2021 Cadillac XT5 Review, Pricing, and Specs
As a compact luxury SUV, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 aims for broad appeal. Unfortunately, it lacks some key attributes needed to compete successfully against impressive vehicles like the BMW X3, Mercedes-AMG GLC43, and Volvo XC60. The XT5’s cabin is spacious and comfortable and it offers a refined ride, but its appeal is otherwise limited.
Buyers can choose from either a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V-6 engine, but loading up the XT5 with options quickly pushes its price tag to Porsche Macan territory an area where the XT5 is even more out of its depth.
What’s New for 2021?
The XT5 receives a number of new standard features for 2021, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, Amazon Alexa integration, and an upgraded digital display in the gauge cluster. Elsewhere, the XT5’s exterior cameras get upgraded to provide better picture quality, a more robust wireless charging pad and USB-C charging outlets have been added, and a feature that uses Near Field Communication to pair smartphones in just one step joins the list.
Starting in 2021, Cadillac will also offer a handful of more advanced driver assistance features, including night vision, rear pedestrian alert, and improved automatic parking assist.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Cadillac XT5‘s base price is $44,990, but we think the mid-level Premium Luxury model is the best value. In our experiences behind the wheel, the XT5 Sport failed to get our blood pumping so we don’t think it’s worth the investment. The Premium Luxury version adequately fulfills the brand’s luxury promises, with desirable standard features such as leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free liftgate, wireless charging, and more.
While not everyone needs the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive, it’s available for another $2000 if you want it. The 237-hp turbo four-cylinder is standard, while the optional 310-hp V-6 costs $1000 more. Get the V-6.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The XT5’s standard turbocharged four-cylinder makes 237 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 stacks up favorably against 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 harshness makes itself known in a most unflattering way.
Encounter a twisty road and the 2021 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, our test vehicle felt jittery and allowed sharp impacts to reverberate through the cabin. Steering is accurate but lacks any visceral feedback another missed opportunity to appeal to enthusiast drivers.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Front-wheel-drive XT5s with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder earn EPA fuel economy estimates of 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. Moving up to the V-6 drops mpg to 18 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 200-mile 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.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Passenger space is acceptable, and accommodations are as deluxe as expected from 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. And for 2020, the XT5 received better interior materials, improved ergonomics, and upgraded features such as a new digital gauge cluster.
Even luxury crossovers should be practical, and the XT5 excels in this category. Above average cargo space, plenty of bins for stashing smaller items, and an easy-to-fold rear seat allow this Caddy to easily transform from luxury liner to 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.
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 infotainment system offers intuitive controls including a rotary controller. An updated Bose sound system is also now available. 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.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The XT5 has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but missed out on a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) due to poor-performing headlamps. Unfortunately, those who value driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring will find themselves shelling out beaucoup bucks. Key safety features include:
- Available automated emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Available lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Cadillac’s standard warranty coverages match or exceed those of most of the XT5’s 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
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