The 4.6-liter V8 delivers lots of power. Cadillac's latest-generation Northstar V8 is rated at 320 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. With the V8, the SRX can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds (6.9 seconds for the heavier all-wheel-drive version), according to Cadillac. The SRX V8 never disappointed us on mountain roads in Arizona, and always had plenty of smooth power in reserve. The Northstar is the sort of engine that makes you want to floor the accelerator just to feel the thrust as speed builds (granted, not the smartest thing in an era of high fuel prices).

The SRX V6 generates 260 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. This too is a solidly powerful engine, even if it's not quite as enjoyable as the V8. Cadillac reports 0-60 mph acceleration in the low 7-second range for the V6, which is reasonably quick (as a rule of thumb, the 8-second mark separates slow from fast). No one is going to feel underpowered driving the SRX V6, and it can be equipped to tow up to 2000 pounds, enough for personal watercraft. If you want to tow a real boat, get the V8. It's rated to pull 4250 pounds.

Both engines deliver power through five-speed automatic transmissions, and these are good performers, too. Upshifts are smooth, but crisp and never mushy, and downshifts come quickly with a jab at the gas pedal. The transmissions also have a manual mode that allows the driver to do the shifting by clicking the gear lever. The SRX lets you brake and downshift going into a curve, and then power out and upshift at the exit, as in a good sports sedan.

The SRX offers good all-weather capability. Its relatively low center of gravity and long wheelbase give it better stability in terms of roll (lean) and yaw than most SUVs. It feels better planted in sloppy stuff, and the optional all-wheel drive maximizes whatever traction is available by sending engine power to the wheels with the best grip.

Active safety systems improve handling stability further: SRX comes standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, panic Brake Assist, and dynamic rear brake proportioning (EBD). It's also available with StabiliTrak, an active handling system designed to keep the SRX under the driver's control on wet, snowy and icy surfaces, in tight turns, and in evasive maneuvers. It is enhanced with optional Magnetic Ride Control, which GM calls the world's fastest reacting suspension control system. We highly recommend StabiliTrak for its ability to help a driver you maintain control in slippery corners. ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control under hard braking. Brake Assist and dynamic rear brake proportioning improve braking performance and stability. Traction control improves stability when accelerating on slippery surfaces.

In a winter test drive in northern Michigan, the SRX performed well on ice and snow against its competitors. The SRX was the best all-around performer except for the Volvo XC90. As it began to slip or slide, the electronic aids acted as an invisible co-pilot, gently and unobtrusively nudging the SRX back on course by decreasing power when necessary or lightly applying the brakes to individual wheels whenever they started to spin.