Overall Rating
Updated on: July 21, 2020
Automotive Journalist
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 carries over with little change. That means you still get that sharp styling which clearly distinguishes it from its Japanese and German rivals – all at a relatively affordable starting price of $44,095. Powering the 2020 XT5 is the same 310 hp 3.6L Naturally Aspirated V6 mated exclusively to an 8-Speed Automatic. But for this year, the XT5 is also available in less power and economical engine option. Which is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine. This isn't a bad thing as this engine was a potent performer previously as well and GM didn't want to fiddle with this configuration
See detailed review »Refreshed desirable look
Standard LED on all trims
Loads of interior space
Comfortable seats
Confidence-inspiring handling
No more overpriced Platinum trim
Poor rear visibility
The odd design takes away a lot of practicality
Meh base performance
New base 2.0L turbocharged engine
New 9-Speed automatic transmission
Increased base price by $2400
Three new distinctive trims
Updated Front and Rear fascia
New grille design
$45090
4dr SUV
5
front wheel drive
122
237 hp @ 5000 rpm
258 lbs.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
9-speed automatic
Independent front strut suspension
Independent rear multi-link suspension
13.6/12.4
112.5 in.
64.8 in.
74.9 in.
66.1 in.
3915 lbs.
7.8 in.
104.5 cu ft.
63 cu ft.
1000
6.5 sec.
15.1
19/22/26 mpg
504.4 mi.
4 yr. /50000 mi.
6 yr./ 70000 mi.
6 yr. /unlimited
Yes
$45,090 - $47,190
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) | Starting at $45,090 MSRP | (19/22/26) | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, regular unleaded | 9-speed automatic | front wheel drive | 5 | |
Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) | Starting at $47,190 MSRP | (19/22/26) | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, regular unleaded | 9-speed automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
$49,790 - $52,790
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Premium Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) | Starting at $49,790 MSRP | (19/22/26) | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, regular unleaded | 9-speed automatic | front wheel drive | 5 | |
Premium Luxury 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) | Starting at $50,790 MSRP | (19/22/26) | 310 hp @ 6700 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, regular unleaded | 9-Speed Automatic | front wheel drive | 5 | |
Premium Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) | Starting at $51,790 MSRP | (19/22/26) | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, regular unleaded | 9-speed automatic | all wheel drive | 5 | |
Premium Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) | Starting at $52,790 MSRP | (19/22/26) | 310 hp @ 6700 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, regular unleaded | 9-Speed Automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
$56,090
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) | Starting at $56,090 MSRP | (19/22/26) | 310 hp @ 6700 rpm, 3.6 L, V-6, regular unleaded | 9-speed automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine And Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
7.2
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
Cadillac is up with its new generation of crossover, replacing the long-running SRX, which begins with XT5. Debuted in November 2015 at Dubai Motor Show and LA Auto Show, The new Cadillac XT5 seems like a promising new Crossover Utility Vehicle.
With a starting price of $44095, it manages to provide the best value for money SUV which delivers as it advertises. With better mileage figures and updated styling, Cadillac is making a confident comeback in every segment.
8.2/10
Features
7.0/10
Engine and Performance
6.0/10
Fuel Economy
7.3/10
Interior
6.5/10
Exterior
The SUV is being offered in three trim levels. There are both Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive options available. Both of them are being offered in three trim levels: Base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. Among these, the Base trim is available only in FWD and the Platinum trim is offered only in the AWD drivetrain option.
With plenty of features being offered in all the trims, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto being offered as standard in all the trims with 8-inch LCD touchscreen. The Climate control buttons have new tactile feedback. Rearview camera is also the standard option in all the trims.
Trims |
Luxury(FWD) |
Premium Luxury |
Sport(AWD) |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP(Front Wheel Drive) |
$45,090 | $49,790 |
-- |
MSRP(All Wheel Drive) |
$47,190 | $51,790 | $56,090 |
Engine |
2.0L Turbo I4 engine |
2.0L Turbo I4 Engine |
3.6L V6 Engine |
Features |
Forward Collision Alert |
All the features in Luxury added or replaced and : |
All the features in Premium Luxury added or replaced and: |
Rotary Controller with jog functionality |
Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert |
Sport Control AWD |
|
18-inch Multispoke wheels |
18-inch Split spoke wheels |
20-inch 12 spoke wheels |
|
LED Headlamps with IntelliBeam |
Hands-Free Liftgate |
Wireless Charging |
|
Bose 8-Speaker Premium Audio System |
Bose-14 speaker Studio Surround System |
||
Heated Driver And Front Passenger Seats |
Heated Steering Wheel |
||
60/40 sliding and reclining seats |
|||
Driver Information Center display |
Additionally from this year onwards Cadillac has provided a lot of add-on packages for all kinds of upgrades related to aesthetics, performance, and usability. With the option to choose as per your need, you can easily customise your Cadillac with your kind of taste. This is a part of Cadillac’s new Y-strategy to focus more towards customers request and demand.
