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2018 Cadillac XT5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Cadillac XT5 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Appealing design
  • Comfortable seats
  • Satisfying ride and handling

Cons

  • Outward visibility
  • Controls and displays
  • Interior noise and vibration

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 25 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

The 2018 Cadillac XT5 is a distinctive alternative to the status quo

The 2018 Cadillac XT5 is a five-passenger, two-row midsize crossover SUV available in Base, Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum trim levels. It comes with a 310-horsepower V6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds and gets up to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.

Cadillac redesigned the XT5 last year, so there are no significant changes to the 2018 XT5. It continues to offer a roomy interior and useful cargo space measuring 30 cubic feet behind the back seat and 63 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment includes Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and access to connected services including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wi-Fi hotspots require a data plan to activate and may also require a compatible device. See the owner's manual or manufacturer website for more information. The XT5 was one of the first vehicles to offer a camera-based rearview mirror, which improves rear visibility. Many of the XT5’s driver-assist features are available only on higher trims or are options.

The XT5’s primary rivals are the Lexus RX and Lincoln MKX. The Cadillac offers a distinctive alternative to either of them.

All Cadillac XT5 years

What is new for the 2018 Cadillac XT5?

  • The Base trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters and 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
  • The Premium Luxury trim now comes with Rear Air Conditioning and Rear Seat Heaters as standard equipment.

2018 Cadillac XT5 trims

Curious how Cadillac XT5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 310-hp, 271-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • View our Cadillac XT5 inventory

Luxury:

Premium Luxury:

Platinum:

Cadillac XT5 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Cadillac XT5

What We Like

Appealing design: The Cadillac XT5 has a cleaner and more appealing design than the SRX model it replaced last year. Distinctive vertical lighting, an attractive grille, and creased lines make the XT5 instantly identifiable as a Cadillac. Inside, high-contrast color combinations add a layer of luxury to the interior. Higher trims feature rich leather, wood trim, and synthetic suede.

Comfortable seats: Though it has tidy exterior dimensions, the XT5 has a roomy interior comfortable for four adults. The front seats are supportive during longer trips, and the rear seat supplies plenty of legroom. The XT5 is a bit narrow, though, so squeezing a fifth passenger into the back seat isn’t easy. The cargo space is usefully shaped and competitive for the class.

Ride and handling: When equipped with its available adaptive suspension, the XT5 offers a smooth ride combined with responsive handling. Adaptive suspensions automatically adjust to help reduce ride harshness while controlling unwanted body roll and motion. The XT5’s adaptive suspension is standard with the Premium Luxury and Platinum trim levels.

What Needs Improvement

Interior controls: Cadillac has long struggled to convey a high-tech image without hurting the user experience, and while the XT5 demonstrates some improvement in this area, it remains less than ideal. From a speedometer that is difficult to read at a glance and a confusing electronic transmission shifter to an irritating lack of stereo knobs and a frustrating voice recognition system, the XT5’s controls and displays cause aggravation.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 Cadillac XT5 is a luxury car that is spacious and comfortable. Customers like the car's smooth ride, spacious interior, and great acceleration.
4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Cadillac XT5 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Cadillac XT5 1st out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Cadillac XT5

Cadillac XT5 features and specs

Premium Luxury 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automated Parking
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.6L

Horsepower

310

Torque (ft-lbs)

271

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

19.4

Wheelbase

112.5"

Overall length

189.5"

Width

75"

Height

66"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 39.5"

Head room

F 38.4"/R 36"

Front tires

P235/55R20

Rear tires

P235/55R20

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Cadillac XT5 FAQ

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