Open Road

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is a standout

Cadillac still continues its proud tradition of stylish good looks, luxury, and comfort with the 2017 Cadillac XT5. The five-passenger vehicle that just happens to be a standout in the crossover blitz, replaces the SRX that was the American automaker's best-seller for the last few years.

The XT5 has new bones so at a glance, the vehicle appears sleek, yet elegantly styled, it has a longer wheelbase but weighs less and is lower to the ground and narrower than its predecessor. Pronounced side creases, signature vertical LED headlights, high tailgate accented by boomerang-shaped taillights and the well-known company shield-shaped grille, the midsizer has an aerodynamic stance that gives it an air of sportiness.

Step inside the cabin of the XT5 and the snob appeal is present and accounted for everywhere you peep. Cadillac caters to every conceivable need by offering an excellent balance of modernity, elegance and class-leading fit and finish. There are natural wood touches, hand-stitched leather (luxury trim), aluminum accents and soft-touch surfaces. Seating in the XT5 is bolstered, lumbar comfy and they all recline. Head and legroom front and back are more than adequate for the vertically challenged and robust set. On the tech front, all is child's play; the XT5 features an 8-inch touchscreen with the CUE infotainment interface, voice commands, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, OnStar and a host of other features. If you've got a smallish brood, the rear seats fold down along a 40-20-40 split. Lay all three, rear seats flat and the vehicle can accommodate up to 63 cubic feet of whatever you chose to haul.



Giving the XT5 some gas is a satisfying experience because of its surprising agility, spirited handling, and overall car-like maneuverability. The 3.6 liter V6 with fuel-saving idle stop and cylinder deactivation, kicks out 310 horses and 271 lb-ft of torque and is joined to an eight-speed auto tranny. Front wheel drive is a given, all-wheel is available on all trims except for the base. Since it's lighter, the XT5 offers a solid ride quality and punchy acceleration to boot that makes it a first-rate highway runner. With a suspension that remains poised as it glides over road thumps and holds its own when faced with quick/unexpected road maneuvers particularly in foul weather, the XT5 makes for the perfect road-trip companion. Numbers at the pump are not thrilling, to say the least with an EPA rating of 18 mpg city/26 highway, however, the XT5 makes up for its rather lackluster gasoline mileage by operating on just regular and not premium fuel.

Cementing its place at the top of the list of safe vehicles on the road, the XT5 is one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Pick+" with ratings of 'Good' all across the board and 'Superior' when it comes to crash avoidance and mitigation. Parents with small tots will appreciate the ease of use when it comes to installing child-safety seats in the crossover. Noteworthy standard safety features in the XT5 include antilock brakes, airbags, OnStar support, traction, and stability. Safety options for the vehicle can run the gamut from forward collision alert, to lane departure warning, to a safety alert seat that vibrates if the vehicle is drifting or nearing an obstacle.

A top-notch family cruiser with foul-weather friendly chops and wrapped in eye-catching styling, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 is deeply impressive and should be on the must-look list of any luxury crossover buyer.

Prices start at $38,995. Want to know more? www.Cadillac.com

--Car Chickā„¢


Share This Photo X