2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was starting to show its age. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the GX received some new design tweaks over the years, including the garish hourglass grille that became a signature of the Lexus lineup. Despite its decade-old design, the GX maintained a rugged and capable appearance, thanks to its shared platform with the Toyota 4Runner. The interior, however, remained largely unchanged from the early 2010s, featuring a large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen. While this might not appeal to those looking for modern luxury, it worked for those who appreciated a more utilitarian approach.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased a more refined and modern design. Updated for the 2020 model year, the XT5 featured 40 upgrades, including a new engine option, revised styling, and enhanced technology. The exterior had a snub-nosed look with standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels, giving it a stylish and sophisticated appearance. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale design with sweeping horizontal lines and straightforward materials. The Premium Luxury trim level, in particular, exuded elegance with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While these specs might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 provided a distinctive swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering was direct and responsive, and the self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its various 4WD modes and adjustable suspension. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided smooth upshifts but clunkier downshifts, especially in Sport mode. The XT5's throttle response was immediate, but it could benefit from additional low-end torque. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in a variety of driving conditions, better than the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the AWD V6. The base engine achieved 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between kids. However, getting into the third row was a chore for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The GX had a unique side-opening rear hatch and a separately opening rear window/hatch for easy access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 had enough room for four adults in two rows, though it technically fit five with a three-seat bench in the second row. The back seat had limited headroom for tall occupants, but legroom was good in both rows. The front seats were not as comfortable as they looked for extended road trips. The XT5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors, but benefited from a deep rear cargo area. The cargo-management system allowed for dividing and securing loose items. A hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with no good place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a last-generation Lexus Enform setup. It featured a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, offering simplicity over modern complexity. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a tough tradeoff for some drivers.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 had a streamlined infotainment system and center stack, giving it an elegant design. The climate control system was housed in Piano Black plastic with haptic feedback. The XT5 featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with a rotary controller on the center console. It included one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, AUX port, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and USB-A and USB-C ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a 4G LTE WiFi hot spot and 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system were available. A rear camera mirror and head-up display (HUD) were also available.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also had blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX offered great visibility with massive windows and mirrors, adding to its safety.

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 technologies were available in all trim levels. The XT5 also featured Night Vision technology, enhancing nighttime drivability, and General Motors' Teen Driver software, allowing parents to limit certain vehicle features and view a report card of driving habits.