Package |
Platinum Package |
Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package |
Driver Assist Package |
Cargo Convenience Package |
Illumination Package |
Premium Carpet Package |
Floor Liner Package |
Interior Protection Package |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$4850 |
$2275 |
$1300 |
$995 |
$750 |
$430 |
$350 |
$280 |
Features |
Premium Carpeted Floormats |
Rear Camera Mirror with washer |
Automatic seat belt-tightening |
Roof Rack Cross rails |
Illuminated cargo sill plate |
Premium Carpeted Floormats |
All-weather cargo area tray |
All-weather cargo area |
Tri-zone Automatic Climate Control |
8-inch diagonal Driver Information Center |
Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control |
Assist steps |
Illuminated front-door sill plates |
PremiumCarpeted cargo mat |
All-weather floor liners |
All-weather floor mats |
|
Rear Camera Mirror Washer |
Automatic Parking Assist with braking |
Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking |
||||||
20-inch alloy wheels |
Heads-up display |
Reverse Automatic Braking |
||||||
Semi-Aniline leather seating |
||||||||
Leather-wrapped instrument panel, console and door trims |
||||||||
Chassis Damping Control |
We recommend
While base XT5 is decently equipped, the XT5 Luxury brings amenities like real leather upholstery and sunroof befitting the premium badge and this is the trim we recommend. While higher trims pack more equipment, their asking price creeps closer to better products including some German rivals.
Under the hood of this new Cadillac SUV lies two engine options: a 310 hp 3.6L Naturally Aspirated V6 mated exclusively with an 8-Speed Automatic and a 2.0L turbocharged inline four pot which pumps out 237 horses. The engine delivers abundant and effortless performance for any driving situation. However, if the 2.0L engine doesn't feel as exciting as some of the rivals. The 3.6L will surely fulfill the go-faster need for the 2020 Cadillac XT5. This powerful motor has been shifted to the highest trim which makes the XT5 accessible to a wider audience. Kudos to Cadillac to listening to its audience.
Models |
Cadillac XT5 Luxury |
Buick Envision Premium 2(AWD) |
INFINITI QX50 ESSENTIAL |
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum (AWD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$49,790 |
$43,600 |
$44,100 |
$42,450 |
Engine |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
Transmission |
9-Speed Shiftable Automatic |
9-Speed Shiftable Automatic |
CVT |
8-Speed Shiftable Automatic |
Power |
237hp@5,000rpm |
252hp@5,500rpm |
268hp@5,600rpm |
250hp@5,500rpm |
Torque |
258lb-ft@1,500rpm |
295lb-ft@3,000rpm |
280lb-ft@4,400rpm |
258lb-ft@1,500rpm |
In terms of sheer power INFINITI QX50 Essential tops the list with the Buick Envision following closely behind. The Volvo and Cadillac come in at last with XT5 trailing the pack. All the four are priced very competitively as well.
The Cadillac XT5 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. That may not translate to a neck-snapping acceleration but this Cadillac Crossover is engineered to munch miles in a fast and relaxed manner. If you desire a more fun-to-drive luxury SUV, checkout the BMW X5.
As you might have expected by now, the XT5 might offer slower acceleration than the competition, because of the less powerful engine. Cadillac does a 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, compared to sub-6 second timings achieved by other cars. The engine provides enough power to the crossover making it sweep across the tight corners and highways.
With the help of new 9-speed transmission, it provides better efficiency than the outgoing one. Due to this, we get quicker and linear acceleration as the gear ratios are closely coupled which results in quicker shifts. Although the acceleration is not aggressive but it is enough to keep you vigilant. The AWD variant is capable of clocking less quarter mile time.
