Cadillac did a good job with the SRX's ride. It's firm enough that it doesn't wallow or give you a weird floating sensation when moving down the road. It also absorbs bumps and potholes well, especially considering our SRX came with optional 20-inch wheels (18-inch wheels are standard.)

Also, while the SRX isn't designed to be a sports car, it held the road well and was composed when charging up and down highway on-ramps, and while making quick direction changes in traffic.

The SRX's steering also helps out in this regard. It responds quickly and without a lot of play when you turn the wheel, and the system isn't over-boosted so there's no feedback. It's not a chore to steer around parking lots, either. The steering is well-executed and really matches up to the suspension.

As I drove this car, I kept thinking that if Cadillac would just sort out the transmission quirks and spend some time on the brakes, with the SRX's impressive power and suspension, it would have something that really holds its own with the best in the class.

Not only is the SRX a nice, manageable size, it feels manageable, too. Sometimes a car can feel like it's bigger than it really is, or it can feel cumbersome. The SRX, on the other hand, feels small and easy to park right from the get-go.