2021 Cadillac XT5 review
Cadillac XT5 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Clean, stylish design
- Roomy, comfortable interior
- Improved infotainment system
Cons
- Poor outward visibility
- Excessive interior noise
- Needs more practical storage space
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 25 highway, 20 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Tech upgrades give the 2021 Cadillac XT5 a new lease on life
When you shop for a 2021 Cadillac XT5, you’ll find three versions of the midsize luxury SUV: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The latter two are similarly outfitted, but the XT5 Sport has a standard V6 engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), 20-inch wheels, an upgraded suspension, quicker steering, and a more engaging driving character. For added luxury, a Platinum package is available.
The 2021 XT5 Luxury and Premium Luxury trim levels have a 237-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Sport trim’s V6 makes 310 hp. Both engines use a nine-speed automatic transmission, and AWD is optional with Luxury and Premium Luxury models. Fuel economy estimates range from 21 mpg to 24 mpg in combined driving, and a Cadillac XT5 can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the V6 engine. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
This year, the XT5 gets standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus Amazon Alexa Built-in with dramatically improved voice recognition capabilities. The latest XT5 models also have a digital driver information display between the gauges, high-resolution cameras, and an available night vision system.
All Cadillac XT5 years
What is new for the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
- The Premium Luxury trim now comes with 20 Inch Plus Wheels as standard equipment.
2021 Cadillac XT5 trims
Luxury:
- 237-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- 235-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- 310-hp, 271-lb-ft of torque 3.6L
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Leatherette Seats
- Power Seats
- Traction Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Cruise Control
- Smart Key
- View our Cadillac XT5 Luxury inventory
Premium Luxury:
- Includes all features available on the Luxury
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Memory Seats
- Leather Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Blind Spot Monitor
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- View our Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury inventory
Sport:
- Includes all features available on the Premium Luxury
- No significant upgrades found on the Sport
- View our Cadillac XT5 Sport inventory
Cadillac XT5 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Cadillac XT5
What We Like
Styling and design: The Cadillac XT5 features a clean, creased, and modern look that is distinctively Cadillac and stands in sharp contrast to rivals from Lexus, Lincoln, and others. The minimalist approach inside works well, and on higher trim levels, the XT5’s interior features rich, high-quality materials such as leather, wood, and synthetic suede.
Comfortable cabin: The XT5’s interior is easy to get in and out of and offers plenty of legroom for four adults. The seats are comfortable, too, making longer drives more enjoyable. The 30-cubic-foot cargo area offers plenty of luggage space, and when you fold the back seats down the XT5 can carry 63 cubic feet of cargo, more than its primary rival, the Lexus RX.
Ride and handling: When equipped with its available adaptive suspension, the XT5 supplies a commendable ride with capable handling. The adaptive suspension is standard with the Sport trim and available for the Premium Luxury trim through the optional Platinum package. Still, while this is not the kind of SUV that appeals to driving enthusiasts, the XT5 is more rewarding to drive with the adaptive suspension isolating occupants from bumps and controlling this Cadillac’s body motions.
What Needs Improvement
Noise isolation: Since Cadillac substantially improved the XT5’s controls, displays, and the infotainment system’s user experience in 2020, the main complaint about the XT5 pertains to interior noise. The standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine sounds unrefined, and when you’re driving this Cadillac, there is too much noise emanating from and making its way into the cabin.
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Ratings & reliability
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 XT5Cadillac XT5 features and specs
Premium Luxury 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 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)
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Full Roof Rack
- Head Up Display
- Navigation System
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
235
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
19.4
Wheelbase
112.5"
Overall length
189.6"
Width
74.9"
Height
66.1"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 39"
Head room
F 37.9"/R 36.6"
Front tires
P235/65R18
Rear tires
P235/65R18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
100/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Cadillac XT5 FAQ
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Premium Luxury: 22 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- Sport: 18 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- Luxury: 22 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
The Cadillac XT5 received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Cadillac XT5 as 0 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUV
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Cadillac XT5, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Cadillac XT5 Reviews.
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 has a maximum towing capacity of between 1000 and 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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