The following review is for a 2021 Model Year. There may be minor changes to current model you are looking at.

Introduction

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 checks off all the right boxes for a luxury crossover SUV: turbo-4 power, lots of optional gadgets, and a fair amount of space for passengers and cargo. 

For 2021, there's newly standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as Amazon Alexa capability. Cadillac has also finessed the infotainment hardware for a more user-friendly experience and added night vision to the list of optional features. 

Most XT5s are powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that makes 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It gets a 9-speed automatic that drives either the front or all four wheels. Gas mileage is rated by the EPA at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined in front-drive trim and a touch worse for models equipped with all-wheel drive. 

More power can be had by opting for the 3.6-liter V-6 that is exclusive to the Sport trim. It makes 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, which is routed through the 9-speed gearbox to the wheels. All-wheel drive is mandatory. Expect gas mileage of 18/26/21 mpg. 

The XT5 comes standard with safety equipment such as automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and automatic high-beams. Optional tech includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and an enhanced forward automatic emergency braking system with better high-speed performance. 

The NHTSA awarded the XT5 five stars for overall crashworthiness; the IIHS noted that the XT5 aced all their crash tests but failed to nab the Top Safety Pick title due to inferior headlights. 

Lineup

Cadillac offers the XT5 in three tiers of ascending poshness: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Sticking with the base $44,990 Luxury means getting standard synthetic upholstery, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 18-inch wheels. 

The Premium Luxury begins at $49,790 and adds a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, a hands-free liftgate, a sunroof, and leather upholstery. 

From there things jump up to the $55,090 Sport, which gets the V-6 standard. 

Walkaround

The XT5 has a uniform look that's common to today's Cadillac lineup. It wears a distinctive look that pairs a high roof with lots of straight edges and a front end framed by LED lighting. Short overhangs and bluff front and rear ends underscore the XT5's blocky look. 

Interior

The interior design offers Cadillac's take on minimalism. It's more flamboyant than some rivals, but doesn't have the wide-screen opulence of an Escalade. 

Cadillac builds every XT5 with an 8.0-inch touchscreen running the latest CUE software. CUE has become one of the better infotainment interfaces with its responsiveness and ease of use. The new wireless smartphone compatibility only makes it even better. 

Up front, the seats are Cadillac comfortable: thick, supple cushions provide support without any discomfort. Even the least expensive seats are heated, something buyers in northern climes will appreciate. 

The narrow body makes it a squeeze for three adults in the back seat, but otherwise the accommodations for those in the second row are spacious. The bench features fore/aft adjustment that can prioritize leg room or cargo space. 

Speaking of, 63 cubic feet of cargo space presents itself when the back row is dropped. Keep the rear seatbacks in place and 30 cubic feet is available. 

Driving Impression

Even after years of V-badged hot rods, we still expect most Cadillacs to ride with a certain dignified air. The XT5 happily obliges us: it prioritizes a soft ride over an overly firm one. The XT5 does a fine job of providing confident handling without needless stiffness. 

The base 2.0-liter turbo-4 follows the same philosophy as its underpinnings. It makes 237 horsepower, and in most instances it feels up to the task of ferrying the two-ton XT5. 

The 3.6-liter V-6 is quicker by a good margin, and from behind the wheel we like how it spools out power. It's more thirsty-don't expect much more than 21 mpg-but it's torquey and has good low-end grunt. 

A 9-speed automatic governs gearshifts on both engines. For the most part, it swaps cogs without much fuss, with the occasional reluctant downshift. 

Summary

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 has a great features list and a low starting price, for all it offers. Safety technology is top-notch, and the XT5 also has a smart infotainment interface. We'd opt for the Luxury trim and all the available safety add-ons. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.