The 2022 Cadillac XT5’s exterior styling is handsome and upscale; its well-equipped cabin is quiet when cruising, and there’s plenty of space for four adults and their luggage. A turbocharged four-cylinder is standard and a V-6 engine is optional; neither delivers impressive performance, nor are they particularly refined. A turbocharged four-cylinder is standard and a V-6 engine is optional; neither delivers impressive performance, nor are they particularly refined. The XT5’s ride can be harsh over pockmarked roads, and that stiff-leggedness doesn’t translate to thrilling handling like you’ll find with the Mercedes-AMG GLC-class or the Porsche Macan. Body roll is well controlled and the XT5 feels substantial and planted, which is especially comforting on long highway slogs.
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 the 2020 model year, 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.
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.
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 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.
