2020 Cadillac XT5

Overview

The Cadillac XT5 is the company's most popular model, but it can't match the driving engagement and luxury experience of similar compact crossovers. While the 2020 XT5 has the style and features to be mentioned in that conversation, its unremarkable performance and mediocre interior quality hold the Cadillac back. Still, the XT5 has redeemable qualities in terms of ride refinement, passenger comfort, and cargo space. A standard four-cylinder engine and optional V-6 pair with front- or all-wheel drive. However, even the sportiest XT5 misses the driving verve of alternatives such as the Porsche Macan and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Unfortunately, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 tries to serve too many masters and doesn't truly satisfy anyone.

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, Cadillac gives the XT5 a mild makeover that's immediately apparent from its new bumpers, grille design, and wheel options. The other changes include a newly standard turbocharged four-cylinder that joins the V-6 as the only engine choices. The lineup is now headlined by the Sport model that replaces the old Platinum moniker. However, the latter becomes an option package that adds more technology and top-of-the-line interior appointments. The Sport model has a specially tuned suspension and steering system that attempt to increase driver engagement. It also wears a more aggressive appearance. Inside, the Caddy has a redesigned center console—now with a useful rotary controller for the infotainment system. The digital gauge cluster is redesigned, too, and Cadillac says the interior materials are better. Likewise, there are more standard features (heated front seats) and better optional equipment (night vision).

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The XT5's standard turbocharged four-cylinder makes 237 horsepower and the optional V-6 makes 310 ponies. With either engine, it's no match for performance-oriented rivals such as the 340-hp Porsche Macan S. However, the Caddy stacks up favorably against the Lexus RX350 and the Volvo XC60. In light-footed, day-to-day operation, we've found the Cadillac's V-6 to be impressively quiet and well isolated from the cabin. Under heavy throttle, however, the bigger engine's harshness makes itself known in a most unflattering way. 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 test vehicle felt jittery and allowed sharp impacts to reverberate through the cabin. Steering is accurate but lacks any visceral feedback—another missed opportunity to appeal to enthusiast drivers.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Front-wheel drive XT5s with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder earn EPA fuel economy estimates for 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. Moving up to the V-6 drops those to 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 combined. On both models, adding the optional all-wheel drive lowers these estimates slightly, a small concession for added confidence in inclement weather. On our 200-mile highway fuel economy test route, an all-wheel drive XT5 with the V-6 engine delivered 23 mpg while a front-wheel drive model with the turbocharged four-cylinder managed 29 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Passenger space is acceptable, and accommodations are as deluxe as expected from a modern Cadillac. The materials used throughout the XT5's cabin appear upscale when examined individually, but when viewed as a whole, the result is a design that appears unfocused. The interior's layout is good, and the driving position is agreeable. The 2020 XT5 receives better materials, improved ergonomics, and upgraded features such as a new digital gauge cluster. 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's cargo hold accommodated an impressive 10 carry-on cases with the rear seat in place. Once folded, we fit 24 carry-ons.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

All XT5 models come well-connected right out of the gate, with standard niceties such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The 2020 XT5 has more intuitive infotainment controls thanks to the newly added rotary controller. An updated Bose sound system is also now available. There are four USB ports located conveniently throughout the cabin for charging mobile devices, and a wireless inductive phone-charging pad is available between the two front seats.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The XT5 has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but missed out on a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) due to poor-performing headlamps. Unfortunately, those who value driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring will find themselves shelling out beaucoup bucks. Key safety features include:

• Available automated emergency braking
• Available adaptive cruise control
• Available lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Cadillac's standard warranty coverages match or exceed those of most of the XT5's rivals. The Caddy also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance, but it only covers the first visit, which falls short of the three years or 36,000 miles that Volvo covers.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for the first visit