DETROIT — To take its excellent new SRX luxury crossover SUV up a notch, Cadillac:

A: Did it the old-fashioned way, with more horsepower.

B. Went ultramodern, with advanced drivetrain technology.

C. Loaded it with appealing features and kept the price reasonable.

D. All of the above.

The answer is D.

The 300-horsepower SRX turbo — the performance version of Cadillac's hot-selling new crossover —— adds seamless turbocharging to boost the SRX's power above competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti FX35 and Lexus RX 350.

The turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 generates 13 percent more horsepower than the 265-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 that's standard equipment in the SRX. More impressive, the smaller engine produces 295 pound-feet of torque at a mere 2,000 rpm. That's a 32 percent improvement over the 3.0-liter's 223 pound-feet.

Prices for the 2010 SRX turbo start at $48,815. All-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission are standard on all SRX turbos.

I tested a very well-equipped SRX turbo that stickered at $52,665. All prices exclude destination charges.

The combination of high torque at a low engine speed equates to better off-the-line acceleration, an area where the SRX turbo excels.

However, the crossover's highway acceleration — in this case, the time between mashing the pedal and getting around the semi that cut me off as I drove to Chicago — could be better. Cadillac optimized the six-speed automatic transmission for highway fuel economy, at the cost of acceleration from 60 mph up.

The benefit from that choice is an EPA fuel economy rating of 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway — effectively matching the performance-oriented Infiniti FX35's 16 city/21 highway rating. The 3.5-liter FX35 edges the SRX turbo by 3 horsepower, but its torque output of 262 pound-feet at 4,800 rpm trails the SRX significantly.

Cadillac clearly wanted its performance crossover to turn the tricky double play of class-leading power and fuel economy. It nudged the shift points a few degrees away from ideal highway drivability to win bragging rights.

That's a relatively minor drawback in an excellent vehicle with a compelling price, however.

The SRX's handling, comfort and features all rank at or near the top of its class, and it undercuts the price of its key competitor, RX 350.

In addition to its new engine, the SRX turbo gets a different six-speed automatic transmission from the 3.0-liter model. That Aisin-Warner gearbox features overdrive ratios in the fifth and sixth gears to maximize fuel economy.

The SRX turbo comes with a long list of standard features, including a Bose sound system, heated and cooled front seats, rear video camera, front and rear ultrasonic parking assist, multi-position power tailgate, a large sunroof and a voice-activated navigation system. The navigation system's voice control does not work as well as Ford's voice-controlled units, but the other features function admirably.

In addition to its value and power, the SRX strikes an admirable balance of comfortable ride and responsive handling. The speed-variable steering is precise and nicely balanced. The brakes have plenty of power for confident stops, and the suspension absorbs bumps with aplomb while hugging the road in quick maneuvers.

Passenger room and comfort are good. The modern and attractive interior design features soft and appealing materials in subdued tones. The SRX offers 29.8 cubic feet of storage space behind its backseat and 61.0 cubic feet with the seat folded down. Cargo capacity compares well with the Q5, X3 and FX35. The RX 350 offers considerably more stowage.

The exterior design is unchanged from the base SRX's modern and athletic shape.

The 2010 Cadillac SRX turbo delivers the power, handling, comfort and features to run with the best luxury crossovers. While its leisurely highway acceleration is a disappointment in a performance model, the SRX makes up for that shortcoming with its good value.

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2010 CADILLAC SRX 2.8T PREMIUM

All-wheel drive five-seat luxury crossover SUV

Rating: Four out of four stars

Price as tested: $52,665 (excluding destination charges)

Reasons to buy: Power, features, value

Shortcomings: Highway acceleration, voice-control system

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SRX TURBO AWD AT A GLANCE

Rear- or four-wheel drive five- or seven-passenger midsize SUV

Engine: 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.8-liter 24-valve DOHC V6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Price range: $48,815-$51,360 (excluding destination charges)

KEY FEATURES

Antilock brakes; rollover-sensing electronic stability control; curtain air bags; front-seat side air bags; tire-pressure monitor; adaptive headlights; front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters; front and rear ultrasonic parking assist; electronic limited-slip differential; fog lamps; navigation system with voice recognition; 40 GB hard drive; AM/FM/CD audio with Bose 10-speaker system; USB and auxiliary inputs; XM satellite radio; power sunroof; rearview camera; power heated and ventilated front seats; power adjustable pedals; cruise control; memory for driver's seat, pedals and sideview mirrors; heated rear seats; manually adjustable tilt and telescope steering column; remote start; keyless access; three-zone climate control.

Option on vehicle tested: Rear-seat dual-screen DVD video with wireless headphones and remote control.

COMPETITIVE EPA FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS

(Automatic transmission all-wheel drive 2010 models. Premium fuel)

Cadillac SRX turbo AWD: 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway

Audi Q5: 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway

BMW X3: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway

Infiniti FX35: 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway

Lexus RX 350: 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway

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SPECIFICATIONS AS TESTED

Engine: 2.8-liter turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V6

Power: 300 horsepower at 5,500 rpm; 295 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway

Wheelbase: 110.5 inches

Length: 190.3 inches

Width: 75.2 inches

Height: 65.7 inches

Curb weight: 4,387 pounds

Where assembled: Ramos Arizpe, Mexico

COMPARATIVE BASE PRICES

(not including destination charges)

(Automatic transmission, all-wheel drive models)

Audi Q5 Quattro: $37,350

2010 BMW X3 XDrive 3.0i: $38,850

2010 Infiniti FX35 AWD: $43,850

2010 Lexus RX 350: $39,035