2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. The XT5's design updates from the previous year carried over, showcasing a more refined and upscale appearance. The SUV featured standard LED lights that accentuated its robust proportions, while the 20-inch wheels added to its sophisticated look. Inside, the XT5 offered a more elegant interior than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents. The Premium Luxury trim level, in particular, exuded a level of finery that had been missing from Cadillac's lineup for years.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing reputation for crafting luxury SUVs. The Velar's design was a masterclass in elegance, with a sleek, sporty profile that echoed the larger Range Rover's iconic silhouette. Its exterior featured subtle adjustments, such as a sloping roof and flush door handles, which contributed to its streamlined appearance. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and modern design, with a polished black center stack and a reconfigurable instrument panel that offered a sophisticated driving experience.

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. The V6, standard on the Sport trim, provided immediate throttle response, though it could benefit from more low-end torque. The XT5's fuel economy was competitive, with the AWD V6 achieving about 25 mpg during testing, surpassing the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. The base engine delivered 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a more agile and responsive driving experience. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride, while the Terrain Response system offered six driving modes for various conditions. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, offering impressive performance for a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided ample space for four adults, 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 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 within eyesight.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, though the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability. The Velar's interior featured high-quality materials and a reconfigurable instrument panel, but some design changes were less practical.

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 the driving experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a significant improvement, with a simplified layout and customizable features. The system included a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The Velar's navigation system offered advanced features, such as traffic detours and off-road measurements. Standard technology included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

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

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, though U.S. crash-test ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.