But after these details I was unfortunately less impressed overall. Considering Cadillac has had years to benchmark vehicles in the luxury SUV category, such as the BMW X5 and Lexus RX, and it's charging a similar price to the former and more than the latter, merely good for a Cadillac still doesn't make it good enough to compete head to head with its premium competitors. What's wrong? First off, is that really wood covering the center stack? It doesn't feel like it, and there's an obvious plastic seam on the ashtray lid. Look to the left, at the ignition attached to the steering column, and a cheap plastic cap almost covers its mechanisms, but not quite - tacky.

Although the SRX's interior is a leap forward for Cadillac, its still not quite good enough to compete head to head with its premium competitors. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Even worse is the key that dangles from the ignition. When will premium carmakers learn that the keyfob is an owner's bragging tool at the bar or restaurant. You've seen the type; impeccably dressed yuppies sipping overpriced coffees at the local brew company, the Wall Street Journal neatly folded on the table just beside their distinctively designed BMW or Mercedes-Benz keyfob - the car's full-color enamel logo face-up to show their discriminatingly good taste to all who happen to gaze in their direction. Even VW owners get a kick out of showing off their trick switchblade keyfobs. What's my point? Cadillac needs to take a less than subtle hint and upgrade theirs beyond the five and dime store Chevy variety that can't even muster fleet manager levels of ownership pride.

If Cadillac was charging Chrysler Pacifica prices then I probably wouldn't complain. (Photo: General Motors)

The plastic that surrounds the steering column is low rent too, as it is throughout the cabin in those less conspicuous spots. But the liftgate interior panel isn't less conspicuous, so why go with a massive hard plastic shell to cover the entire thing when its competitors finish the same panel in rich carpeting and high-grade plastics? If Cadillac was charging Chrysler Pacifica prices then I probably wouldn't complain, but even then Chrysler has done a better job bringing its Pacifica interior up to premium standards overall, embarrassing GM when fully loaded at a price where the Cadillac is just getting started.