2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to the brand's legacy of combining luxury with rugged capability. Originating from the Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 underpinnings, a hallmark that defined the brand. By 2013, the current-generation Range Rover had introduced multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a dual-screen infotainment system, with options for heated rear seats and a premium audio system. The Autobiography and SVAutobiography trims offered even more luxury, with features like massaging seats and unique styling touches.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. Updated in 2020, the XT5 featured a new engine option, revised styling, and enhanced technology, which carried over to the 2021 model. Its exterior boasted standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels, while the interior offered a more upscale design compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The Premium Luxury trim showcased cut-and-sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, exuding elegance second only to the Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in interior comfort, the XT5's design and materials reflected Cadillac's renewed focus on luxury.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while a plug-in hybrid option offered 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque with a 19-mile electric range. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V8 engine. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and efficiency. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System ensured a comfortable and capable ride, both on and off-road.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 was available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, with the first two featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque, which was standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the V6 offering smooth upshifts but clunkier downshifts. The XT5's throttle response was immediate with the V6, though it lacked low-end torque. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, with all-wheel drive available, while the Sport trim came standard with AWD. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in AWD during testing, surpassing its EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined fuel economy. The XT5's handling was competent, though its fuel efficiency was comparable to rivals like the Infiniti QX50 and Acura RDX.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB), both with standard seating for five. The optional second-row captain’s chairs reduced seating to four but enhanced comfort, especially in the LWB version. The SWB model provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB offered 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its cargo capacity, the Range Rover lagged behind some competitors. The SUV featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, facilitating easier loading. The interior included a center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments and cupholders.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably in two rows, though it technically seated five with a three-seat bench in the second row. The back seat offered limited headroom for taller passengers, but legroom was adequate. The front seats, despite their appearance, were less comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. Heated front seats were standard, with climate-responsive heated or ventilated seats available. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some rivals, but benefited from a deep rear cargo area. A cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with no ideal spot for a smartphone and small map pockets.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone connectivity, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response. Integrated dials on the lower screen changed functions based on the menu, though the system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues. A fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5's infotainment system and center stack featured a streamlined design with Piano Black plastic housing the climate control system, which provided haptic feedback. The tri-zone automatic climate control used a chrome toggle switch for temperature adjustments, though it often ran colder than displayed. The XT5 included a rotary controller for the infotainment system, which cluttered the screen with selection boxes. Standard features included an eight-speaker Bose sound system, wireless charging, and smartphone connectivity, with a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system available. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were optional, enhancing nighttime driving visibility.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

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. Not all features were available on all trims. The XT5 also offered Night Vision technology, enhancing nighttime drivability, and Teen Driver software, allowing parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.