2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 was a testament to Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. With updates from the previous year, the XT5 showcased a more sophisticated exterior with standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels, enhancing its robust yet elegant 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. The Premium Luxury trim, in particular, exuded a level of elegance that was second only to the Escalade within the Cadillac lineup.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 presented a unique and bold design, borrowing some elements from other Genesis models but maintaining its distinct identity. The GV70 combined SUV bulk with athletic, car-like elements, thanks to its sloping roofline and ribbed detailing. The Sport Prestige model added character with its unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the GV70's elliptical theme, inspired by an airplane wing, offered a minimalistic yet luxurious cabin with a rotary gear selector and a variety of interior color options, including Nappa leather upholstery in the Sport Prestige trim.

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 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6, standard on the XT5 Sport, provided smooth upshifts but was less refined during downshifts. 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 about 25 mpg, surpassing the EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty nature. However, despite the powertrain's capabilities, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors. The ride was firm, even in Comfort mode, and the steering lacked precision for spirited driving.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults comfortably, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. Cargo space was 30 cubic feet, with a deep rear area but limited width due to wheel bump-outs. The XT5'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 and small map pockets.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, a covered storage cubby for phones with USB ports was included. The front seats in the Sport Prestige trim were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were less intuitive.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured an elegant infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a rotary controller, though its design crowded the screen's aesthetics. The XT5 offered a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system, and a rear camera mirror. A head-up display was available, and the digital instrument cluster provided essential vehicle information.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, featuring a tile-based layout and crisp graphics. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch head-up display were available, with a 3D effect enhancing the graphics. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and a high-tech rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services offered remote camera activation and other features, free for three years.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 included 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 and limit vehicle features.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. It featured eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.