The Cadillac XT5 2023 faces overwhelming competition in a segment of compact luxury SUVs, where there are many flagship models such as the Mercedes-AMG GLC-Class and the Porsche Macan. In this class of more than two dozen vehicles, there are also a large number of opulent luxury boats - such as the Volvo XC60 and the Genesis GV70. The XT5 features a transversely-mounted turbo four-cylinder or a V-6 naturally aspirated engine and is equipped with either front or all-wheel drive. And although it has a quiet cabin and one of the most competitive cargo capacities in its class, the interior is not convincing, neither as polished nor as lavish as its rivals.
Cadillac has not capitalized on the compact proportions of the XT5; its driving dynamics are dull and its engines are unexciting. Taken on its own, the Caddy seems pleasant enough. But in a class overrun by high-flyers, it simply can't keep up. Of the more than two dozen vehicles in this segment, the XT5 is the last.
Table of Contents
- What's New for 2023?
- Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Fuel Economy and MPG in the Real World
- Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
- Infotainment and Connectivity
- Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
What's New for 2023?
For the 2023 model year, the Cadillac XT5 receives only
minor changes. Three of the eight available exterior colors are new this year.
The Luxury and Sport premium models now come equipped with integrated
navigation and a Bose Performance Series sound system with 14 speakers.
The Premium Luxury midsize model is the best option, featuring leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, hands-free liftgate, wireless charging, and more. We would opt for the stronger optional V-6 engine, but stick with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available if desired.
Regarding the motor, transmission, and performance, the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine of the XT5 delivers 235 horsepower, while the optional V-6 engine provides 310 horsepower. With either engine, it cannot compete with performance-oriented competitors like the 340 horsepower Porsche Macan S. However, the Cadillac performs better than less aggressive models such as the Lexus RX350 and the Volvo XC60. In everyday use, we find the V-6 engine of the Cadillac impressively quiet and well-isolated from the interior. However, the larger engine's sound becomes noticeable in an unflattering way under heavy acceleration.
The XT5 handles curvy roads with ease, although it may not
be thrilling even with the optional adaptive suspension. The body roll is
well-controlled, and the XT5 feels solid and stable, especially on long highway
stretches, making it very comfortable. However, on bumpy roads, it can be a bit
rough, and hard impacts resonate through the interior. The steering is precise
but lacks any visual feedback – another missed opportunity to appeal to
enthusiastic drivers.
Fuel Efficiency and MPG in Practice
According to the EPA, the XT5 with front-wheel drive and a standard four-cylinder turbocharger achieves a fuel consumption of 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. With the V-6 engine, fuel consumption drops to 19 (city), 26 (highway), and 21 (combined). The optional all-wheel drive slightly lowers these values in both models, which is a small compromise for more confidence in bad weather. On our test track with a speed of 75 km/h on the highway, an XT5 with all-wheel drive and V-6 engine achieved a consumption of 23 mpg, while a model with front-wheel drive and turbocharged four-cylinder achieved 29 mpg. For more information on the XT5's fuel consumption, please visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The space for passengers is acceptable, but the accommodation is not as luxurious as it should be in a modern Cadillac. The materials used in the interior of the XT5 appear high-quality individually, but as a whole, the design looks unfocused. The layout of the interior is good, and the driving position is comfortable. One area where the XT5 stands out is practicality. An above-average cargo space, many compartments for storing smaller items, and an easily foldable rear seat make this Caddy the king of cargo space. The cargo space of the XT5 can accommodate an impressive 10 carry-on luggage items when the rear seat is upright. When folded down, it can fit 24 carry-on luggage items.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All XT5 models are well-connected from the start and offer
amenities such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a
4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot as standard. The CUE infotainment system provides
intuitive controls such as a rotary dial and voice recognition. The Premium
Luxury and Sport models come standard with an integrated navigation system and
a Bose Performance Series audio system with 14 speakers. There are four USB
ports throughout the interior for charging mobile devices, and a wireless
inductive charging pad for mobile phones is available between the two front
seats.
Security and Driver Assistance Features
Unfortunately, those who value driver assistance features such as blind spot warning must spend a lot of money. Information on the crash test results of the XT5 can be found on the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Some of the most important safety features include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning available
Warranty and maintenance coverage
Cadillac's standard warranty offerings match or exceed those of most XT5 competitors. The Caddy also offers free scheduled maintenance, but it only covers the first visit and falls behind the three years or 36,000 miles covered by Volvo.
Limited warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty for 6 years or 70,000 miles
Free scheduled maintenance is provided for the first visit.
The recommended retail price for the Cadillac XT5 2023 is
€63,115.