2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 represented a significant step forward for Cadillac in its quest to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. With 40 updates introduced in the previous model year, the XT5 showcased a refined exterior with a more distinct front and rear design, highlighted by standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, featuring cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents. The Premium Luxury trim level, in particular, exuded elegance, although it fell short of the opulence found in the Escalade.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. The Range Rover's design, with its hallmark blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, large nameplate lettering, and clean lines, gave it a timeless appeal. Despite its age, the Range Rover's interior exuded luxury with its Ivory-color cabin and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while comprehensive, was not as intuitive as newer systems, requiring some patience to master. The Range Rover's design and features drew heavily from its storied past, much like a Porsche 911.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but less so when downshifting. The XT5's throttle response was immediate with the V6, though it could benefit from more low-end torque. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in real-world testing, surpassing the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6 AWD version.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured its legendary off-road capability. Despite its weight and size, the Range Rover delivered a comfortable ride with its adaptive air suspension, though it was best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The EPA estimated 20 mpg combined for the Range Rover, with real-world testing yielding 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered seating for four adults in two rows, with a three-seat bench in the second row. While legroom was adequate, headroom was limited for taller passengers. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, though wheel bump-outs reduced the width of the area. The SUV's 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.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite this, the back seat offered luxurious amenities like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a refrigerated center-console bin. The Range Rover provided 25 cubic feet of luggage space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet, but required careful packing to fit larger items.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic. The system included a rotary controller, one-touch phone pairing, 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 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while comprehensive, required some learning to master. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV also featured a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for easy access to the owner's manual.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 came equipped with 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, while Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional safety packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.