Segment:
Luxury Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking a blend of luxury, utility, and performance in a mid-size SUV
Key Competitors:
Acura MDX, BMW X5, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, Volvo XC90
Design Philosophy:
Art and Science design language, focusing on bold styling and advanced technology
Powertrain Options:
V6 and V8 engine options, available All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Interior Appointments:
Premium materials, comfortable seating, advanced infotainment options
Dashboard Instruments:
Instrument Cluster (Warning lights, gauges, indicators)
Infotainment:
Entertainment Systems (Audio, Navigation if equipped)
Climate:
Climate Controls (HVAC operation, settings)
Lighting:
Lights (Headlights, taillights, interior lighting operation)
Driver Controls:
Driver Controls (Steering wheel functions, pedals, transmission shifter)
Security:
Locks and Security (Keyless entry, alarm system, power locks)
Restraints:
Seating and Safety Restraints (Seat belts, airbags, child seat LATCH system)
Driving:
Driving (Operating the vehicle, driving aids, parking)
Customer Support:
Customer Assistance (Dealer information, warranty, service)
Safety Reporting:
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only)
Cleaning:
Cleaning (Interior and exterior care)
Engine Compartment:
Engine Compartment (Component identification, fluid checks)
Engine Oil:
Engine Oil (Type, viscosity, checking level)
Battery:
Battery (Maintenance, specifications, replacement)
Fuel:
Fuel Information (Octane rating, fuel type)
Air Filtration:
Airfilter(s) (Type, replacement)
Part Numbers:
Part numbers (Likely for common maintenance items)
Capacities:
Refill capacities (Fluids like oil, coolant, washer fluid)
Lubricants:
Lubricant specifications (Grease, other fluids)
Accessories:
Accessories (Operation of factory-installed accessories)
Basic Maintenance:
Yes (Fluid checks, filter replacements, visual inspections)
Driving Operation:
Yes (How to operate all vehicle systems)
Troubleshooting Basics:
Yes (Interpreting dashboard lights, basic system issues)
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation
Features:
Contains diagrams and pictures for visual guidance
Ease Of Use:
Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for all skill levels
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passenger)
Traction Control:
Standard (Traction Control System - TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard (StabiliTrak Stability Control System)
Braking:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Airbags:
Dual-stage frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for all rows
Seat Belts:
3-point safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Infotainment System Name:
Cadillac User Experience (CUE) not present in this generation; features vary by trim but include AM/FM/CD/MP3, auxiliary input, available Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity.
Speaker System:
Standard 8-speaker Bose audio system on many trims, optional premium Bose systems.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking assist sensors.
Visibility:
Available HID headlights, fog lamps, auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Connectivity Features:
Available Bluetooth for hands-free calling, USB ports (depending on trim/options).
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to oil life monitoring system or every 7,500 miles / 12 months (whichever occurs first) with synthetic oil.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed based on condition (typically 30,000 miles).
Coolant Flush:
Initial drain and fill at 150,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (with Dex-Cool).
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or higher)
Coolant Spec:
GM P/N 12346290 (Dex-Cool) or equivalent Orange Long-Life Coolant
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Repair Concern 1:
Timing chain tensioner issues (especially on earlier LY7 V6 engines).
Common Repair Concern 2:
Issues with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system on V8 engines (lifter noise, oil consumption).
Common Repair Concern 3:
Strut mount failures leading to noise and handling issues.
Common Repair Concern 4:
Water pump leaks, especially on V8 Northstar engines.
Common Repair Concern 5:
Rear axle seal leaks.
Brand Legacy:
Cadillac, founded in 1902, is one of America's oldest and most prestigious luxury automotive brands, known for innovation and comfort.
First Generation Start:
2004
First Generation End:
2009
Platform:
GM Epsilon platform (shared with models like Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6)
Design Era:
Marked a significant shift towards Cadillac's 'Art and Science' design language in the SUV segment.
Manufacturing Location:
Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant, Lansing, Michigan, USA
