2019 Cadillac XT5 Review: Bigger Doesn't Mean Better

The Cadillac XT5 is a bit of a mixed bag. It doesn't quite fit the compact luxury crossover with its larger size and impressive cargo capacity, but it also isn't quite up to par with a midsize luxury SUV. Sadly, even in the compact segment, the XT5 fails to impress, with a modest 310-horsepower V6 that struggles to move the larger vehicle, and a long list of standard features that somehow manages to leave off most of what modern buyers expect from a luxury SUV. Rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class seem to do everything a bit better than the Caddy, although they do have a higher starting price than the American SUV's $41,695. Perhaps that's the XT5's saving grace - value for money; wrapping a premium product in an affordable package, perfect for those who want to steer away from the German luxury manufacturers, while not sacrificing on what a luxury SUV should be.

What's the Price of the 2019 Cadillac XT5?

Despite being larger than its classification as a compact luxury SUV, the XT5 retains a pretty affordable price tag, with the base model starting at an MSRP of $41,695. It's a moderate price hike to the Luxury, at $48,495, but it adds some much-desired driver-assist features. The Premium Luxury is another modest step up the price scale at $54,195 and adds quite a number of creature comforts as well as advanced driver-assist features. The top-tier Platinum starts at a pricey $65,895 and comes standard with advanced tech like a head-up display and a surround-view camera. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Cadillac's $995 destination charge.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The combination of a modestly powered V6 engine with front-wheel-drive doesn't deliver a driving experience that is particularly thrilling, despite the surprising agility of the bulky SUV. The Cadillac is clearly not designed for winding roads, but it doesn't shy away from them either, so it is just a pity that it doesn't have the performance to enjoy them more. Body roll is barely noticeable, so there is clearly room to push limits a bit, but no capacity to do so.

The steering is light, as one would expect from a town-centric luxury SUV, with very little communication between the tires and the steering wheel. The feel does tighten up a bit at higher speeds, but the wheels never get more talkative. The brakes are also responsive, although they are thankfully not grabby, instilling confidence where the steering fails. From 60 mph, the XT5 can be brought to a stop in just 116 ft.

Where the crossover definitely does shine is in its ride comfort. The independent suspension absorbs most road abrasions with ease, without those in the cabin even noticing they were there. The upper trims get an adaptive suspension to help them offset the more disruptive 20-inch wheels, but it is still recommended that you stick to the 18-inch wheels if possible. The seats are very comfortable, even after hours on the road, but sound dampening could be better. Wind and road noise is ever-present, and the engine can intrude on the relative silence from time to time.

Verdict: Is the 2019 Cadillac XT5 A Good SUV?

The 'tweener XT5 struggles to find itself in a luxury segment that is already difficult to break into. It presents buyers with an assortment of features, although most of the features that today's buyers expect to be standard on a luxury crossover are only present on the upper trim levels. The style, both exterior and interior, tries hard to sell the SUV as an upscale vehicle, but it doesn't stand up to scrutiny, with materials feeling cheaper than what rivals are using, and build-quality lacking throughout.

Still, the Cadillac manages to sell relatively well by providing a well-priced and decently-performing daily driver. The XT5 is surprisingly nimble, if not quick, and it always remains composed on the road. The seating may not be as plush as what rivals are offering, but the excellent ride quality means you won't need to rely on the seats to do all the work. The trunk is large, to begin with, and the rear seats fold down flat to open up an enormous area that rivals struggle to compete with since the Caddy is slightly larger.

Sadly, the middling engine that struggles to move that hefty SUV also doesn't deliver the same mileage figures that more refined SUVs like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class can achieve. So, despite a lower starting price, the XT5 might end up costing you more in the long run, especially considering you need to look at the upper trims just to begin competing with the German models. Overall, we would be remiss to suggest that the Cadillac XT5 is anywhere near the level of the true luxury compact SUVs, even if it does manage to impress in some key areas.

What Cadillac XT5 Model Should I Buy?

The entry-level XT5 should provide you with everything you really need from the Caddy, but since the SUV is quite affordable, to begin with, you can upgrade to the better-appointed Luxury without breaking past the price barrier set by most rivals. This would see you getting some nice advanced driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Going any higher would cost a lot more money and might require making sacrifices on ride quality due to the larger standard wheels.

2019 Cadillac XT5 Comparisons

2019 Cadillac XT5 vs Audi Q5

While not exciting to look at, the Audi Q5 has a lot to offer. Unlike the XT5, it comes with standard all-wheel-drive, automatic emergency braking, and leather upholstery. The Q5 has a weaker engine in the form of a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, but it does gets better fuel economy and a surprisingly better 0 to 60 time of just over six seconds. With a long list of standard features and a streamlined infotainment system, it is possible to overlook the Audi's lower cargo size of 25.1 cubic feet. Overall, the Audi Q5 is a more modern, capable daily driver with a similarly competitive price tag of $42,950, with its top trims managing to be cheaper than the Caddy's. The Q5 is definitely the smarter long-term choice here.

2019 Cadillac XT5 vs Cadillac XT4

The XT4 is quite a bit smaller than the XT5, fitting into the subcompact segment where the larger SUV almost breaks into the midsize market. And while the XT4 has significantly less cargo space, it manages to be more spacious for passengers. In most other ways it is very similar to its larger sibling, with many of the same standard features. Unfortunately, it shares the same shortcomings in that many of the features today's buyers expect to come standard on a vehicle that claims luxury status, are only available on the upper trim levels. The XT4 also sports a less powerful 237-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with even worse acceleration figures than the bulky XT5, although it does get marginally better fuel economy. Overall, despite the lower starting price of $34,795, the XT4 just doesn't seem worth the investment.