Has Cadillac's SRX Just Outclassed Lexus RX350 To Become The Best Crossover On the Market?

This is the game changer for Cadillac.

Lexus is the best-selling luxury brand in the U.S., and the RX crossover is Lexus' best-selling model. It's the vehicle for everyone with money -- the practical people-mover for people with a multi-car garage full of exotics; the entry-luxury model for the upper-middle-class leasing slightly beyond their means; the wheels of choice for those who were lucky enough to get a second mortgage on their McMansions before the credit market imploded. This Lexus is for old money, too, its anonymous, transportation pod styling whispering, "We're too cool for a minivan."

Design is how Cadillac most seriously takes on the Lexus. Whereas the RX 350 is soft-looking and amorphous, the 2010 SRX is sharp, hard-edged and wedgy, playing Cadillac "Art & Science" design language to the hilt, from the vertically rectangular headlamp covers that extend to a point atop the front fenders to the LED taillamps designed to evoke 1950s tailfins.

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dumpsty - 6/30/2009 10:06:41 AM

+7 Boost

Even though, I really don't like the moving nav screen in the SRX, the overall interior is really nice. I don't like the new instrument panels in the RX, looks like their made an error somewhere in the order to the supplier. I have confidence in the new, smaller SRX. I know RX's are nice, but everybody's got one (whether well-off or rich). The SRX would be the new fashion statement that says my small luxury SUV doesn't have be semi-bland.

fatandsassy - 6/30/2009 10:12:37 AM

+9 Boost

Look at the fit and finish. The Cadillac is gracefull and looks like a awesome drive for men and women. No man with respect would be caught driving an RX.

Agent009 - 6/30/2009 10:15:21 AM

+4 Boost

Honestly in this case the Lexus RX is simply not changing enough to keep up with the competition.

If you are in the lead you can only take baby steps for so long when the rest are moving by leaps and bounds.

0to60 - 6/30/2009 11:00:24 AM

+11 Boost

To bad its not in sales.

answer - 6/30/2009 11:36:09 AM

+5 Boost

"again" ??

ucla95 - 6/30/2009 11:43:27 AM

+7 Boost

Re: 'too bad it's not in sales' -- +1,000,000

bfghemicuda - 6/30/2009 10:56:56 AM

+3 Boost

Not a GM fan but way to go

Camryman - 7/1/2009 5:17:10 PM

+1 Boost

I agree. I think the new RX is a solid vehicle but I was a little disappointed in the 2010 redesign because, to me Lexus should have updated the styling more than they actually did. To me Lexus got too complacent and now the comp has caught up. Looks like Cadillac has a winner if the SRX is anywhere near as reliable a piece as the RX is. I would defiantly consider the new SRX over the RX.

pennfootball - 6/30/2009 10:57:28 AM

+6 Boost

From an engineering standpoint the SRX has a superior AWD system with active differentials that can transfer power to the front to the back to the LEFT and to the RIGHT Wheels. The Lexus issed open differentials and has a quazi b/s traction control "electronic" limited slip that applies the rear brakes to a slipping wheel. This is not a limited slip differential and has no match to the SRX's electronic rear diff made by Halodex, the same company that makes the Mitsubishi EVO X's active diff.

The lexus has more power and a semi cooler nav toy, and might be slightly more reliable but is not as sporty, and designed for a bleached blond woman to take to the grocery store to flash her 3 carat diamond.

DeeDogg - 6/30/2009 11:02:54 AM

+5 Boost

Why are you hating on bleached blond woman with 3 carat diamond?

Hater...

AgentOrange - 6/30/2009 11:05:19 AM

+5 Boost

The SRX looks like one kick-ass machine.
Definitely better looking than the Lexus.

_43LE - 6/30/2009 11:45:56 AM

+3 Boost

+1

_43LE - 6/30/2009 12:37:16 PM

+4 Boost

Stumpy, don't be bitter because no one likes you here and you make no sense.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 6/30/2009 12:46:22 PM

0 Boost

the caddy is slower, uses more gas, inferior in build quality, inferior in options, but the plus is it is more 'dynamic' and therefore it wins. thats great.

inspirion7 - 6/30/2009 7:03:09 PM

+2 Boost

With large pockets.

Denali - 6/30/2009 1:18:18 PM

-1 Boost

imo...ill take the caddy without questions

overall, RX ALONE outsell Caddy entire line...FACT

the winner RX

LexusKindaGuy12 - 6/30/2009 3:53:18 PM

+1 Boost

real mature. Notice the RX had the rear seat entertainment system (dual screens), which is a 5K options. Without that, the Caddy is only 3K cheaper. I think a lot of people would be willing to spend that kind of money to not get a POS american car and get something that is actually worth something

LexusKindaGuy12 - 6/30/2009 3:54:32 PM

0 Boost

and the sales stats prove it. Hmm lets recap, which company is going bankrupts? clearly not the one that you say produces the better car. get over it, GM hasnt made anything good since...well ever

theoptimisticpessimist - 6/30/2009 4:36:35 PM

+1 Boost

Wait, why am I on this page I loathe this class of cars.

lexworld - 6/30/2009 6:59:08 PM

-1 Boost

here we go again.........when the going gets tough GM will stick a corvette engine in this thing, change the interior and exterior cosmetics a little and you guys will swear its a new SRX. Quality wont change only ego from an egineering stand point. If you'd ask me id say Lexus is playing its cards very smart here. Small mover as she goes, let the rest run flat out of ideas and drop it on'em just like they did with the Lexus LF-A. 50% Beauty + 50% Beast.

JUGNU - 6/30/2009 7:19:11 PM

0 Boost

In those side by side photos, RX is looking better to me. More rounded and mature design then cadillac's funky too-many-curves and edges design. Same is true for interior also.

JUGNU

pennfootball - 7/1/2009 10:11:04 AM

0 Boost

The Caddy Driver doesn't need a woman...he can say no to that and buy a hooker when needed with his pimp hat and gold cane.