2020 Cadillac XT5

Last refreshed in 2017, the Cadillac XT5 has been updated with minor tweaks here and there ever since. One thing, however, remains - its true American DNA, which is evident, both on the inside and the outside. It may be compact in proportions but unlike others, it is blessed with all the features one would expect from a "Cadillac". 

Available with just one engine - a 3.6L V6 motor, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 can be had in both FWD and AWD configurations. Power and torque outputs are rated at 310hp and 271lbs.-ft. and the combined MPG figures stand at a healthy 22MPG. Important changes to the 2020 model, over the 2018 model, includes the addition of standard safety features in the lineup and an updated wireless charging system with the fast-charging ability and also, a bigger charging pad.

 

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 comes in a total of 4 trims-Standard, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. The Platinum is the top of the line trim and comes in only AWD and gets all the bells and whistles that you would expect from a Cadillac. The whole 2020 Cadillac XT5 lineup starts from $42,690 for the base FWD "Standard" trim and goes over $66,890 for the top of the line AWD "Platinum" trim.

AWD system is optional for all the trims for a premium ranging between $2,500 to $3,000 that builds on top of the MSRP of the car. The top-trim, however, is excused of this offer as it already comes equipped with the AWD as standard.

Trims	Standard	Luxury	Premium Luxury	Platinum
MSRP (FWD)	$42,690	$49,490	$55,190	-
MSRP (AWD)	$45,690	$51,990	$57,690	$66,890
Features	Premium Care maintenance package	Adds/Upgrades to “Standard”	Adds/Upgrades to “Luxury”	Adds/Upgrades to “Premium Luxury”
	Bose 8 Speaker Audio System	Heated Steering Wheel	Bose 14 Speaker Studio Sound System	Heads Up Display
	4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, OnSpot and Cadillac Connected services	Memory and Driver Awareness Package	Cadillac User Experience with Navigation	8” Configurable Instrument Gauge Cluster
	Remote Start	Wireless Charging	Ventilated Front Seats	20” Fully Polished Aluminum Wheels
	Keyless Open	Power Sunroof	LED Headlamps
	Power Liftgate	Front and Rear Parking Sensors	Tri-Zone Climate Control with Heated Rear Outboard Seats	Hands-Free power liftgate
	Dual Zone Auto Climate Control	Illuminated Front Sill Plates
	4 Wheel Independent Suspension	Performance Suspension	Surround Vision
	Rear Camera Mirror

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Now if you really want a proper luxury SUV, the Premium Trim is the best suited out of the given ones, not just because of the impeccable feature list, but also a justifiable price. You get some "premium" equipment like ventilated front seats, 14-speaker Bose sound system, tri-zone climate control, a free navigation subscription for one year, and a lot more, as standard in it.

“The XT5 delivers a confident and reassuring driving experience when it comes to the way it steers, grips the road and brakes to a stop. It's not terribly quick, but the engine and transmission deliver enough sauce to get the job done. But those with a heavy right foot may disagree.” - Edmunds

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 comes powered by the same 3.6L, V6 unit that pushes out 310hp of power and 271lbs.-ft of Torque. Believe it or not, it is the most powerful and the most torque-rich motor in the segment. What further comes as a surprise is the fact that power delivery is pretty linear for most of the part considering its a V6 unit. Enhancing this experience further, this V6 gets pretty vocal when revved hard.

The transmission duties are performed by an 8-speed automatic gearbox that is good in responsiveness and offers very little jerks while shifting through gears. One thing though, for spirited drivers, this gearbox is a big let-down as it takes its own sweet time to kick down even when the throttle is clunked to the floor bed. Take things under manual control and the responses do get considerably better. However, the gearbox won't let you hold one gear for a long time at high revs.

Models	Cadillac XT5	Chevrolet Blazer RS	Lexus RX 350	Acura MDX
MSRP	$42,690	$41,795	$44,595	$45,295
Engine	3.6L V6	3.6L V6	3.5L V6	3.5L V6
Transmission	8 Speed Auto	9 Speed Auto	8 Speed Auto	9 Speed Auto
Power	310hp	305hp	295hp	290hp
Torque	271lbs.-ft.	269lbs.-ft.	268lbs.-ft.	267lbs.-ft

Speaking of rivals, the torque output of all the vehicles in this comparison are nearly the same. In terms of power, however, the XT5 leads the pack while the Chevy Blazer comes in a close second. The Lexus and the Acura are third and fourth in the list, respectively, with not much difference between the two.

