The 2023 Cadillac XT5 offers a roomy cargo area, effortless smartphone integration and relatively good value in the midsize luxury SUV segment. But it isn't a standout in any particular area and fails to match the level of luxury found in most of its contemporaries.
The 2023 Cadillac XT5 has the potential to hit the sweet spot for a lot of luxury SUV shoppers. It's bigger and roomier than the brand's XT4 but less expensive than the three-row XT6 and full-size Escalade. Low pricing is also part of its appeal, at least to start. But a base-level XT5 is sparsely equipped for a typical luxury buyer, so plan to pay for some upgrades.
2023 Cadillac XT5 Sport 4D Sport Utility Crystal White Tricoat Clean CARFAX. CARFAX One-Owner. Odometer is 18350 miles below market average! FREE New...
More concerning is the XT5's age. Cadillac launched it back for the 2017 model year and it's behind the times compared to the Lexus RX that has a similar target audience but is freshly redesigned with the latest tech and features. You might also cross-shop the XT5 with slightly smaller alternatives such as the BMW X3, Genesis GV70 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. These small SUVs all have a distinctly sportier character than Cadillac's all-American midsizer. For more details about the XT5's pros and cons, be sure to read our test team's Expert Rating below.
We drove the 2023 Cadillac XT5 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the XT5 drive? The Cadillac XT5 has usable performance for everyday driving. Our test vehicle had the V6 and all-wheel drive. The V6 engine is strong, but you'll need to firmly press on the gas pedal to get it going. In Edmunds' testing, our test XT5 did 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is an average time for a midsize luxury SUV. The transmission is smooth and downshifts appropriately when needed.
Around turns, the XT5 is coordinated and compliant. As an SUV, it doesn't exactly encourage you to seek out winding roads, but it's competent enough once you're there.
Comfort
7/10
How comfortable is the XT5? The XT5 is comfortable, but so are the others in this competitive luxury class. The seat comfort and smooth ride are the highlights. The front seats have decent bolstering and offer plenty of adjustments, while the ride feels planted and is smooth during daily commutes.
The tri-zone climate control is nice to have, but it takes a little while to get going. It's the same for the heated and ventilated seats. Oddly, the XT5 isn't as quiet as it ought to be, particularly at low speeds. Around town, you'll hear engine accessory drive noises, creaking interior panels and slight wind noise.
Interior
7/10
How’s the interior? The interior looks nice, and the controls are easy to understand. Cadillac uses an 8-inch touchscreen, which is now on the small size for a luxury vehicle. Having knobs for volume and menu selection helps with ease of use, but some buttons aren't always responsive.
The design of the XT5 compromises some visibility, primarily the rear three-quarter view and the narrow rear window. The XT5's driving aids such as blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are very helpful. And while the XT5 offers generous head- and legroom up front, it does not feel that spacious across the width of the cabin, particularly at the elbows.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The infotainment and technology included in the XT5 are competitive in its class. For example, the optional 14-speaker Bose audio system sounds crisp and powerful, and Bluetooth pairing is easy and straightforward. The XT5 also provides a useful number of charging ports for your devices.
The standard voice controls aren't the best, so we recommend using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. As for advanced safety systems, Cadillac gives you a few standard, but you'll have to pay extra to access others, such as adaptive cruise control.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The XT5's fold-flat main cargo hold is well shaped and accommodating for a majority of items. It's definitely one of the roomier spaces in the two-row midsize luxury SUV class. But the cargo floor's liftover height is a bit on the high side. The power liftgate allows you to program the height of the opening.
Sadly, small-item storage is lacking, particularly in the front of the cabin. The center console is not nearly as big inside as it appears, and the door pockets are a little on the small side. Front and rear cupholders are just big enough to fit a soda can. Car seat access is decent even though the anchors are tucked pretty tight in the crack of the seats. Towing capacity maxes out at 3,500 pounds even with the optional tow package, which is below average.
