Cadillac SRX: 0-60 & Quarter Mile Times

‍More about the Cadillac SRX

The Cadillac SRX is considered a crossover SUV, literally meaning that it has a bench seat in the back for 3 people - and isn’t to be confused with the much larger full size SUV like the Cadillac Escalade. The SRX is great for drivers who seek a quiet, smooth ride with good infotainment and some power, though based on the acceleration times provided, the SRX isn’t what we could call a performance vehicle. The SRX is more suited for people who want to carry a few things with them and have a reasonably high ride height while also having the acceleration and torque needed to get onto the highway well in brisk traffic.

Cadillac stopped making the SRX in 2016, so a 2016 Cadillac SRX is what we’ll use for most of our measurements.

Cadillac SRX specs and quarter mile times

Let’s start with some information about what powers the Cadillac SRX. Cadillac powers the SRX with a 3.6-liter 308 hp engine capable of 265 lb ft of torque. The vehicle also weighs on average just over 2 and a quarter tons - so it isn’t exactly light - but consider the weight a positive as heavier cars generally have more noise dampening foam and safety features.

Cadillac SRX models with All Wheel Drive are clocked in doing the 0 to 60 at 6.2 seconds while front wheel drive models can get the Cadillac SRX 0 60 in 6.7 seconds. This sounds odd in part because the All Wheel Drive Cadillac SRX is about 250 pounds heavier, but the Cadillac SRX 0 60 is likely faster with all wheel drive because the rear wheels are also powered by the drivetrain and give the Cadillac SRX the ability to accelerate just a bit faster. The front wheel drive models of the Cadillac SRX are a little slower with less weight because the rear wheels are not active.

You’ll see a similar difference in the quarter mile run times. While the SRX isn’t exactly a quarter mile car, all wheel drive models can drive the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds while hitting a top speed of 92. Curiously, the front wheel drive models are slower at 15.1 seconds though they hit a top speed of 96. This generally means that the Cadillac SRX with front-wheel drive can accelerate faster over a longer period but has less torque.

What goes into quarter mile and 0 to 60 timing for the Cadillac SRX?

Quarter miles and 0 to 60 times aren’t truly official and are usually documented in a magazine like Road and Track or Car and Driver. These kinds of drivers are usually measured under the best possible conditions, with a dry road on a non windy day with a professional driver who understands the vehicle well. With that said, your mileage certainly may vary with the Cadillac SRX.

Another element that makes the quarter mile a good but not perfect indicator of acceleration is whether or not electronics are used. Technically, a speed test should be measured from a standstill.  Some magazines use a pressure sensor in the gas pedal to start measuring the instant you push down on the pedal. Others wait until the vehicle actually moves forward, which takes a second with most internal combustion vehicles.

That’s a long, technical way of saying that the quarter mile and Cadillac SRX 0 60 times are relevant if you want to know how fast the SRX launches on a freeway ramp or when accelerating compared to other vehicles.

The scenarios in which this might matter are more relevant to just a couple of areas: drag racing and maybe getting out of trouble when overtaking another vehicle. If you find yourself in traffic and having an issue getting away from a dangerous car or escaping something else, the 0 to 60 time might help, as well as the quarter mile. Some people also just like the feeling of being thrown back a bit in their seat! You can definitely feel the acceleration going from 0-60 mph.

We also don’t really think you are going to take the Cadillac SRX to the drag strip though we absolutely hope you have loads of fun if you do!

Are there advantages to All Wheel Drive in the SRX besides faster speeds?

In most cases, a vehicle might have a different 0-60 speed or quarter mile time because of differences in engine horsepower. The Cadillac SRX is different from a quarter mile car because it only offers one engine size, but different drive trains.

In addition to offering a slightly faster time to speed, the SRX also has a very useful All Wheel Drive feature which generally helps you grip better in hazardous weather conditions simply by being able to apply power to all wheels.

Is the Cadillac SRX a fast vehicle?

To be honest, most drivers won’t buy the Cadillac SRX for its speed or acceleration abilities. While the Cadillac SRX is not a slow vehicle, you could find a faster SUV, though you are either going to spend a lot more money buying an SUV with a larger engine and similar features and comfort, or get rid of the extra comfort with a vehicle from Dodge or Ford, which are more known to put faster engines in lighter vehicles.

To determine if you think you should buy a Cadillac SRX or not, our best suggestion is to take one for an extended test drive. Dealerships will often let you drive within a few miles of their location, but try to get it on the highway more -and let the exhilaration of accelerating in a nice, detailed vehicle wear off a bit. If the Cadillac SRX is not fast enough for you, consider shopping for a different vehicle that fits your performance needs.

In many cases, the SRX is going to be totally fine for the average driver and the Cadillac SRX 0 60 times will be irrelevant. The decisions are entirely up to the driver - but we wouldn’t factor the Cadillac SRX 0 60 times into decision making ourselves.

For people who are seeking a faster Cadillac, the XT series might be a better option. Also note that the SRX is no longer made anyway, so unless you are seeking a used Cadillac SRX, you won’t be able to find one new. The most recent is a 2016 Cadillac SRX.  To be fair, there are many manufacturers developing midsize SUV upcoming cars, so what you like should be available soon if it isn’t now.

Why was the Cadillac SRX discontinued?

This is a great question. In some cases, even popular cars get discontinued. Another fact is that similar cars' MSRP are more competitive and Cadillac may not be satisfied with the sales performance of the 2014 Cadillac SRX or the 2015 Cadillac SRX.

Overall, the SRX is also in a crowded class with many highly competitive models. While well equipped, there is a reason why Cadillac stopped selling it.