Models |
Cadillac XT5 Luxury |
Buick Envision Premium 2(AWD) |
INFINITI QX50 ESSENTIAL |
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum (AWD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
6.6 sec |
6.4 sec |
6.4 sec |
6.4 sec |
Quarter Mile |
15.1 sec |
15.3 sec |
14.9 sec |
15.0 sec |
Top Speed | 125 MPH | 130 MPH | 132 MPH | 137 MPH |
Engine |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
Infiniti QX50 does 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds and surprisingly all other put up same timings including Buick and Volvo.
The Buick Envision and Infiniti Essential would have an edge over the others with its superior performance. The Cadillac with Front wheel drive and least power would most probably clock in the slowest!Guess we would have to patiently wait till the numbers are out.
The Cadillac XT5 steering and suspension is tuned to give a firm but pliant ride and confident inspiring handling. The XT5 maintains rock solid composure at high speeds and the supple suspension keeps the harshness and noise at bay. The precise steering means you can actually have fun with this caddy. However, steering lacks any feel and if you are looking for engagement, this caddy isn't one of the ones to look upto.
Around the turns, the XT5 feels sharp and in proper control. The crossover has got a few tricks up its sleeve to save some fuel. The V6 engine shuts down its two cylinders when extra power is not needed.The engine is quiet and you don’t hear the growling unless you push hard on that pedal. It stays calm on the busy roads but might scare the crap out of your cat if you put paddle to the metal.
The Cadillac XT5 gets 13.4-inch brake rotors up front and 12.4-inch rotors at the back. Despite weighing the least among cars compared here, The XT5 takes 111 feet to stop from 60 mph to a standstill. To consider, that's the smallest distance against the competition.
Models |
Cadillac XT5 Luxury |
Buick Envision Premium 2(AWD) |
INFINITI QX50 ESSENTIAL |
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum (AWD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Rotors Front |
13.6" |
12.6" |
13" |
13.6" |
Brake Rotors Rear |
12.4" |
12.4" |
12.13" |
12.6" |
Curb Weight |
3915.4 lbs |
4083 lbs |
3896 lbs |
4105 lbs |
60-0 MPH |
111 ft |
127 ft |
114 ft |
116 ft |
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 with FWD drivetrain delivers 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. That’s impressive considering the power this Cadillac small SUV has in reserve. Optioning the AWD only has a marginal 1 mpg impact on city mpg figure. Also, the XT5 uses cheaper regular fuel instead of the premium fuel that’s recommended for the rivals.
Models |
Cadillac XT5 Luxury |
Buick Envision Premium 2(AWD) |
INFINITI QX50 ESSENTIAL |
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum (AWD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
18 |
20 |
23 |
20 |
MPG (Highway) |
26 |
25 |
29 |
27 |
MPG (Combined) |
21 |
22 |
26 |
23 |
Fuel Capacity | 19.4 gallons | 17.3 gallons | 16.0 gallons | 18.8 gallons |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) | 407/543/415 miles | 346/433/380 miles | 368/464/416 miles | 376/508/432 miles |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr) |
8.0 |
8.0 |
6.6 |
7.7 |
This is one place where the Cadillac loses big time against the rivals. With a combined fuel economy of 21mpg, which is the lowest of the lot. Infiniti manages to put the best fuel efficiency numbers of 26mpg combined followed by Volvo with 23mpg combined.
The cabin is really spacious because of the longer wheelbase. The floor is flat for the rear middle seat so that’s something good. The legroom for both the front and rear seats is good enough for you to relax. It comes with reclining rear seats in an optional interior package. While the front seats are 8-way power adjustable bucket seats. The middle seat in the rear also houses the two cup holders for the rare passengers along with the armrest.
The spacious front power adjustable seats provide excellent support and this combined with the superb sound deadening to make this a capable long-distance liner. However, while the rear seats provide excellent legroom and headroom, they are narrow. Other than that, the cabin is well appointed and fits the luxury badge.
Models |
Cadillac XT5 Luxury |
Buick Envision Premium 2(AWD) |
INFINITI QX50 ESSENTIAL |
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum (AWD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.7/58.3/41.2 |
40.0/57.0/40.9 |
40.0/57.9/39.6 |
38.0/58.2/41.5 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
39.7/56.3/39.0 |
38.5/55.8/37.5 |
38.4/57.1/38.7 |
38.0/56.3/38.0 |
As the Cadillac features the longer wheelbase, it comes out to be a spacious car. With more than average space in both seating rows, it even overshadows the Volvo in terms of more spacious experience. Although it does lags behind the Buick and Infiniti as both these cars provide the best cabin space of the lot.
