Exploring midsize SUV luxury: the 2025 Cadillac XT5 vs. the 2025 Lexus RX
The Cadillac XT5 has solidified itself as one of the Lexus RX’s most formidable midsize SUV competitors after being introduced in 2016 for the 2017 model. Its perks generally include, but aren’t limited to, luxury materials, quality storage solutions, classic Cadillac styling, cutting-edge tech, reliability, and solid fuel economy. The 2025 RX, now part of the model’s 5th generation that launched in 2022, has become Lexus’ top-selling model domestically and globally with its ability to balance luxury, comfort, quality tech, and practicality in areas such as reliability.
Since both models share primary strengths, a comparison becomes increasingly essential to guide you toward the right option. The 2025 Cadillac XT5 starts at $44,295, and the 2025 Lexus RX starts at $50,475. Besides Lexus reshuffling the RX’s trims, both models are carryovers. Let’s take a closer look at what each model brings to the table so you can determine which one aligns with your driving preferences.
Power and efficiency
One of the most vital considerations when choosing between a 2025 Cadillac XT5 and a 2025 Lexus RX is how this Cadillac, unlike its Lexus counterpart, doesn’t offer any hybrid options. As such, we’ll be focusing our comparison on the internal combustion engine (ICE) XT5 and RX trims. The XT5’s 2.0-liter turbocharged standard engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the XT5’s available 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are available on all XT5 trims.
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Lexus
Kristen Brown
The 2025 Lexus RX 350, also available in both FWD and AWD configurations, features an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing a robust 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Regarding fuel economy, a FWD 2025 Cadillac XT5 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine achieves 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while AWD lowers this mileage to 21/27 city/highway mpg. The 2025 XT5’s available 3.6-liter V6 gets 19/26 city/highway mpg in FWD and 18/26 city/highway mpg in AWD. A FWD 2025 Lexus RX350 provides 22/29 city/highway mpg, and drivers get 21/28 city/highway mpg in AWD.
The XT5’s spaciousness stands out, but the RX’s cabin holds its own
While the 2025 Cadillac XT5 and the 2025 Lexus RX350 have nearly equivalent front passenger legroom measurements, at 41.2 inches and 41.1 inches, respectively, these models exhibit a slightly larger difference in rear passenger legroom. The XT5 offers rear passengers 39 inches of rear legroom, while the RX350 provides 37.4 inches. Cadillac gains a more significant interior advantage when evaluating its rear cargo capacity with the second-row seats folded. The 2025 Cadillac XT5’s cargo capacity with upright second-row seats is only .4 cu ft larger than the 2025 RX350 at 30 cu ft, but folding the rear seats expands the XT5’s volume to 63 cu ft. In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX has 46.2 cu ft of cargo capacity with its second row folded.
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Up front, the XT5 features an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a 6-way power passenger seat, while the RX350 supplies both front passengers with 8-way power adjustments. The RX350 offers synthetic leather and available genuine leather or semi-aniline leather upholstery options. Cadillac’s XT5 is also equipped with standard synthetic leather or available genuine leather, but you won’t find optional semi-aniline leather. Ultimately, the XT5’s interior is distinguished by more timeless Cadillac luxury, while the RX350 leans more towards a modern aesthetic that’s especially prevalent on the exterior.
The RX350’s display and audio technology help justify its pricing
Drivers prioritizing a larger infotainment touchscreen should look toward the 2025 Lexus RX350’s display, which is 1.8 inches larger than its Cadillac rival’s at 9.8 inches. Additionally, all RX models come with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, whereas the XT5 classifies its smaller 8-inch digital instrument display as an available feature. Cadillac equips the XT5 with a standard 8-speaker system or an available 14-speaker Bose sound system, while the RX350 comes standard with 12 speakers or an available 21-speaker Mark Levinson configuration.
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Both the 2025 XT5 and the 2025 RX received five-star overall crash safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These models also have identical basic and powertrain warranties lasting four years or 50,000 miles, and six years or 70,000 miles, respectively.
Final thoughts
While the 2025 Lexus RX 350 may outperform the 2025 Cadillac XT5 in areas such as display and sound technology, upholstery options, and standard power, these perks come at a premium. If the aforementioned areas are crucial to your driving experience, paying an extra $6,000+ for an RX350 can be justified. However, those prioritizing interior spaciousness and classic styling over the RX’s polarizing exterior may prefer the XT5. No matter your initial thoughts, be sure to test drive each model before making a decision.
About the author
Cody Carlson
Contributing Writer, Autoblog