2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. With updates from the previous year carrying over, the XT5 showcased a more sophisticated exterior with standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels, enhancing its bold proportions. Inside, the Premium Luxury trim level offered an upscale experience with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, although it didn't fully match the luxury of the Escalade. The interior design favored simplicity and elegance, with sweeping horizontal lines and straightforward materials, setting it apart from its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, offering a rugged, Jeep-like appearance. It featured a higher ride height, aggressive all-terrain tires, and unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents. The interior was dominated by dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but not ideal for hot weather. The cabin provided ample space, with heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, and a robust roof rack for outdoor adventures. The Outback Wilderness was designed for those seeking a vehicle with a strong off-road presence and practical features for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but less refined when downshifting. The XT5's throttle response was immediate with the V6, although it could benefit from more low-end torque. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 model was impressive, achieving 25 mpg during testing, surpassing the EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined. The XT5 handled well on the road, offering a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Despite its strong engine, the Outback's CVT detracted from the driving experience with its droning and soft simulated gear changes. The Wilderness trim featured a lifted suspension, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it highly capable off-road. It also included a dual-function X-Mode traction system and skid plates for added protection. On pavement, the Outback felt quick but was limited by its tires, while off-road, it excelled in challenging terrain, proving its capability in various conditions.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults comfortably, though the rear seat offered limited headroom for taller passengers. The front seats, while visually appealing, lacked comfort on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. Cargo space was reasonable at 30 cubic feet, but wheel bump-outs reduced the width of the area. The XT5 featured a cargo-management system and a hands-free liftgate, but small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but not ideal for hot weather. The cabin offered generous rear seat room, with heated seats and dual USB ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Subaru provided waterproof seatbacks and a cargo tray, along with LED lighting for the cargo area. The roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, making it suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with a streamlined design. 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 sound system were available. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which required the use of the screen for most functions. While physical knobs were provided for volume and tuning, voice recognition technology was less intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but a premium sound system was not offered. The Outback featured PIN code entry technology, allowing for keyless access during outdoor activities.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 included safety features such as front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, while Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor driving habits. The XT5's safety technology was effective without being intrusive.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured EyeSight ADAS, providing adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim also included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. EyeSight technology was effective and unobtrusive, maintaining safe distances and lane positioning. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for 2021.