For 2012, Cadillac fitted its SRX compact luxury SUV with a 3.6-liter V6, adding more power and improving fuel economy. While the new powerplant brought improvements, the SRX still has shortcomings.

The third engine to be fitted to the current SRX, the 3.6-liter is significantly quicker to 60 mph, but the engine is loud when it is working hard. On paper, you'd think 308 horsepower should be more than adequate, but the SRX is heavy with a 4,525-lb. curb weight, as tested. For contrast, the Acura RDX also featured in the September 2012 issue weighs 675 lbs. less, without sacrificing passenger or cargo space.

The updated SRX also sees fuel economy improve 1 mpg, putting it at 18 mpg overall in our tests. A step in the right direction, for sure, but it still leaves the SRX in the teens, whereas the other five SUVs tested for that issue measure fuel economy in the 20s.

Where the SRX shines is in the handling department, being agile without compromising ride quality. The SRX's driving position is also laudable, with wide, well-padded and supportive front seats and a broad range of adjustability.

While the SRX continues to show improvements, the competition is not standing still. For 2013, the SRX will gain Cadillac's CUE infotainment system that adds extensive voice controls, nice graphics and flush, touch-sensitive controls for the audio and climate system.

For highlights from our evaluation, watch the video below, and be sure to see our complete SRX road test to see how it stacks up.