2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. Updated in 2020 with 40 enhancements, including a new engine option, revised styling, and advanced technology, the XT5 carried these improvements into 2021. Its exterior featured standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sophisticated look. Inside, the Premium Luxury trim level exuded elegance with cut-and-sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, making it one of the most upscale Cadillacs aside from the Escalade.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned in 2020, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older models. While the base trim had a less appealing dual-screen setup, higher trims boasted a bright 11.6-inch portrait display. The interior quality improved significantly, with substantial materials and comfortable seating, especially in the Limited and Touring trims. The Onyx Edition XT added a touch of ruggedness with its water-resistant StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching. The exterior maintained a smooth and plain design, with high gray cladding for protection and a few chrome accents.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque, was available for the Premium Luxury trim and standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided smooth upshifts but clunkier downshifts, especially in Sport mode. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in AWD during a 2,000-mile test drive, surpassing the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when fully loaded. The XT trim, available on higher trims, featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The turbo XT achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the base engine managed 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was squishy, but its ride comfort and off-road capability were excellent, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced AWD system.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably in two rows, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, while heated, were not as comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. The XT5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors, but featured a deep rear cargo area with a cargo-management system. Small-item storage was limited, with no good place for a smartphone and small map pockets.

The 2021 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of intrusive wheel arches. Headroom and legroom were ample, and the seats were comfortable and supportive. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, providing convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic. The system included one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 4G LTE WiFi hot spot and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system available. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror and a head-up display. The digital instrument cluster provided essential vehicle information, and the climate control system included a chrome toggle switch for temperature adjustments.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared outdated with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The single large screen on higher trims was more cohesive and useful than the dual-screen setup on the base model. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system's functionality was impressive but relied solely on cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation system was more modern-looking.

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. Not all features were available on all trims. The XT5 also featured Night Vision technology, enhancing nighttime drivability by detecting large wildlife and hazards. General Motors' Teen Driver software allowed parents to limit certain vehicle features and monitor driving habits.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on specific trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, including a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and an overall five-star rating from NHTSA.