Cadillac XT5 vs Cadillac XT4

In the 2020 Cadillac XT4, Cadillac utilized a “Y” trim level strategy. There were three trims available: the standard Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. Our test model came in Premium Luxury trim, equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD), Silver Radiant metallic paint, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a navigation system, Bose premium audio system, and several option packages including Comfort and Convenience, Cold Weather, and Driver Awareness. The total cost of this configuration was $45,660, inclusive of a $995 destination charge.

Stylishly, the XT4, especially with the 20-inch alloy wheels, was perhaps the most visually appealing Cadillac crossover. The vehicle presented crisp, tailored styling with well-balanced proportions, despite an excessive front overhang which is a common issue with front-drive platforms.

The interior of the XT4 was generally pleasant, with materials of competitive quality. Nevertheless, there were some shortcomings, such as the plain black trim surrounding the power window controls, which seemed out of place in a Cadillac, resembling more what one would expect in a Chevrolet. However, it wasn't unusual for small luxury SUVs to exhibit similar cost-cutting measures.

For the 2021 Cadillac XT5, the brand continued its efforts to elevate its refinement, visible in its updates from the 2020 model year, which included 40 enhancements. These updates included a new engine option, revised styling, and upgraded technology features. The SUV’s exterior appeared more snub-nosed, with a trim-specific feature list enhancing differentiation. The design carried through to 2021 with standard LED lights, adding to the SUV’s sleek, stylish profile both at the front and rear.

Cadillac aimed to provide top-notch luxury inside the XT5 with various natural material appointments and a chic design. The interior design and styling of the XT5 were decidedly more upscale than its corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. Horizontal design lines and simple forms were a deliberate move away from Cadillac's historically busy upscale design language, favoring straightforward materials thoughtfully positioned throughout the cabin. In Premium Luxury trim, the XT5 boasted cut-and-sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, exuding a level of finery reminiscent of the brand's top-tier Escalade.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, providing a surprising level of strength with its 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, accessible from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. Fitted with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine powered either the front or all four wheels. The EPA estimated fuel economy for a FWD XT4 at 26 mpg, though our test vehicle returned 24.8 mpg.

The broad torque band lent the XT4 a lively driving character. However, the optional twin-clutch all-wheel-drive (AWD) system was recommended to mitigate front-wheel slip and torque steer, typical issues with FWD. The nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts, although it hesitated to downshift out of curves in Tour mode, an issue that persisted, although less frequently, in Sport mode. Paddle shifters were an available workaround to this problem, albeit with minimal perceptible gear-changing action.

Noise insulation was another area for improvement, as the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine didn’t sound particularly refined, and the 20-inch wheels transmitted considerable road noise. Steering effort felt good in Tour mode but became artificially heavy in Sport mode. The XT4 Sport trim offered an adaptive damping suspension, which would have been a beneficial addition to the Premium Luxury trim. The suspension displayed drawbacks over speed humps and smaller pavement imperfections, likely accentuated by the large wheels and tires. Nonetheless, the tire grip was strong, allowing for a fun driving experience on smooth surfaces. The braking system performed commendably, proving reliable even on downhill stretches like California’s Dennison Grade.

For the 2021 Cadillac XT5, different trim levels offered variable performance. Both the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, providing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An optional upgrade to a 3.6-liter V6 engine offered 310 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque, standard on the XT5 Sport.

The nine-speed automatic transmission paired with both engines provided smooth upshifts, though the V6 experienced a clunkier downshifting, especially in Sport mode, affecting throttle response. The drivetrain comprised FWD as standard in Luxury and Premium Luxury grades, with AWD available. The XT5 Sport came with standard AWD.

Over 2,000 miles of testing, the XT5 AWD delivered about 25 mpg, outperforming the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6. Non-AWD V6 models were estimated at 24 mpg combined. The base engine’s fuel economy was 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD, aligning with rival models like the Infiniti QX50 and Acura RDX.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 had comfortable front seating, with features like soft leather, padded armrests, and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. The test vehicle also had heated rear seats and air conditioning vents, with a rear passenger compartment offering more space compared to many small SUVs. However, the rear seat cushion lacked support. The excellent air conditioning system efficiently cooled the cabin during hot conditions.

Storage space was well-thought-out in the XT4, featuring umbrella holders and an innovative angled wireless smartphone charger. Cargo space behind the rear seat was 22.5 cubic feet, expanding to 48.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. An available hands-free power liftgate added to the vehicle’s practicality.

Conversely, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided room for four adults in two rows, though technically seating five. The rear seat headroom was confined for taller passengers, though legroom was ample in both rows. The front seats, despite appearances, lacked comfort on longer trips due to a hard bottom cushion. Heated front seats were standard, with climate-adjusting heated or ventilated seats available depending on the model.

Cargo space in the XT5 was 30 cubic feet, less than the XT4, but deeper, albeit narrowed by wheel bump-outs. A cargo-management system facilitated organizing loose items, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with minimal smartphone storage within eyesight and small map pockets.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured an improved Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which was intuitive with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, Cadillac Connected Access, and near-field communication pairing for Bluetooth. Interaction options included an 8-inch touchscreen, center console and steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The stereo system included a 13-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround audio system for a quality listening experience, though the vehicle lacked some advanced tech features like a head-up display (HUD) or rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 boasted a streamlined infotainment system with a haptic feedback-equipped climate control system housed in Piano Black plastic. The tri-zone automatic climate control featured a chrome toggle switch and rear seat controls. The vehicle included one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, AUX port, Bluetooth, wireless charging, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Advanced options included a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system and a rear camera mirror, proving more useful during night driving.

The fully-digital instrument cluster provided essential vehicle information, with an available head-up display offering speed and cruise control details. The XT5’s infotainment functionalities, including the smartphone recharging pocket and rotary controller on the center console, had some design constraints but remained functional.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4’s standard safety features included forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat system. Additional standard features were a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver parental report card technology, and two free years of collision notification and emergency assistance services.

Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package included automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a following-distance indicator. Adaptive cruise control and other advanced features required the Driver Assist Package. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5’s safety features included front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. A rear-seat reminder and a standard rearview camera were also included. Notably, Cadillac's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, allowing hazards to be seen clearly at a distance. GM’s Teen Driver software provided parents with the ability to restrict certain vehicle features and monitor driving habits.