All XT5's get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration as Standard. Audiophiles will be happy to know that an 8-speaker Bose Audio system is standard. To satisfy the Technocrat inside of you, Cadillac is offering the XT5 with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot as Standard as well to keep you connected with the Internet world on the move as well.
Cargo volume in the Cadillac XT5 is better than the predecessor and most of the current rivals. With all seats up, the XT5 offers 30.2 cubic feet of luggage capacity. While that’s at par with the size offered by the rivals. However, the XT5 does have a trick hidden storage space beneath the false floor. Folding the 40/20/40 split seats reveal 63 cubic feet of luggage space.
Models |
Cadillac XT5 Luxury |
Buick Envision Premium 2(AWD) |
INFINITI QX50 ESSENTIAL |
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum (AWD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (cu.-ft) |
30.2 |
26.9 |
31.1 |
29.7 |
Talking about the weight of the Cadillac XT5, it comes with a curb weight of 3915 lbs. and gross weight of 6001 lbs. Length of the car is the longest of the rival cars. With a few inches more than the QX50 and XC60 at 189.6 inches. The width of the car is similar to Infinity at 74.4 inches. Cadillac used a lot of chrome to style the XT5. With a huge front grill filled with chrome surely shines from a long distance to make its presence felt. This style has been adapted from the XT4 and XT6 to bring in a unified design structure.
Models |
Cadillac XT5 Luxury |
Buick Envision Premium 2(AWD) |
INFINITI QX50 ESSENTIAL |
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum (AWD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
3915.4 lbs |
4083 lbs |
3896 lbs |
4105 lbs |
Length |
189.6" |
183.7" |
184.7" |
184.6" |
Width |
74.9" |
72.4" |
74.9" |
78.7" |
Height |
66.1" |
66.8" |
66.0" |
65.3" |
Ground Clearance |
7.8" |
7.7" |
8.6" |
8.5" |
Wheelbase |
112.5" |
108.3" |
110.2" |
112.8" |
The XT5 features the longest wheelbase of 112.5 inches. While Volvo comes out to be the heaviest of the lot with a whooping 4105 pounds. Followed by Buick with marginal difference. Having a shorter wheelbase, the Buick tends to be nimble and easy to use around corners.
The Cadillac XT5 gets advanced active safety features and driver assistance system bundled in packages. It is said to offer the best in class safety features and adhering to this are the safety ratings by top testing agencies. Although, the ratings for this year are not available yet. But taking in consideration from last year where It was awarded an overall 5-star rating by NHTSA, it is supposed to keep holding onto the record.
Although Buick offers a more powerful machine with 252 horsepower on tap and a tempting price of $ 43600. Still it loses out on providing a premium feature list and also the comfort levels are not upto the mark which is abundant in the Cadillac. Driving dynamics and efficiency also gets affected due to weight being heavier than the Cadillac. On the other hand, Cadillac does offer a much better package by improving according to customer feedback.
Biggest plus point of Infiniti is the more powerful engine. It also holds many features as standard which makes it a worthy contender. Driving dynamics does get affected due to the sluggish CVT transmission compared to the 9-speed automatic of the Cadillac which is way more smooth. But the transmission on the QX50 does make up for much better gas mileage. It does lose onto the interior space compared to the XT5. while both crossovers feature their own plus and negatives. Infiniti does make up for a cheap and reliable option with ample power available to push you into the seat everytime you floor the accelerator pedal. On the other hand, Cadillac would only win over your mind if you want a piece of american fanboy style.
The XC60 is both cheap and more powerful than the Cadillac’s eco loving offering. It also features a beautifully laid out interior. Being a heavy vehicle it does require the All wheel drive transmission setup to perform up to its competitors. On the other hand, the weight also helps in the handling department. Main USP of Volvos is their utterly reliable which Cadillac does lack a lot.
The new Cadillac XT5 is a genuine alternative to some of the more expensive German and Japanese rivals with its upscale and luxuriously appointed interior and abundant power in reserve. It will also stand out in the parking lot with its crisply designed exterior drawing plenty of inspiration from the Cadillacs of the 60s.
However, it’s not without caveats. The engine lacks outright performance to match the rivals, while the interior is full of interesting details, some may find it cluttered. There is no hybrid powertrain on offer too. Still, if you want a luxurious vehicle with a luxury brand at a relatively affordable price, the Cadillac XT5 will impress.
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