2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 captured attention with its emblematic design that fit seamlessly into BMW's SUV lineup, which included the X1, X3, and X7. Known for their high-end craftsmanship, BMW vehicles were easily recognizable, and the X5 was no exception. With its kidney grille and distinct body shape, the X5 made a statement on the road. Full adaptive LED headlights adorned each corner, enhancing visibility and adding to its upscale appearance. Depending on the trim, BMW offered a variety of styling cues between the standard xLine and the sportier M Sport models, which featured color-matched trims and high-gloss black roof rails.

Conversely, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 sported a mix of Cadillac's trademark design features, such as its bold grille, uniquely designed daytime running lights, and vertical taillights. The styling of the XT5 walked a fine line between Cyberpunk angularity and traditional SUV design, landing somewhere not quite as polished as its competitors like the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. Premium Luxury and Sport models had distinct exterior styling cues, with the former featuring plenty of chrome and the latter offering darker, sportier accents and a mesh grille. The XT5 came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, while Sport models rode on 20-inch wheels, emphasizing a performance-inspired look.

Adding a greener option, the X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid packed 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, and a 24-kilowatt-hour battery that provided up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Despite these powerful options, the drive dynamics of the X5 showed some discrepancies, especially at higher speeds where it felt out of step with BMW's usual connected and engaging experience. The hybrid model took five hours to charge on a Level 2 charger and offered up to 400 miles of driving range.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 introduced two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the XT5 Sport and Premium Luxury models sported a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, noted for its seamless and responsive shifts. The V6 engine provided sufficient power for everyday driving and excelled in linear power delivery.

The XT5’s suspension included adaptive dampers on models equipped with the Platinum Package, balancing comfort and control surprisingly well. Steering was nimble without being overly sensitive, contributing to a relaxed and smooth driving experience. The cabin was notably quiet, complementing its luxury status.

BMW utilized the interior space of the 2021 X5 efficiently. The front center console featured conveniently placed cupholders, but the array of controls could be confusing to operate at night. The seats provided spacious comfort for short trips; however, after extended periods, they began to feel too firm. Standard heated seats and armrests functioned well, and rear seating accommodated kids and two adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, though opting for the third row reduced it slightly. The split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height facilitated easy cargo loading.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space against German luxury crossovers. While it had more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, it fell short of the BMW X3 in this regard. The XT5 excelled with superior legroom in both rows compared to its competitors. The seats were reasonably comfortable, but the rear seats could have used more cushioning. Cadillac claimed 30 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, expanding to 63 cubic feet with them down, outperforming the Q5, X3, and GLC, though falling short of the Infiniti QX50. A hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

Safety was well addressed in the 2021 BMW X5, which included standard features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control was also part of the package but faltered in real-world conditions, struggling particularly with lane-keeping and reacting to stopped traffic. The X5 earned "Good" ratings from IIHS and a four-star rating from NHTSA despite several recalls.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with a solid range of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional packages enhanced these with adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. While Super Cruise was not available on the XT5, it managed impressive safety ratings, including a five-star overall score from NHTSA and high marks in crash prevention from IIHS, with the exception of less-than-ideal headlight performance.