Acceleration

The Cadillac XT5 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.6 seconds. The quarter-mile comes in 15.1 seconds. That may not translate to a neck-snapping acceleration but then, it's a Cadillac after all, and it is engineered to munch miles in a fast yet comfiest manner possible. If you desire a more driver-oriented luxury performance SUV, you should check out the BMW X5.

The V6 motor under the hood is surprisingly pretty calm and relaxed in nature. It has a particular grunt to it that hinders the, otherwise, quiet cabin but somehow, it still feels soothing to the ears. It may not be the fast(est) SUV in this comparison, but it certainly is fast. No denying that!

Models	Cadillac XT5 (Standard)	Chevrolet Blazer RS	Lexus RX 350	Acura MDX
0-60 MPH	6.6 sec	6.1 sec	6.8 sec	6.3 sec
Quarter mile	15.1 sec	14.7 sec	15.1 sec	14.8
Engine	3.6L V6	3.6L V6	3.5L V6	3.5L V6
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.0	8.4	7.7	8.4

When pitted against each other, the Chevrolet Blazer emerges as the fastest vehicle of the lot with its 6.1-second timing for 0-60 MPH. The Acura MDX is the only other vehicle in this comparison that could keep up with the Blazer. The Cadillac comes in at third and the Lexus is the slowest vehicle here. 

Ride and Handling

The Cadillac XT5 steering and suspension is tuned to give a firm but pliant ride and confidence-inspiring handling. The XT5 maintains rock-solid composure at high speeds and the supple suspension keeps the harshness and noise at bay. Add all that to its precise steering and you can actually have fun with this caddy. There is a bit of cabin roll though that could get unsettling if prolonged around the twisties.

Inside the city limits, maneuvering this 189-inches long sedan is comparatively easier than the rest of the segment. Also, the steering is a little too light at low speeds. While that may hurt some sentiments of an enthusiast, other people may find it as a plus point. 

Braking

The Cadillac XT5 gets 13.6-inch brake rotors up front and 12.4-inch rotors at the back. Couple to that, a curb weight of 4257lbs, and what you have on your hands is a bulky vehicle that stops from 60 MPH to 0, slowest among its rivals. But surprisingly enough, the Cadillac XT5 does this feat in just 128ft. This stopping distance is better than some of the hatchbacks and sedans on sale right now.

The brake pedal feels squishy at most times and travels quite a bit before any hint of a confident bite kicks in. The ABS is pretty intrusive and doesn't really let you play with thee Caddie a lot.

Model	Cadillac XT5 (Standard)	Chevrolet Blazer RS	Lexus RX 350	Acura MDX
Brake Front(in)	13.6	12.6	13.3	12.6
Brake Rear(in)	12.4	12.4	12.9	13
Curb weight(lbs)	4257	4007	4222	4032
60-0 MPH (ft.)	128	126	123	116

Speaking of rivals, it’s the 2020 Acura MDX that performs the best against everyone. The Lexus RX350 and the Chevrolet Blazer RS come 2nd and 3rd and fall short of the Acura by quite some margin. The Cadillac comes 4th in this comparison but unlike the other two, the Cadillac doesn’t fall short as much like them from the Acura.

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 with FWD drivetrain delivers 19 mpg in city and 26 mpg on the highway. For a 3.6l, V6 unit that’s pretty impressive. Opting for the AWD will only impact marginally on the fuel economy with a loss of 1 mpg in the city. Unlike most of its rivals, the XT5 also has an upper hand on the competition as it uses the cheaper - regular fuel instead of premium fuel.

Model	Cadillac XT5 (Standard)	Chevrolet Blazer RS	Lexus RX 350	Acura MDX
MPG (city)	19	20	20	20
MPG (highway)	26	26	27	27
MPG (combined)	22	22	23	23

As impressive as it might be for a V6 motor, the rest of the competition offers a slightly better fuel economy with the Lexus RX 350 and the Acura MDX leading the lot. The Chevrolet Blazer just inches past the Caddie with slightly more mileage than the latter, inside the city limits.

“It looks nice and modern at first glance, but the styling priorities reduce control simplicity and compromise outward visibility. And while the XT5 offers generous head- and legroom up front, it does not feel all that spacious across the width of the cabin, particularly at the elbows.” - Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The Cadillac XT5 interior remains pleasantly modern and upscale despite the price difference between the base Cadillac XT5 and its top-end trim, Platinum. The major difference is, while the base XT5 gets leatherette upholstery, the XT5 Luxury and XT Platinum upgrade to the real leather. The top end XT5 platinum splurges to even more exquisite semi-aniline leather.

