2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Ford Edge

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 represented a significant effort by Cadillac 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 stylish and robust appearance. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale design compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, featuring cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, especially in the Premium Luxury trim. Despite some shortcomings in interior materials, the XT5 exuded elegance, second only to the Escalade in Cadillac's lineup.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Edge maintained a consistent design since its 2019 refresh, which successfully integrated Ford's contemporary styling with the existing Edge body. The Edge offered a cleaner look compared to competitors like the Chevy Blazer. The Titanium trim added chrome accents, while the ST trim featured a blacked-out grille and sporty elements. However, the interior design began to show its age, with awkward tweaks to accommodate new features like a larger touchscreen. The Edge provided leather upholstery in Titanium models and sporty seats in the ST, but the overall interior freshness lagged behind its exterior appeal.

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 a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque. The V6 was standard on the Sport trim and optional on the Premium Luxury 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 model exceeded expectations, achieving about 25 mpg over 2,000 miles of testing, compared to the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Ford Edge primarily featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Edge ST performance model boasted a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine with 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, standard AWD, and model-specific suspension tuning. The Edge ST aimed to compete with performance SUVs like the Porsche Macan, though it fell short of such lofty comparisons. The Edge's towing capacities ranged from 3,958 pounds for the base FWD model to 4,525 pounds for the V6-powered ST, respectable but not class-leading.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The SUV offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but featured a deep rear cargo area. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2021 Ford Edge excelled in interior space, offering the most rear-seat headroom among midsize crossovers and ample legroom. Cargo space was generous, with 39.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded. A foot-activated power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Edge's rotary shift knob aimed to free up console space, but the narrow console limited its effectiveness. A storage nook below the console was difficult to access, making it easy to forget items placed there.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller on the center console. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and wireless charging. 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 the driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Edge was equipped with Ford's latest Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Edge included Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The ST model came with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Edge's tech offerings were user-friendly, with simple graphics and straightforward menus, making it easy for new users to navigate.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Cadillac's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2021 Ford Edge earned an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" designation, with top ratings in crash tests and front crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded the Edge a five-star overall safety rating. The Edge included standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner, such as automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision warning. Adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist were available on higher trims.