2023 Cadillac XT5

Overview

The Cadillac XT5 faces overwhelming competition in a compact luxury SUV segment loaded with show-stopping performers such as the Mercedes-AMG GLC-class and Porsche Macan. This two-dozen-plus strong class also has a large number of opulent luxury boats—tranquil transporters like the Volvo XC60 and the Genesis GV70. The XT5 features a transversely-mounted turbo-four or naturally aspirated V-6 engine with either front- or all-wheel drive. And while it does have a quiet cabin and boasts one of the most competitive cargo capacities in its class, the interior furnishings are underwhelming, neither as polished nor as sumptuous as those of its rivals. Cadillac didn’t capitalize on the compact proportions of the XT5 either; its driving dynamics are dull and its engines unexciting. In isolation, the Caddy seems pleasant enough. But in a class overrun with overachievers, it simply can’t compete. Of the more than two-dozen entries in this segment, we rank the XT5 dead last.

What’s New for 2023?

For the 2023 model year the Cadillac XT5 sees only minor changes. Three of the eight available paint colors are new this year. Premium Luxury and Sport models now also come with embedded navigation and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The mid-level Premium Luxury model is the best value. It comes with leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free liftgate, wireless charging, and more. We’d opt for the more powerful optional V-6 engine, but we’d stick with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available if you want it.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The XT5’s standard turbocharged four-cylinder makes 235 horsepower and the optional V-6 produces 310 ponies. With either engine, it’s no match for performance-oriented rivals such as the 340-hp Porsche Macan S. However, the Caddy’s performance stacks up more favorably against less aggressive models like the Lexus RX350 and the Volvo XC60. In light-footed, day-to-day operation, we’ve found the Cadillac’s V-6 to be impressively quiet and well isolated from the cabin. Under heavy throttle, however, the bigger engine’s voice makes itself known in an unflattering way. Encounter a twisty road and the XT5 can tackle it with confidence, although it won’t make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up even when equipped with the optional adaptive suspension. Body roll is well controlled and the XT5 feels substantial and planted, which is especially comforting on long highway slogs. Over rough stretches of broken pavement, however, it can feel jittery, and sharp impacts reverberate through the cabin. Steering is accurate but lacks any visceral feedback—another missed opportunity to appeal to enthusiast drivers.

Cadillac

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Front-wheel-drive XT5s with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder earn EPA fuel economy estimates of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. Moving up to the V-6 drops mpg to 19 city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. On both models, adding the optional all-wheel drive lowers these estimates slightly–a small concession for added confidence in inclement weather. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, an all-wheel-drive XT5 with the V-6 engine delivered 23 mpg, while a front-wheel-drive model with the turbocharged four-cylinder managed 29 mpg. For more information about the XT5’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Passenger space is acceptable, but the accommodations aren’t as deluxe as they should be in a modern Cadillac. The materials used throughout the XT5’s cabin appear upscale when examined individually, but when viewed as a whole, the result is a design that appears unfocused. The interior’s layout is good, and the driving position is agreeable. One area where the XT5 excels is in practicality. Above-average cargo space, plenty of bins for stashing smaller items, and an easy-to-fold rear seat make this Caddy a cargo king. The XT5’s cargo hold accommodated an impressive 10 carry-on cases with the rear seat in place. Once folded, we fit 24 carry-ons.

Cadillac

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

All XT5 models come well-connected right out of the gate, with standard niceties such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The CUE infotainment system offers intuitive controls including a rotary controller and voice recognition. Embedded navigation is also standard for Premium Luxury and Sport models as is a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system. There are four USB ports located conveniently throughout the cabin for charging mobile devices, and a wireless inductive phone-charging pad is available between the two front seats.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Unfortunately, those who value driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring will find themselves shelling out beaucoup bucks. For information about the XT5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency brakingAvailable adaptive cruise control Available lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Cadillac’s standard warranty coverages match or exceed those of most XT5 rivals. The Caddy also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance, but it only covers the first visit, which falls short of the three years or 36,000 miles that Volvo covers.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for the first visit

Specifications

Specifications

2020 Cadillac XT5 350T

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED

$63,115 (base price: $45,090)

ENGINE TYPE

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

Displacement

122 in3, 1998 cm3

Power

237 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque

258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

TRANSMISSION

9-speed automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink

Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/12.4-in vented disc

Tires: Michelin Premier LTX, 235/55R-20 102H M+S TPC SPEC 1493MS

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 112.5 in

Length: 189.6 in

Width: 75.0 in

Height: 66.1 in

Passenger volume: 104 ft3

Cargo volume: 30 ft3

Curb weight: 4106 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

Rollout, 1 ft: 0.4 sec

60 mph: 7.6 sec

100 mph: 23.1 sec

120 mph: 46.3 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.1 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 6.1 sec

1/4 mile: 16.0 sec @ 87 mph

Top speed (drag limited): 130 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 176 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.82 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 20 mpg

75-mph highway driving: 29 mpg

Highway range: 560 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 24/21/28 mpg

More Features and Specs