In terms of comfort, both the seating areas, be it the front or the rear, are aptly cushioned and offer loads of room all around. The power-adjustability on the front seats further enhance the seating experience. The rear bench has ample thigh support and legroom ensuring utmost comfort even if you spend hours here. They are on the narrower side though. For the middle passenger at the back, the transmission tunnel passing through the middle of the car could become a reason for discomfort, but the wide-opening sunroof does add to the airy ambience of the cabin and eases out things a bit. Other than that, the cabin is well-appointed and fits the luxury badge just like its elder, more expensive cousins in terms of seating and comfort.

Model	Cadillac XT5 (Standard)	Chevrolet Blazer RS	Lexus RX 350	Acura MDX
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.4/58.3/41.2	36.0/56.2/39.5	39.4/57.8/44.1	38.1/61.1/41.4
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.0/56.2/39.5	38.6/58.6/39.6	39.1/57.6/38	38.3/59.1/36.6

The Cadillac trumps the Chevy Blazer and the Acura MDX in terms of volume at the front half of the cabin. Disappointingly though, the Cadillac has the least spacious rear seats of the lot. The Lexus RX 350 emerges as the crown bearer and sits miles ahead of the competition in this aspect.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

Flaunting its practicality counterpart proudly, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 offers a massive volume of 30.0 cu. ft. at the back with all seats up. This makes it one of the most practical SUV’s in the segment. The only SUV that out shadows the Cadillac is the Chevy Blazer RS that offers just an extra 0.5 cu. ft. of space.

The Cadillac XT5 is rated to tow 3500 pounds whether you choose FWD or AWD. Nothing extraordinary of the sort as it offers more or less what the other SUVs offer in the segment as well. The best towing capacity is offered by the Cadillac’s cousin, the Chevy Blazer RS while all the others offer the exact same amount.

Model	Cadillac XT5 (Standard)	Chevrolet Blazer RS	Lexus RX 350	Acura MDX
Cargo Capacity (cu. ft.)	30.0	30.5	18.4	15
Towing Capacity (lbs)	3500	4500	3500	3500

In terms of cargo space, the XT5 is marginally defeated by the Chevy but this are just numbers. In the real world, you won't be able to tell the difference between them at all. The Acura MDX is completely demolished by the competition due to its puny 15.cu.ft of volume at the rear.

Infotainment System

As with all GM cars, the Cadillac XT5 boasts of a plethora of features on the infotainment front. This 8-inch infotainment system is not the most fluid of the lot to operate. Also, one thing that we noticed is the fact that the system isn’t the most intuitive or easy to use and takes some getting used to as well. Outlasted by most of the rivals in this aspect, the folks at Cadillac need to up their game if they really want the XT5 to make an impact in this rather crowded segment.

Some of the features of the infotainment system of the 2020 XT5 are:

• 8” Driver Information System
• Apple CarPlay
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Bose 14 Speaker Surround Sound System
• Cadillac Connected Access with 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot and OnStar services
• Cadillac User Experience with Navigation and Compass
• SiriusXM Radio Trial, USB Ports (4+2 Auxiliary Power Outlets), Universal Home Remote
• Wireless Charging

Interior Features

If time has proven one thing, it is the fact that Cadillac knows how to design the interiors of a car - American style. Some of the highlights of the interiors of the 2020 Cadillac XT5 are:

• Automatic Heated Steering Wheel
• Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control
• 2 Way Powered Lumbar adjust front seats
• Front Bucket Seats
• Heads Up display
• Heated Front Passenger Seats and Rear Outboard Seats
• Inside Auto-Dimming RVM
• Lighting Accents

“In a sea of me-too lookalike SUV’s with massive gaping grilles, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 stands out with a crisp and clean set of lines, hard-edged elegance and a hint of wedge in its shape.” – Kelley Blue Book

Dimension and Weight

At 3985 pounds, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 is the lightest competitor here. And at 189.5 inches, it’s the shortest too. Compared to its predecessor, the Cadillac SRX, the Cadillac XT5 gets much sharper design details and it will be a respite to those bored with the ubiquitous Japanese rivals and the ever more homogeneously designed German rivals.

Each and every styling element be it at the front, side or rear, adheres to its typical American Genes. The front LED DRLs that extend all the way down to the front bumper give it a better road presence further enhanced by the massive front grille that sports the Cadillac emblem. On the side, there is a chrome trim highlighting the silhouette of the windows adding more oomph to the XT5's personality. All of this beauty is concluded well by the upswept LED taillamps that sneak onto the sides of the car as well. All of that is then underlined by the chrome-highlighted exhaust tips which, unlike the four-ringed vehicles, are very much real.

