2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. With updates from the previous year carrying over, the XT5 showcased a more sophisticated exterior with standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels, enhancing its bold proportions. Inside, the Premium Luxury trim level offered an upscale experience with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, although it didn't fully match the luxury of the Escalade. The interior design was more straightforward, with sweeping horizontal lines and thoughtful material placement, providing a more elegant feel than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 presented a sharp and modern appearance, embodying Audi's design language while maintaining its unique character. The Q5 featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, complemented by crisp character lines and bold taillights. The plug-in hybrid version added S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, offering a more striking look with standard 19-inch or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, with a high level of material selection and a well-organized layout. The 10.1-inch touchscreen and Audi's Virtual Cockpit Plus provided a futuristic tech experience, while the second row offered ample space and comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. The V6 was standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but less refined when downshifting. The XT5's throttle response was immediate with the V6, though it could benefit from more low-end torque. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was better than expected, achieving about 25 mpg during testing, compared to the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. The base engine achieved 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieve 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 27 mpg combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes, including a battery-only range of up to 20 miles. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults across two rows, with a three-seat bench in the second row. While legroom was adequate, headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, though visually appealing, lacked comfort on long trips. The XT5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors, but featured a deep rear cargo area with a cargo-management system. Small-item storage was limited, with no ideal spot for a smartphone and small map pockets.

The 2021 Audi Q5 excelled in smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row provided ample legroom and headroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation options. The Q5's interior featured numerous storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a center-console storage bin.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller. It included one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system were available. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror and a head-up display, enhancing nighttime driving and reducing distractions.

The 2021 Audi Q5 boasted Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The Q5 offered a high level of customization with LED ambient lighting and an Integrated Toll Module. The Prestige Package included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay. The navigation system worked in tandem with the hybrid system to optimize fuel consumption and battery usage.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 included safety features such as front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor driving habits. A rearview camera and rear-seat reminder were standard.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, and electronic stability control. Available driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, and a top-view camera system.