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2019 Cadillac XT5

2019 Cadillac XT5

The XT5 represents Cadillac’s entrant into the competitive mid-size luxury SUV segment. The XT5 replaces the SRX, which had been Cadillac’s mid-size SUV for the last several years.

Overview

Although Cadillac is best-known for its large luxury sedans, it’s actually the XT5 that’s Cadillac’s best-selling model. SUVs are all the rage, and the Cadillac XT5 serves the heart of the market.

Though no longer called SRX, the XT5 carries on the same general proportions of its predecessor. The XT5’s stance is chunky and upright, giving it a more solid look than the average crossover. Styling comes courtesy of Cadillac’s Art and Science design motif, which includes distinct front headlights with LED elements and rear taillights that carry on Cadillac’s tradition of tail fins.

Inside the XT5 features a modern and luxurious cabin with all of the latest tech features, including an available digital gauge cluster and Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system. Although panned for its complexity when first launched, Cadillac has improved CUE’s user interface over the last few years, making it simpler to use. For those that still aren’t fans of CUE, the system is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible.

But the XT5 is still a Cadillac, so its hasn’t gone completely futuristic; there’s still plenty of wood, chrome and leather to remind you that you’re in a luxury car from Detroit.

The Cadillac XT5 offers plenty of front seat room, but rear seat headroom is a little cramped. The XT5 does offer more rear seat legroom than some of its competitors, however, including the Audi Q5. The XT5’s cargo capacity is also generous for its class.

Powertrains

The Cadillac XT5 is available with just a single engine — a 3.6L V6 developing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to either a standard front-wheel drive system or an optional all-wheel drive setup via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XT5 offers good performance thanks to its powerful engine, but that zip does come at the cost of fuel economy. The most efficient version of the XT5 is rated at 26mpg on the highway, which trails the 30+mpg ratings being posted by some of its rivals.

Towing is not the XT5’s forte, but it’s rated at a decent 3,500 pounds.

Trim level breakdown

The XT5 is available in four trim levels — base, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum.

Although designated as the base model, even the entry-level XT5 comes well equipped with features like 18-inch wheels, a Bose premium audio system, WiFi connectivity, real wood trim, power-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth audio and dual-zone climate control.

The Luxury package adds an UltraVIew sunroof, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, rain sensing windshield wipers, front and rear park assist, lane change alert with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

The Premium Luxury trim brings a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system, embedded navigation, a driver awareness package with automatic braking, LED headlights, ventilated front seats, a performance suspension and 20-inch wheels.

The XT5 Platinum comes standard with all-wheel drive, a reconfigurable LCD gauge cluster, leather-wrapped instrument panel, head-up display, microsuede headliner, hands-free lift gate, surround view monitor, front and rear skid plates, a unique grille and exhaust system, and a bespoke set of 20-inch wheels.

Occupant safety

Cadillac XT5 models come equipped with front, side, head and knee airbags, along with stability control.

Available safety features include lane change alert with side blind zone alert, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking and rear cross traffic alert.

Key competitors

The Cadillac XT5 competes directly against vehicles like the Audi Q5, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3.