Getting the most bang for your buck when buying a luxury crossover
Crossovers are a favorite of American drivers, but a crowded field can make picking the right model a rather troublesome ordeal. Premium competitors, like the Cadillac XT5 and Acura RDX, are among the best in the business, but which model offers the best value? As it turns out, there are a few significant differences between these luxury crossovers that might make one the better option for your daily travels.
Cadillac
Neither the Cadillac XT5 nor the Acura RDX see any significant changes for the 2026 model year. The RDX received a slight refresh for 2025, and the XT5 is expected to undergo a full redesign for 2027. If you’re looking for more modern amenities and styling, the RDX seems like the crossover of choice, but the XT5 manages to stand out in some crucial areas that keep it in the running.
Read on to see which premium crossover wins out in performance, practicality, comfort, tech, and more.
The RDX’s base powertrain has an edge
Starting at $45,100, the 2026 Acura RDX comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. That combination generates 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, making the RDX one of the peppier premium crossovers. All models come equipped with all-wheel drive and earn up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The RDX tops out at a 1,500-lbs. maximum towing capacity.
Priced from $44,300, the 2026 Cadillac XT5 has a slight advantage in price, but the base engine doesn’t quite keep up with the Acura RDX. The XT5 comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base powertrain produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard, giving the XT5 a slight advantage in efficiency, up to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. When equipped with optional all-wheel drive, the XT5’s fuel economy is identical to that of the Acura RDX.
Cadillac
The 2026 Cadillac XT5 also taps into the power of an available 3.6-liter V6 engine that pumps out 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. When paired with front-wheel drive, the XT5 is rated for 19 and 26 mpg in city and highway driving respectively. Upgrading to all-wheel drive reduces city fuel economy by one mile per gallon. While the four-cylinder engine only offers a 1,000-lbs. maximum towing capacity, the V6 tops out with a more respectable 3,500-lbs. rating.
Interior space is a close contest
The Cadillac XT5 offers seating for up to five passengers with 104.5 cu ft. of space, making it a solid choice for family drivers. Front passengers get up to 39.7 inches of headroom and 41.2 inches of legroom. Rear passengers get a decent amount of space as well, up to 38.4 and 39 inches of headroom and legroom respectively. The XT5 offers respectable cargo space as well, up to 63 cu ft. behind the front seats and 30 cu ft. in the hatch.
Cadillac
Cadillac
Like the XT5, the Acura RDX seats up to five and is fairly roomy, with up to 104 cu ft. of passenger space, including 40 and 42 inches of front headroom and legroom respectively. Rear passengers get up to 38 inches from headroom and legroom. The RDX boasts 29.5 cu ft. of cargo space in its dedicated cargo area, while folding down the rear row increases the crossover’s cargo capacity to 58.9 cu ft. All models come equipped with rear cargo underfloor storage for added convenience.
Zac Palmer
Choose the RDX for more advanced tech options
When it comes to tech, the Cadillac XT5 shows its age. The luxury crossover features an eight-inch touchscreen display, four USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Upper trim levels get navigation and a wireless smartphone charging pad. An eight speaker Bose premium sound system comes stock, and there’s a 14-speaker setup available as an upgrade.
Cadillac
Zac Palmer
The Acura RDX dominates the XT5 in the tech realm, with a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and a seven-inch driver information display. Top models also get a 10.5-inch head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes standard across the board, and all but the base trim get a wireless charging pad. Acura’s premium audio system is hard at work, with nine-, 12- and 16-speaker setups, depending on trim level. A navigation system comes standard in all but the entry-level RDX.
Safety spotlight: NHTSA gives both crossovers five stars
When it comes to safety, both the Cadillac XT5 and Acura RDX prove their mettle. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the XT5 an overall five-star safety rating. The premium crossover earned five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn’t completed testing of the 2025 or 2026 XT5 at the time of writing.
Cadillac
All XT5 models feature advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, and front and rear park assist. Upper trims get more systems, like adaptive cruise control, reverse automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Acura RDX managed four-star ratings from the NHTSA in the frontal and rollover crash tests and five stars in side crash testing, resulting in an overall five-star rating. While the IIHS hasn’t rated the 2026 model yet, the 2025 RDX was named a 2024 top safety pick. In addition to the required safety systems for the 2026 model year, the Acura RDX already comes equipped with nearly all the driver assistive systems required for 2027.
All RDX models come equipped with forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation braking. All but the base model get low-speed autonomous emergency braking, and top trim levels add a multiview camera and head-up warning to the list of driver assistive tech.
Exterior design: Near-decade old styling versus a modern aesthetic
The 2026 Cadillac XT5 might be competitive in cargo space, fuel economy, and safety, but its styling is seriously lacking. That’s not too surprising, considering the model was introduced nearly a decade ago and has remained relatively unchanged – at least in the United States. General Motors released the second-generation XT5 in China in 2024. As it stands, the North American XT5 lacks the more aggressive styling elements found in other Cadillac models, like the CT4-V Blackwing.
To put it simply, the XT5 wears a rather bland aesthetic that pales in comparison to other premium crossovers. Riding on either 18- or 20-inch wheels, the XT5 pushes for refined athleticism, but, in my opinion, falls short of the mark. Cadillac’s signature grille and badge is front and center, and there’s an available power liftgate for added convenience.
Released in its third generation in 2019, the Acura RDX offers a more modern appearance, with sleek lines and curves and several convenient amenities, like mirror-integrated LED turn signals. 19- and 20-inch wheels give off a sense of athleticism, and unique LED lighting elements, like jewel eye headlights and dragon tail taillights round out the RDX’s striking style.
Final thoughts
Acura
With nearly a decade under its belt, the Cadillac XT5 is certainly due for an update, especially when put next to the Acura RDX. The American crossover manages to stay competitive in certain areas, namely space and safety, but it has fallen far behind other premium models. Meanwhile, the RDX stands out as one of the most practical models in its class. Before you set your sights on a crossover, make sure to drive multiple models to determine which vehicle best fits your needs.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog