First, let’s just admit that while we drive a lot of SUVs and crossovers (honestly, we can’t think of one we haven’t tested), rarely if ever do we find ourselves inspired by one of these vehicles to the point that we made up far off destinations just so we could spend more time driving it. But we recently had a 2014 Cadillac SRX delivered with more sharp lines to its style statement that a fall line at Dolce & Gabbana.

The interior color of our test SRX was an all-new creation for this model year, mixing dark brown and lighter taupe tones with soft wood trim and the highest quality leather trim that never marked or got dirty despite being very light colored. Out back, we were hugely impressed by the huge 61.1 cubic foot cargo hold that insured the SRX was still a hugely useful luxury SUV. So, no worries about the SRX having beauty that was only skin deep. (The same can’t be said o that pool boy you let live in your guest house where he started throwing impromptu Botox parties.)

The Drive

The 2014 Cadillac SRX is powered by a 3.6 liter, 308 horsepower/265 ft-lbs of torque, six-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed automatic, and let us just say: it was a seamless operator that, even when pushed to the highest part of the rev range, maintained an air of luxury and sport. If you’re the type that likes to tow boats, canoes, or jet skis, then take heart knowing the SRX can handle 3,500 pounds. Around town and even on windy roads, the steering is very communicative and body roll is minimal, making the SRX very fun to pilot no matter where you are. Wind, tire, and engine noises are all well muted inside this SUV.

The 2014 Cadillac SRX earned EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 city/24 highway with our one-week average coming to 23 miles per gallon. The fuel tank holds 21 gallons and the SRX currently runs on premium unleaded, much like all of its luxury SUV competition. On a driver enjoyment scale, the SRX definitely outpaces the Lexus RX350, despite all of the good the F-Sport package delivers, and it also spanks the BMW X3, whose brittle suspension over rough surfaces ruins any hope of getting comfortable. The Audi Q5 has a nice balance of sport and luxury to it, like the SRX, but the Cadillac manages to run circles around it thanks to greater interior imagination and steering that proves GM can be the “standard of the world.”

The Technological Marvels

We think we’ve gotten across the notion that the SRX should at least be on your short list when shopping for compact premium SUVs. If not that, we would be fine with you just deciding to buy the Cadillac based on our word, so sure are we that you will love owning this SUV. In addition to the style, the drive, and the utility, the 2014 Cadillac SRX is a technological marvel. There are, of course, the usual side blind spot warning systems, back-up camera, rollover mitigation sensors, adaptive cruise control (the best system we have tried–it allowed us to travel from LA to Orange County without touching a brake or gas pedal!), and headlamps that activate the bright setting when no headlamps are detected in front of the SRX, but then deactivate when a car with headlights starts to approach from the opposite direction.

You’d be surprised at how well integrated all of this Cadillac technology is into the driving experience and how much you miss it when you no longer have any of it on the car you’re driving. Our favorite piece of technology on the SRX was the Safety Seat Alert which would buzz the bottom cushion of the driver’s seat in the direction of any obstacle (like a curb, parked car or a passing car in a crowded mall lot), so you won’t even have to turn around to know when to stop the car to avoid catastrophe. The system works flawlessly and always gave us the proper soothing butt cheek massage when another driver did something stupid. In fact, it completely alleviated any road rage we might have had.

Now isn’t that the ultimate luxury here?