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Cadillac XT5 AWD with the V6 has an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway), which is on the lower end of fuel economy for the small and midsize crossover SUV classes. On our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, our test XT5 averaged 20.2 mpg. That's about where we'd expect it to be, so the EPA's estimates should be achievable.
Value
7/10
Is the XT5 a good value? Adding options can significantly boost the XT5's price, but that's par for the course in the luxury SUV class. Considering what you're getting, there's some value in the XT5. The exterior looks decently upscale, and the interior materials feel better than in previous models but they're still below what most European rivals offer. The warranty stacks up with the rest of the competition.
Wildcard
8/10
The XT5 is a nice-looking SUV that wears Cadillac's older styling theme. The newer XT6 makes the design look a lot fresher, but it's not a far removal from the XT5's design. It evokes the upscale personality that Cadillac's after. This SUV is well behaved day to day and enjoyable when you want to pick up the pace.
2023 Cadillac XT5 trim level differences
The 2023 Cadillac XT5 seats five people in two rows of seats, and the midsize luxury SUV comes in Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport trim levels. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (235 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) powers the Luxury and Premium Luxury, while the XT5 Sport comes with a 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp, 271 lb-ft). All XT5s employ a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard for the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, and all-wheel drive is optional. The Sport has AWD as standard. Here's what else you get from each XT5 trim:
Which XT5 trim does Edmunds recommend?
You might be tempted to get the base Luxury trim level, but it doesn't offer many upgrades aside from extra-cost paint colors, wheel designs and accessories. So if you want leather and other luxury trappings, we recommend the Premium Luxury for its expanded feature set and broader list of options. The Driver Assist package is a must-get if you want adaptive cruise control.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
We test drive the Lincoln Aviator and found the engine auto off/ on very jerky and the shift controls in a very odd position. It steered bulky compared to the Cadillac xt5.
The aviator did have a little more room in the cargo area , but the rear passenger space looks and felt like and after thought .
The XT5 feels and handles like what you expect from Cadillac. The interior just blew … us away with its high end design. Controls are super friendly and the wireless connect from phone to car is fantastic! We love our XT5 luxury premium. And it comes at a a much less premium price than the aviator .
When I factor in design, cost, city and highway handling as well as the high tech safety features such as blind spot , lane check and anti collision braking and warning . Lastly let’s not forget the “ teenage driver speed control” I personally rate the XT5 a very strong 9 out of 10 !
XT5CadExperience
4 out of 5 stars
Chuck, 06/13/2021
2021 Cadillac XT5 Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A)
Be sure you know all the options you want before going to a dealer. I knew I wanted all safety options I desired and did an on-line search for the Cadillac filling that requirement. I found the model, the top of the line Xt5 that filled those requirements. It had lane alert, lane change warning, lane hold when in cruise, and both front and rear blind side alerts. I have already … experienced a warning of a vehicle approaching me from the front who had crossed the lane line. The heads-up display really amplified this warning. I am pleased with the electronic steering and braking, which is faster response than hydraulics.
Traded in my basic 2019 XTS for the 2021 Premium Luxury model 6 cyl awd. Much easier getting in and out of the vehicle than the XTS. I really like sitting up higher and since I’m getting older, with the 360 camera i don’t have to strain my neck to be sure there’s no obstacles around. It drives and rides just as nice as the car. I’m well pleased with it and look forward to driving … it for many years. I would recommend this vehicle. The models below don’t show the 6 cyl and which is what I bought.
Where do I start? The Cadillac XT5 is a reasonably priced midsize SUV with plenty of tech, especially in the technology package. The rearview camera (mirror) was the first surprise during my test drive. Everything from the adaptive cruise, parking and lane alerts to the straightforward phone integrations puts me at ease. I feel connected to my XT5 and my surroundings! Though storage for … small items is lacking, especially in the driver and passenger space, I find that my XT5 offers ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear. The turbocharged 4 cylinder delivers adequate acceleration, but I recommend the V-6 unless a few extra miles make a difference to you. I like this car and will probably comment more after I've driven it for six months!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Cadillac XT5, so we've included reviews for other years of the XT5 since its last redesign.
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