2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, had the advantage of a fresh design approach, unburdened by a long legacy of design language. As Genesis' first SUV, it managed to blend innovation with the brand's emerging signature looks, such as the massive trapezoidal grille and the distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The GV80's exterior design was marked by elegance, with a long hood and short front overhang, complemented by large wheel arches and a sleek rear echoing the front's design elements. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a truly upscale environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a mix of Cadillac's traditional design cues with a modern twist. Its styling was a blend of angularity and classic elements, featuring a bold grille and vertical taillights. The XT5's compact footprint and tall profile made it unmistakably a Cadillac, though some found it less graceful. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered distinct exterior styling, with chrome accents for the former and darker trims for the latter. Inside, the XT5's interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, but lacked a strong design theme. The seats were comfortable but not exceptional, and the interior design didn't strongly convey Cadillac's brand identity.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, including electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The 2.5T provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience, enhanced by active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 3.6-liter V6 available on the Sport and Premium Luxury trims, delivering 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts. The XT5's performance suspension with adaptive dampers offered a comfortable ride, cushioning bumps while maintaining excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without being overly sensitive. The XT5's cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console and stack housed a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on certain models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, though it was not available on all trims.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. However, it trailed in rear headroom. The XT5 provided ample legroom in both rows, though the seats could have been more comfortable. Cadillac quoted 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing some competitors. The XT5 included a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen for additional storage, though the center console space was limited.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered user-configurable split-screen displays and over-the-air updates. Android users could utilize a digital key function, and the GV80 came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The standard audio system featured 12 speakers, with an optional Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system offering 21 speakers and 1050 watts of amplification.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5's standard infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display were available with the Technology Package. While usability was improved, the XT5's tech offerings were considered adequate but not exceptional. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were less intuitive. The standard audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system providing excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, though Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. It came equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. An optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, it received a "Marginal" headlight rating and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child seat anchor ease of use.