Model	Cadillac XT5 (Standard)	Chevrolet Blazer RS	Lexus RX 350	Acura MDX
Curb weight(lbs)	3985	4043	4222	4032
Length(in)	189.5	191.4	192.5	196.2
Width(in)	75	76.7	74.6	77.7
Height(in)	66	67	67.7	67.4
Ground clearance(in)	N/A	7.4	8.2	7.3
Wheelbase(in)	112.5	112.7	109.8	111.0

It's a tie between the Chevy Trax and the Cadillac XT5 in terms of wheelbase. Surprisingly, the Caddie is the smallest vehicle of the lot in terms of dimensions but still manages to surpass everyone when it comes to the wheelbase. The Acura MDX is the longest vehicle of the lot which translates to a lesser-friendly attitude when navigating through tight traffic. The Lexus RX 350 offers the maximum clearance in this comparison making it the most friendly offroad vehicle out of the lot here.

Exterior Features

Staying true to its American genes, you won't be mistaken for a Cadillac when you see one. Some of the key exterior highlights in the Cadillac XT5 that impart this feeling to the onlooker, and also add to the convenience of the owner are:

• Rearview mirror with integrated camera display
• 360-degree surround vision camera
• Front and rear park assist
• Powered twin-panel sunroof
• Hands-free power liftgate
• Keyless Open and Remote Start
• Chrome finished exhaust tips

In terms of build quality, the Cadillac has scored maximum points when pitted against the crash tests by NHTSA or the IIHS. Rewarded with an overall rating of "5 stars" by the NHTSA, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 is surely amongst the safest sedans on the market today. Just as in the NHTSA, the Cadillac XT5 has scored maximum points in the IIHS's scorecard as well, further strengthening its build quality factor.

Not just the build quality, the 2020 XT5 also flaunts a plethora of safety features that continuously work in conjunction with each other to ensure the safety of its occupants. Some of these advanced safety features are:

• Forward-Collision Alert
• Lane-Keeping Assist
• Pedestrian Detection
• Automated Emergency Braking
• Automatic High-Beam Headlamps
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic Safety Belt Tightening
• Automatic Parking Assist
• Forward Automatic Braking
• Forward/Reverse Automatic Braking

2020 Cadillac XT5 vs. Acura MDX

The Acura MDX is probably one of the sportiest compact luxury SUVs in the market right now. It offers better performance, fuel economy and braking ability than the Caddy. What favors the Acura is its build quality, which we find to be slightly better than the Cadillac on both the outside and on the Inside. However, the Cadillac is a more practical SUV than the former considering its massive cargo capacity and a plethora of features on offer. Furthermore, the Cadillac is priced nearly $3,000 less than the Acura and for that price difference, we would lean our recommendation towards the Cadillac.

2020 Cadillac XT5 vs. Chevrolet Blazer RS

The Chevrolet Blazer RS is the performance version of the standard Blazer and comes with an engine that is equally as powerful as the XT5. What differentiates the 2 are the prices and outright performance. The Chevy Blazer does justice to its RS tag by offering powerful engines, sporty performance, and outstanding looks. Though the Cadillac is more suited to luxury-seeking people, the XT5 seems to be a better buy considering the lower price and similar features.

2020 Cadillac XT5 vs. Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX 350 is one of the most cossetting luxury midsize SUVs on the market and comes loaded with plenty of advanced driver assistance systems as standard. You also get the build quality and reliability of Lexus. However, with it’s higher asking price and slightly lower performance, the Cadillac feels the better bet of the two.

The new Cadillac XT5 is a veritable option in contrast to a portion of the more costly American and Japanese rivals with its upscale and extravagantly laid interiors and a mighty powerful motor. It will likewise emerge in the parking garage with its fresh designed exteriors that gain a lot of motivation from the Cadillac(s) of the 60s.

Be that as it may, it's not without its own cons. The infotainment system is loaded with features but isn’t the easiest to use. The power train options are limited as well. All things considered, in the event that you need a sumptuous vehicle with an extravagance brand at a moderately reasonable value, the Cadillac XT5 is one of the best that you can put your money on.

FAQs

Does the Cadillac XT5 require premium fuel?

No, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 uses regular unleaded fuel.

What is the difference between the 2018 Cadillac XT5 and the 2020 Cadillac XT5?

Apart from the revised standard safety feature-list and a more powerful charging pad, there is not much difference between the two models.

What is the difference between the Cadillac XT4 and Cadillac XT5?

The Cadillac XT5 has a better feature-list out of the two. Apart from the more powerful engine under the XT5's hood, there is also more legroom and shoulder room in the said vehicle. However, the XT4 offers more headroom than the XT5.

Does the Cadillac XT5 come with a warranty?

Yes, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 is backed by a 4-year/50,000 mile warranty. For more information on this front, do check out the features tab on top of this page.