Replacing the subpar Cadillac SRX really wasn't that hard to do. The SRX, putting it mildly, was nowhere near being a proper BMW X3 or Porsche Macan competitor. But for 2017 Cadillac launched its all-new XT5 mid-size crossover which, from the moment you look at it makes you think "Yeah, now this is more like it." Point being is that the XT5's fantastic exterior design is its strongest selling point. Trust us, we really wanted to love this car because we've been so impressed with other new Caddies such as the CT6, ATS-V Coupe and the latest Escalade.

But the XT5 falls short, although far less so than the SRX, of being a segment game changer. Powered by a decent enough 3.6-liter V6 with 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, the XT5's really only other great strength is its spacious interior, both front and rear.

Yes, the dashboard design is nice and even features real wood and brushed accents but we still found a few quality inconsistencies that shouldn't be there, especially when the crossover, as tested, costs $63,845. For example, there are metal climate control switches while there's plastic buttons that control the heated and cooled seats. Odd. Even the center console feels kind of cheap, and in this ridiculously competitive segment, Cadillac should have known better.