18 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2015 Cadillac SRX AWD 3.6L. This isn’t a compact crossover for hypermiling commuters. The SRX is a stylish, comfortable, and capable vehicle for buyers who want luxury and all-weather security more than the best fuel efficiency. It’s a trade-off many are willing to make.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the SRX AWD gets 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows what happens in stop-and-go traffic, where the SRX’s 3.6L V6 works harder to move its weight, about 4,300 pounds. The highway number is more reasonable, and you can reach it on long trips if you watch your speed. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth, but doesn’t always select the best gear. It puts smoothness first, before efficiency. This affects fuel economy, especially on hilly roads.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Cadillac SRX AWD is $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is an estimate, and your actual fuel cost depends on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and driving type. Someone driving mostly in city traffic will likely spend more, while someone driving mostly on the highway might spend less.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good start, but real-world results can be different. Expect slightly different mileage than the official figures in your daily driving. Tire pressure, driving style, and vehicle weight will have an effect. Driving fast, with frequent hard acceleration, will lower fuel economy. And not keeping up with basic maintenance, like making sure your tires are properly inflated, hurts gas mileage. Some drivers say they average closer to 19-20 MPG in mixed driving, while others on shorter trips see numbers closer to the city estimate. The key is to be realistic about how you’ll use the vehicle.

How it compares

The 2015 Cadillac SRX AWD is in the middle of its class. An Acura RDX SH-AWD with similar equipment often gets a combined MPG of around 22, making it a more fuel-efficient choice. However, the RDX doesn’t have the SRX’s styling and its interior isn’t quite as luxurious. A Lexus RX 350 AWD, known for a comfortable ride and reliability, also gets around 22 MPG combined. A competitor that focuses more on performance, like the BMW X3 xDrive28i, can get around 24 MPG combined, but its higher price and sharper handling might not be what SRX buyers want, as they value comfort more than sportiness. Buyers shopping this segment who want to all Cadillac fuel economy data will see the SRX offers all-wheel drive capability competitive with many other luxury crossovers. Examining the SRX MPG across all years also shows that engine technology for this model remained fairly constant across its production run.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration. The SRX’s V6 engine is strong, but each time you accelerate quickly, you burn fuel. Smooth, gradual acceleration is more efficient and helps you achieve the EPA MPG estimates.

Check your tire pressure often. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. A simple tire pressure gauge is a cheap way to save money on gas.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo adds weight to the vehicle, making the engine work harder. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk or cargo area. Small weight increases add up.

Plan your trips to be efficient. Group errands into a single trip to reduce cold starts. Cold engines use more fuel than warm engines, so fewer trips mean better fuel economy. Planning your routes can also help you avoid traffic, which further improves efficiency.