2021 Cadillac XT5 Review: A Big Vanilla Cupcake
Cadillac has put a lot into the XT5 SUV, being that it is the brand's top-selling nameplate in the USA. So to keep it competitive, Cadillac has continuously applied upgrades and alterations to its midsize luxury crossover, eventually leading to a genuinely appealing Cadillac XT5 for the 2021 model year. The semi-premium cruiser can be equipped with either a 235-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder engine or a 310-hp naturally-aspirated inline-6. Both units come coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission and either a front- or an all-wheel drive system. While both powertrains are rather dull and deficient, the XT5 is still pleasant enough to drive and is reasonably fuel-efficient. It's a pragmatic runabout that offers a lot of value for the money, too. But in a classification that is so popular and inundated with options, the XT5 is rather mediocre. With competitors like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, can mediocrity be admissible if presented at the right price?
2021 XT5 Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189.6 in | 112.5 in | 66.1 in | 74.9 in | 64.8 in | 64.8 in | 3,915.0 lbs |
2021 XT5 Performance
2021 XT5 Interior
2021 XT5 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Warranty Note | Basic | Drivetrain | Rust-Through | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary 2021 Warranty | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 6 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 1 Year/1 Visit |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Cadillac XT5 A Good SUV?
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 is a pragmatic and value-rich SUV, with its impressively expansive cabin, spacious trunk, and extensive list of standard features. It bears a contemporary aesthetic and a premium-feeling interior strewn with good-quality materials, though the lower-grade elements are noticeable upon closer inspection. In terms of performance, the XT5 often feels a little underpowered, even with the V6. It's the transmission that fails to make the most out of either engine's power, focusing mostly on efficiency. These points make the XT5 SUV an ideal family vehicle, though, but only in suburban settings, as it can feel rather haggard at highway speeds. And though it is rated for a 3,500-pound max towing capacity, it's already lackluster-feeling engine performance makes it difficult to count that as a pro. Both the NHTSA's and the IIHS's review of the 2021 Cadillac XT5 returned a favorable safety rating, but there have been some reliability concerns. The 2021 Cadillac XT5's starting price of $43,995 is higher than those of its popular European competitors, but it boasts a good selection of top-spec features over those cars at the standard level.
What Cadillac XT5 Model Should I Buy?
The entry-spec model of the first-gen XT5 line has always been an ideal pick as it comes nicely outfitted with all the modern creature comforts, conveniences, and technology one would want in a midsize, 5-door family runabout. Opting for this model does, however, mean that you'll be stuck with the turbo-four engine and won't be able to upgrade to the more powerful V6. For the V6, you'd have to opt for the pricier Premium Luxury trim, which costs about as much as one of the more accomplished German alternatives. Nevertheless, the standard Premium offers plenty of value with its modern and all-inclusive infotainment system, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and handful of advanced driver-assist systems.