To address this, Cadillac interior designers have revamped the instrument cluster on the 2005 models, adding chrome accents. The V8 model adds wood touches for more warmth. Interior colors include ebony, light neutral and light gray. It's an improvement, but we wish the SRX offered the warmth of the beautiful interior of the all-new 2005 Cadillac STS. We don't care for the chrome surround for the shifter and the typeface used to label the gears; they just don't live up to Cadillac elegance, at least not by the new, higher standards.

Everything is easy to operate, however, with window switches on the doors, right where you expect to find them.

The SRX is roomier than some of its competitors, especially the BMW X5 and Infiniti FX. At 41 inches, the SRX has more rear legroom than other midsize luxury sport-utilities and as much rear hip room as the roomy Acura MDX.

Five-passenger seating is standard, with two rows of seats. The second row powers back and forth for added legroom or added cargo space, a nice feature. The cargo area in the five-passenger model can be outfitted with storage spaces built into the floor under hatch doors.

Seven passengers can fit in the SRX when ordered with the optional third-row bench seat. The third row is not available on many of its competitors, including the BMW X5, Infiniti FX, and Lexus RX. But the third-row seat provides less room, including legroom, than that of the Acura MDX or Volvo XC90. The Cadillac's third-row seat folds flat into the floor with the push of a button near the rear hatch or on the pillar just behind the second row of seats. The third row comes with storage bins and cup holders. Each row of seats sits higher than the one in front of it, like those in a movie theater, so everyone can see out.

Luggage space is about average for the class. The nice, flat, dog-friendly cargo floor behind the second row makes the SRX an excellent vehicle for the fur-bearing members of the family. Roof rails come standard to expand cargo-carrying capability. (Yellowstone here we come!)

Storage cubbies abound and include covered front door compartments, front door map pockets, front seatback pockets, a front center console with two compartments, a bin behind the front console, a glove box with a shelf, covered cup holders in the front seat center console and second seat fold-down armrest with cup holders. SRX also has rear coat hooks accessible from the rear passenger doors or liftgate, good for picking up dry cleaning.

Among the available options, the coolest feature, literally, is its super-sized sunroof. Push the button to open the Ultra View Sunroof and first- and second-row passengers can enjoy 5.6 feet of open air overhead. The Ultra View Plus option even adds a shaded glass sun roof over the third row.