2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 BMW X3

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

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 offered a more aggressive exterior design with a slightly larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The X3 came in four variants, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model. The interior was well-appointed with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The X3's cabin was clean and efficient, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 was available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque, which was standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided immediate throttle response but could benefit from more low-end torque. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in AWD during a 2,000-mile test drive, better than the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. The sDrive30i had an EPA rating of 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i had a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i was rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 had enough room for four adults in two rows, though the back seat offered limited headroom for tall occupants. The front seats were not as comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, though wheel bump-outs reduced the width. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with no good place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, though the rear middle seat was best suited for smaller adults. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40 split, providing ample cargo space for backpacks and equipment. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding softness. The X3's sport seats had an extendable bottom cushion for taller drivers, though the extension handle could be intrusive. The redesigned center console featured a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The layout was user-friendly, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with a streamlined design. The climate control system was housed in Piano Black plastic with haptic feedback. The XT5 offered tri-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The infotainment 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 hotspot and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system available. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were also offered.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus featuring a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with a Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models. The Convenience Package added keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support, while the Premium Package included heated seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered 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 limit vehicle features and monitor driving habits. A rearview camera and rear-seat reminder were standard.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection. The Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus and a 360-degree camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, front cross-traffic alert, active lane-keep assist, and side collision avoidance.