Consumer Reports usually does a “quick take” before doing a full review on a vehicle, and the latest two cars to go through their battery of tests are the Cadillac SRX and the Toyota Tacoma pickup, both of which are deemed competent in their respective classes, but far from perfect.
The Cadillac SRX, last updated for the 2013 model year, is praised for its emphasis on style, solid driving dynamics, upscale interior and excellent V6 engine. However, a cramped back seat, small trunk and very poor visibility for the driver due to unusually thick pillars let the side down.
The other vehicle CR tested is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma pickup, equipped with the 4.0-liter V6 engine. It is deemed highly competent at carrying gear and pulling heavy trailers, but it too has several noticeable defects. According to the testers, the quality of the materials used inside was one area where the Tacoma leaves a lot to be desired, as was the lack of height adjustment for the seats which coupled to the very high floor does not make for a very comfy long ride. Refinement on the open road was also rated as quite poor.
By Andrei Nedelea
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