2020 Cadillac XT4 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Cadillac XT4, with its Premium Luxury trim, presented a sophisticated yet less sporty appearance. It featured front-wheel drive, Silver Radiant metallic paint, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, along with a navigation system and a Bose premium audio system. The XT4's exterior was visually appealing, especially with its 20-inch alloy wheels, showcasing a crisp and tailored styling. However, the front overhang was a bit excessive due to its front-drive platform. Inside, the cabin was pleasant, with competitive quality materials, though some elements like the plain black trim around the power window controls seemed out of place for a luxury vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 exhibited a sharp and modern design, carrying the Audi design language with an expressive face and LED headlights. The Q5's body featured crisp character lines, and the rear had bold taillights, contributing to its classy appearance. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces, looked even more refined. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern ambiance, with smartly grouped controls and high-quality materials like real wood and metal. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-placed, and the second row offered standard leather seating, enhancing the overall luxurious feel.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a lively driving experience, although the front-wheel-drive model experienced some slip and torque steer. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts but was hesitant to downshift in Tour mode. The XT4's ride and handling were mixed, with good steering effort in Tour mode but an artificially heavy sensation in Sport mode. The oversized wheels provided impressive grip, but the suspension struggled with speed humps and smaller bumps, affecting the overall ride quality.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV, on the other hand, combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, providing a smooth and efficient driving experience. The Q5's handling was good, with minimal body roll and powerful braking, making it a fun and capable crossover to drive.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 offered a comfortable interior for the driver and front passenger, with soft leather seats, heated and ventilated options, and a heated steering wheel. The rear passenger compartment felt roomier than many small SUVs, although the rear seat cushion lacked support. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, quickly cooling the cabin during a heatwave. The interior featured a clean design with ample storage space, but cargo capacity was limited to 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV provided a well-packaged interior, with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom and headroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation options. The Q5's interior was thoughtfully designed, with smartly laid-out controls and storage spaces, enhancing the overall functionality and comfort.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured the latest version of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which was more user-friendly than previous iterations. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth pairing. The 8-inch touchscreen was responsive, but there was room for improvement, such as a larger screen and better integration of the climate system with voice recognition. The optional 13-speaker Bose audio system provided a satisfying listening experience, although some advanced features like a head-up display were not included in the test vehicle.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was intuitive and easy to use. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus offered a customizable instrument panel, enhancing the futuristic feel of the cabin. The Q5 included features like wireless Apple CarPlay and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, providing an immersive audio experience. The Integrated Toll Module was a convenient addition, eliminating the need for external transponders.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 came with a range of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat system. Additional features like blind-spot warning and lane-change warning were available on higher trims. However, adaptive cruise control required an additional package. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not completed all testing.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV shared many safety features with its gasoline-only counterpart, which received top ratings from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. The Q5 included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense basic, and electronic stability control. Available driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, and a top-view camera system, enhancing the overall safety of the vehicle.