The Cadillac SRX is a medium-size luxury utility. Like many of the latest crossover vehicles that are based on cars, the SRX feels and drives more like a station wagon than a traditional truck-based sport utility. While Europeans buy lots of station wagons, American buyers have not received them well because of the mom-mobile image. Station wagon fans think wagons are more sophisticated than sport utilities, possibly because they are. The SRX straddles the middle. It has the function and driving performance of a wagon, but a look (and higher seating position) that's suggestive an SUV. Its ride, handling and technology are more sophisticated than most truck-based SUVs.

The SRX features Cadillac's edgy Art and Science design philosophy, introduced on the CTS sedan. People tend to love it or hate it. The SRX looks modern, even futuristic, but doesn't neglect Cadillac's heritage. It was inspired by the original El Dorado, with its exuberant tailfins, that debuted in 1959. The bottom line: If you like the edgy, angular look of the CTS and STS sedans, or the XLR roadster, then you'll like the styling on the SRX. Love it or hate it, it's bold and unabashedly American. You will stand out in a crowd. The styling is getting a little long in the tooth at this point, however.

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