Cadillac's compact crossover, the XT5, has been sold in the United States for a single generation since the 2017 model year. Designed as the replacement for the SRX, the XT5 is the second-smallest vehicle in Cadillac's lineup after the electric Optiq (the subcompact XT4 was discontinued after 2025). Based on the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain, the XT5 is most competitive when compared with the Infiniti QX50, the Lincoln MKX, the Lincoln Corsair, Lexus NX, the Lexus RX, or the Volvo XC60.
While lacking Cadillac's latest technology and cabin material upgrades, the XT5 is an inexpensive crossover that's functional, handles well, and has above-average reliability scores. A new 2026 XT5 starts at $46,595 including destination. An all-new, second-generation XT5 went on sale in China in 2025 and is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in 2027.
Cadillac XT5 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cadillac XT5 years are the best?
The latest model years have the best reliability scores according to JD Power, and also have the most updated driver-assistance features—although GM's Super Cruise hands-free system is not offered.
Which Cadillac XT5 years are the worst?
CarComplaints.com cites 2017 as by far the worst model year for the XT5. Electrical issues and faulty transmissions are the biggest causes of complaints. The overall number of complaints is low, but earlier (2017-2020) XT5s can suffer from faulty engine thermostats and battery failures, among other issues.
Is a used Cadillac XT5 a good deal?
A used XT5 isn’t really a good deal. The interior quality, the performance, and the dated styling should put the XT5 near the bottom of most buyers' shopping lists unless it's a low-mileage example at a low price.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Spacious cabin
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (newer models)
- Impressive stereo
Cons:
- Fairly pedestrian performance
- Dated interior
- Poor value for money
Cadillac XT5 Generations
Cadillac XT5 First Generation (2017-Present)
The XT5 was introduced for the 2017 model year as part of a family of newly named Cadillacs that were meant to move the brand closer in standing to the German luxury automakers. When we first tested the 2017 XT5 in its highest Platinum trim, we concluded that Cadillac had no chance, and that opinion has remained consistent throughout this vehicle's 10 years on the market with little in the way of major changes or improvements. As a used vehicle, the XT5 is a decent choice among luxury crossovers such as the Lexus NX or RX and the Lincoln MKX or Corsair that are tuned for comfort. But for a better balance of performance, style, and quality, shoppers should look to equivalent Volvo, Acura, or Audi models.
The 2017 XT5 launched with a 3.6-liter V6 making 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). We described the engine as coarse and the transmission as jerky when this vehicle was new. Fuel economy for AWD models was EPA-estimated at 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The XT5 received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted only one crash test, the small overlap front, in which the XT5 received the top Good rating. Both of these ratings apply to 2017-2026 models.
Four trims were available at launch, with starting prices ranging from roughly $40,000 to $64,000. The base XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, a 5.7-inch color driver display, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, an eight-speaker Bose stereo, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, a power liftgate, LED taillights and running lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, and leatherette upholstery. The rear seat reclined and slid fore and aft. Cargo space was 30 cubic feet or 63 cubic feet with the seat folded. The XT5 could tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The Luxury trim added a power moonroof, blind-spot monitors, a proximity key, a heated steering wheel with a power tilt/telescoping column, driver memory, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-folding mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers. The Premium Luxury trim added 20-inch wheels, a 14-speaker Bose CenterPoint stereo, navigation, driver assistance features including the Safety Alert Seat and automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, ventilated front seats, and a sport-tuned suspension. The Platinum came with an upgraded car alarm, standard AWD, tri-zone climate control, an 8-inch driver display, a head-up display, heated rear seats, a surround view camera system, and semi-aniline leather.
A mix of aluminum and wood materials was offered across all trims. Four years or 50,000 miles of scheduled maintenance were included with the XT5.
For 2018, the XT5 gained a new blue paint and fuel efficiency ratings were reduced. A Kona Brown leather color was new for 2019, along with a more powerful wireless charger and new paint colors. The 2020 XT5 received a refresh with new bumpers, a new grille, and new wheels. A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 237 hp and 258 lb-ft became the standard engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base and Platinum trims were dropped and Sport became the new top trim. LED headlights and heated seats became standard while the infotainment software was upgraded. Night vision was a new option.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were made standard for 2021, along with Amazon Alexa, higher-resolution cameras, USB-C ports, and other small improvements. The Sport trim added Brembo brakes for the 2022 model year. The 2023 XT5 offered three new paint colors and made navigation and the 14-speaker Bose stereo standard equipment for the Premium Luxury and Sport trims. The 2024 XT5 was supposed to be the last XT5 as Cadillac transitioned into an all-electric lineup, but neither of those things actually happened. Instead, it carried on into 2025 with fewer options, because night vision and adaptive dampers were dropped. There were no changes for 2026.
At the time of writing, CarGurus pricing data showed average prices ranging from $15,000 for a 2017 model to $44,000 for a 2025 model, while the average across all model years was $26,000.
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