DETROIT—Cadillac has downsized its next-generation 2010 SRX. The midsize luxury crossover must compete with the Lexus RX350, Acura MDX, BMW X3 and X5; so unlike the previous version, the shape of this new SRX is more in line with the rest of the class. The new SRX will be joined in the Cadillac lineup by a CTS sport wagon later in the year.

The SRX will be built at the GM plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, and will offer a choice of two six-cylinder engines new to Cadillac, the smallest-displacement engines it offers in North America. A 3.0-liter direct-injected V6 engine that delivers 260 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This is a smaller-displacement version of the 3.6-liter engine in the CTS sport sedan. Cadillac says direct injection offers a 25 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions, and that fuel economy in the mid-20s on the highway is expected. The 3.0-liter engine also uses variable valve timing for improvements in low-end grunt as well as fuel economy.

A 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 generating 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque—an engine first developed for use in the Saab 9-3X—is optional on the SRX. This makes the new SRX the first turbocharged Cadillac ever offered in the U.S. market.

The 3.0-liter engine will use a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control and a driver-selectable "eco mode" that lowers transmission shift points to maximize fuel economy. The 2.8 turbo engine will use a Warner Aisin six-speed automatic with higher ratios and manual control.

The unibody SRX, built on an entirely new "TE" platform, will be offered in front- or optional all-wheel-drive. The Swedish Haldex AWD system, also borrowed from Saab, includes an electronic limited-slip differential that distributes torque from side to side in the rear axle, as well as from front to rear. The system can transfer up to 100 percent of torque to the wheel that has more grip, and the eLSD can apply more or less torque to either of the rear wheels to help the rear end track properly. The suspension includes a real-time damping system on AWD models that constantly adjusts shock damping in response to road conditions.

The new SRX rides on a shorter wheelbase and a wider track than the previous model. It's also taller and has more cargo space inside (29.2 cu ft with the rear seat up, 61 cu ft with the rear seat down, with an EPA interior volume of 100.6 cu ft). SRX will come with strut front suspension and H-arm rear suspension and, at 4200 pounds base curb weight, can tow up to 3500 pounds. It will come with 18-in. wheels as standard, and 20-in. wheels are offered.

Electronic systems highlights include a navigation screen that rises from the dash with three-dimensional imaging. There's also adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps with the steering wheel; a power liftgate with an adjustable height setting to avoid hitting garage doors or ceilings; an integrated hard disc drive for audio storage; a dual-screen system for rear entertainment; Bluetooth and OnStar.

The SRX's body features heavy use of high strength martensitic steel in its fully enclosed rocker sections to protect against intrusion during a side-impact crash. Standard safety features include ABS, traction control, ESC, head-curtain side airbags, front seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side airbags, rollover mitigation sensors, a pedal release system and trailer stability assist.

Expect to see the new SRX in showrooms in the second quarter of this year. —Jim McCraw