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2018 Cadillac XT5

Starting at $41,590

7/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2018 cadillac xt5
Michael Simari, Cadillac|Car and Driver
7/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Sleek styling, well-designed cabin, above-average cargo room.
  • Lows Lackluster driving experience, overly fussy interior materials, powertrain lacks refinement.
  • Verdict The 2018 Cadillac XT5 has modern styling, a practical interior, loads of tech features, and plenty of cargo room, although it lacks the refinement of some competitors.

Overview

From nose to tail, the XT5’s styling is pure Cadillac, sharing the same edgy design theme and 3.6-liter V-6 with the brand’s sedan lineup and more than a few design elements with Caddy’s full-size Escalade SUV. But its lackluster driving dynamics don’t match up with the athletic ATS, CTS, and CT6 sedans, and its cabin doesn’t pamper occupants quite like the Escalade’s does. While the XT5’s interior design might be considered fussy, it is highly practical and spacious, and it’s filled with plenty of standard high-end infotainment features. While there are more luxurious and better-driving luxury crossovers available from Europe and Japan, the XT5’s unique styling and well-packaged interior might be enough to keep it in the running for some buyers.

What's New for 2018?

Cadillac has changed next to nothing for 2018, introducing only a new optional exterior color: Harbor Blue Metallic (all of the XT5’s available paint colors, save for Radiant Silver Metallic, cost extra). The EPA has reduced highway fuel-efficiency ratings for both front- and all-wheel-drive variants, but there have been no actual mechanical updates. On the warranty front, last year’s four-year or 50,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan has been reduced to three years or 36,000 miles of coverage.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

  • Base: $41,590
  • Luxury: $47,590
  • Premium Luxury: $54,090
  • Platinum: $64,390

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

One of the hallmarks of a luxury vehicle is an unobtrusive powertrain. The XT5’s engine and transmission do little to disturb the serenity of the cabin when cruising but lack refinement when pushed hard. Power is satisfactory, but don’t expect to burn rubber off the line. The XT5’s 3.6-liter V-6 makes the same 310 hp as last year’s model and is mated to the same eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive remains optional on all but the Platinum model, on which all-wheel drive is standard. There’s adequate power for passing on the highway and for squirting through heavy city traffic, and fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation functions work seamlessly. The eight-speed automatic transmission speaks softly; its shifts are buttery but don’t happen quickly even when in Sport mode. There are crossovers that handle better than the XT5, some that ride better, and others that offer a better combination of both. Add to that straight-line performance that is merely average, and the XT5 is far from compelling to drive. Both the standard and optional adaptive suspensions are unchanged, as are the brakes. An optional all-wheel-drive system with a “twin clutch” rear axle, which can apportion torque between the rear wheels for enhanced agility and sure-footedness, also continues to be offered on upper trim levels. Encounter a twisty road and the XT5 can tackle it with confidence, although it won’t make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up even when equipped with the optional adaptive suspension. Body roll is well controlled, and the XT5 feels substantial and planted, which is especially comforting on long highway slogs. Over rough stretches of broken pavement, however, our Platinum tester felt jittery and allowed sharp impacts to reverberate through the cabin.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The materials used throughout the XT5’s cabin seem upscale when examined individually, but when viewed as a whole the result is a design that appears unfocused. Passenger space is good, and accommodations are as deluxe as expected from a modern Cadillac. As with its sedan stablemates, the XT5’s interior is made from a host of luxury materials, all featuring different textures and patterns, which imparts a fussy, disjointed look when taken together. But cabin ergonomics are good, and the driving position is agreeable. The button-heavy steering wheel looks unflattering, but it provides the driver with controls for common functions without having to reach to the dashboard. Even luxury crossovers should be practical, and the XT5 excels in this category. Above-average cargo space, plenty of bins for stashing smaller items, and an easy-to-fold rear seat allow this Caddy to easily transform from luxury liner to cargo king. The XT5 provides enough places to stash smartphones, snacks, and other items throughout the cabin.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All XT5 models come well-connected right out of the gate, with niceties such as an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot as standard fare. Four USB ports are located conveniently throughout the cabin so that everyone can have a place to charge their mobile device, and a wireless inductive phone-charging pad is provided between the two front seats. Even base model XT5s get Bose audio with eight speakers. Audiophiles can upgrade to a 14-speaker system on Luxury and Premium Luxury trims; Platinum models offer the upgraded sound system as standard equipment. Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system suffers from some usability issues, mostly because some of the buttons are small and difficult to actuate while driving. Despite our complaints about the interface, the system is fairly responsive to commands, delivering average response time in our testing.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

For more information about the Cadillac XT5’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.

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