Item: 2020 Cadillac XT5
Rating: 3.2
Author: Matthew Keegan

Overview

What's New

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 gets a midcycle update that aims to keep it the brand’s best-selling option. Cadillac has changed the way the XT5’s trim levels are set up to the brand's new Y trim-level strategy, leaving three in place of last year's four.

Exterior changes include a new front grille design, restyled front and rear bumpers, the addition of LED headlights as standard, updated LED rear taillights, and new wheel designs. The interior gets more features, which include heated front seats, an improved digital gauge cluster, a revised rearview camera, Cadillac’s new infotainment system

A new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine joins the lineup, while a new nine-speed automatic transmission is standard with both available motors.

Choosing Your Cadillac XT5

The Cadillac XT5 is available in three trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Pricing starts at $45,090 including destination for the Luxury and goes up to $56,090 for the Sport.

Engine Choices

There are now two engines to choose from with the XT5. The new 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is standard in the Luxury and Premium Luxury, while the returning 3.6-liter V6 is standard on the Sport and available on the Premium Luxury for $1,000.

Engine Type	Horsepower	Torque	Fuel Economy (Combined)
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder	237 hp	258 lb-ft	Not Yet Rated
3.6L V6	310 hp	271 lb-ft	21 mpg

A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard for both engines. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is an extra $2,000 on the Luxury and Premium Luxury. The Sport is only available with AWD.

The EPA hasn’t announced fuel economy figures for the new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder yet, but it’s the same engine that’s found in the XT4, so we’re expecting to see around 26 miles per gallon combined.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

All Cadillac XT5 models can seat up to five and have 30.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. In total, the crossover can hold 63 cubic feet of cargo.

Safety Features

The XT5 comes standard with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning.

On the the top two trims, even more active safety features are available in two packages. Rear pedestrian alert, an automated parking system, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system are available as part of the Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package ($2,275). Adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and rear automatic braking can be equipped through the Driver Assist Package ($1,300).

Connectivity

The XT5 comes with Cadillac’s latest CUE infotainment system, an 8-inch touchscreen, a Bose eight-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, near-field communication technology for smartphones, wi-fi hot spot capability, and wireless charging.

Navigation is a $1,025 standalone option, as is a rear seat infotainment system with two headrest screens for $1,995.

Luxury - From $45,090

The Luxury is well equipped with standard features like dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, and LED headlights.

Premium Luxury - From $49,790

The Premium Luxury adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a sunroof as standard. The available Platinum Package costs $4,850. While pricey, it brings performance suspension, chassis damping control, a suede headliner, and semi-aniline leather upholstery.

Sport - From $56,090

The range-topping Sport trim brings the 3.6-liter V6, all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, 20-inch wheels, body-color door handles, black roof rails, and heated exterior mirrors as standard.

Compare XT5 Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

For the 2020 Cadillac XT5, the midrange Premium Luxury trim offers the best value. With the ability to add more safety features through optional packages, more convenience features, and the ability to get the more powerful V6, the Premium Luxury trim makes sense over the Sport.

Joel Patel

Automotive Editor - November 25, 2019

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Expert Review

Pros

Powerful V6 engine
Ample safety gear
Comfortable ride

Cons

Nondescript styling
Pricey all-wheel drive
Lackluster cabin materials

Expert Rating

3.2

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Matthew Keegan

Contributing Editor - March 27, 2020

Better on the inside than on the outside. The exterior styling of the 2020 Cadillac XT5 doesn’t catch the eye, or at least not to the level equaling the Lexus RX or the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. Its front fascia is dominated by a gaping maw and is offset by long LED lights. Its shoulders stand tall, while its profile sweeps up and back to the rear. From the backside, its boomerang taillights impart visual interest, but not on the level of the Cadillac Escalade. That’s not a bad thing, however.

Inside, Cadillac’s attention to design and detail is laudable. Most of the materials are of sound quality, although Cadillac can’t get away from plastics, even if they’re mostly limited to out-of-the-way places. The XT5 is roomy enough for five, although tall passengers may find rear-seat headroom constraining. You’ll find an average amount of storage space: 30.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 63 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

A strong base engine and a powerful V6. Cadillac supplies the XT5 with two strong engine choices. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generates 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The available 3.6-liter V6 engine develops 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines offer strong step-off acceleration and near-equal passing power. The nine-speed automatic transmission works well under most situations, although we noticed it may strain to move to the next gear when it's cold.

Upgrading to all-wheel drive from front-wheel drive in the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims is a costly proposition, adding $2,000 to your price.

Cadillac XT5

Generous standard safety equipment. We’re happy to see Cadillac equips the XT5 with a long list of standard driver assist safety gear. These include automatic high beams, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Teen Driver feature allows parents to limit certain features, including radio volume. You’ll also receive a report, which tracks your teen’s behavior.

Move away from the base trim, and the XT5 comes with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a night vision infrared option for detecting large animals and pedestrians are also available.

A long list of features, even on the base model. Luxury models typically come equipped, not stripped. That said, some base models lack the features we’d expect to go along with the steep price tag. Happily, the standard XT5 Luxury trim lives up to its name.

All models come with keyless entry, push button start, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, the standard active safety equipment, an 8-inch touchscreen, a Bose audio system, and imitation leather seats.

Among the upgrades are leather seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, and heated outboard rear seats.

Final thoughts. The 2020 Cadillac XT5 offers plenty of safety features and a comfortable ride, but it struggles to stand out in the crowded midsize luxury crossover segment. The subpar quality of cabin materials, lackluster exterior styling, and lack of driving engagement cause it to lag behind rivals.

Check prices for the 2020 Cadillac XT5»

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

2.0L I-4 / 237 HP / 258 ft.lbs.

Transmission

9-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

21 / 28 / 24 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	2.0L I-4 / 237 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	21 / 28 / 24 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel / Steel
Fuel Tank	19.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$73

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	63.0 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	104 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	189.6 "
Exterior Width	74.9 "
Exterior Height	66.1 "
Front Headroom	39.7 "
Rear Headroom	38.4 "
Front Legroom	41.2 "
Rear Legroom	39.0 "
Front Shoulder Room	58.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	3,915 Lbs.
Wheel Base	113 "
Turning Radius	20.2 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 20.0 " Polished Aluminum / 20.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 20.0 " Gray Aluminum
Paint	Metallic Monotone / Tri-coat Monotone / Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers	Front Body-colored With Aluminum Insert
Grille Moldings	Chrome
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Leatherette
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats	Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	(6-way Power)
Front Armrests	(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center
Rear Seats	60-40 Split-bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers	8 Bose
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Deep
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	2

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning	Automatic Emergency Braking Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning	Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection	Front Pedestrian Braking Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams	Intellibeam Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights	Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors	Front And Rear Park Assist Front And Rear
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months	72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months	12 Months / Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance Months	72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	72 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2020 Cadillac XT5 for Sale