Though 2016 will be the last model year of the (current) second-generation Cadillac SRX until the arrival of the all-new Cadillac XT5, the rapidly-aging midsize crossover remains the brand’s best-selling model. We recently spent a week with a 2016 Cadillac SRX, and one particular feature caught our eye — the illuminated fender vents.
By cleverly placing an LED light in the chromed decorative elements behind the crossover’s front wheel wells, the SRX’s fender “vents” light up. We use the term “vents” loosely here, since the SRX doesn’t have actual functional vents. Instead, they are just for show; but we digress. The lights behave in this fashion:
- When the vehicle is unlocked by using either the key fob or the keyless entry button on the door handle, the vents light up with a classy white hue.
- When the vehicle’s turn signals are enabled, either by actuating them from inside the vehicle with the turn signal stalk, enabling the hazard lights, or using the key fob to unlock the vehicle (which also flashes the turn signals), the lights flash orange in synchrony with the turn signals.
An up-close shot of the illuminated fender vent on the 2015 Cadillac SRX at night
To us, the illuminated vents simply look cool and add a nice signature-like touch that doesn’t appear to be available on the upcoming 2017 Cadillac XT5 — the vehicle that will replace the SRX.
So, have you seen the SRX’s illuminated vents in action? Tell us what you think of it in the comments below.
Comments
It would be nice if there was an option to keep them on at all times. Then people would actually, you know, notice them.
I’m not aware of any DOT standard that would block it, either.
Agreed.
Too bad the SRX is still FWD based.
The light given off may more than you think there and will give you a better view of the surrounding ground if you are in a dark area.
As for on all the time it would have to be in yellow amber and it may give it that Semi Truck look for the size it is. Most side lights like this are very small and do not light up unless signaled.
This is a nice touch and one of the many little things we will find on future Cadillac’s.
I think it is pretty cool and make the SRX unique from the sea of lookalike SUVs out there. Unfortunately, generation of cars does not last long and I am sure SRX will be missed with the successor XT5 to take its place.
The first thing that pops into my head is why in this era of where Cadillac engineers need to fight for the reason for every ounce of weight on a car, why does the SRX have vents that aren’t functional and add weight to the car as having actual vents has to be beneficial in venting engine heat out.
The car does not need venting and too often these vent get clogged with junk in the winter.
Besides you would be surprised that it may save weight. The thinner panels relay on the edges in the side panels to reinforce the strength while cutting weight. They do not always add these for just styling but also for panel strength.
My wife drives a 2013 SRX Premium and I really like that lighted vent accent. It’s very subtle but adds a nice touch of class without being overdone.
“really liked that lighted vent accent” In the end, the customer being happy is what counts.
Those fender lights showed up in the ’13 model year , the 2010-12 models have a different light that is amber and flashes when the turn signals are on , or the emergency flashers are turned on and when unlocking the vehicle with the key fob . I believe Saturn had a similar set-up on its Vue . I bet only SRX owners would notice the difference between the two , its an easy way to tell what model year the car is 2010-12 or 2013 + . Its a subtle way to adorn an suv in whats increasingly a crowded market . Its just a little touch of Cadillac Class .
“Yawn”
I think its a neat idea, but I’d like it better if they could stay on whenever the lights are on.
Shame that such neat and unique design elements get wasted on an otherwise generic design. There are only so many ways you can design a small SUV, sure, especially when you’re marketing it to the fairer sex first and foremost, but the rest of this looks as bland as most other of its competitors without much to distinguish it.
Well you will not have to worry about the Nifty sidelights on the xt5, there are not any. Why they did away with side turn signals is beyond me, I think it’s a pretty good safety feature.