, real stitching, genuine wood and lots of nice shiny bits, plus a keyless ignition. It is all assembled better than the last Lexus RX I drove and that's saying something.

The tailgate opens up to a huge cargo area, and there's even a button that controls how high it opens. Look up gadget overkill in your Webster's and you'll see a picture of this button.

Economy with the SRX is rated at 17 city, 24 highway, but I averaged 21 per gallon for the week.

Handling is good, no, make that very good. And the new V6 is so much better than the 3-liter it replaces, it's like somebody woke the truck up.

Cadillac's slogan used to be the Standard of the World. I think they can start using that again.

 

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