2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, showcasing a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and large nameplate lettering. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a mix of Cadillac’s trademark design cues with a compact footprint and tall profile, resulting in an ungainly appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered distinct styling cues, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter darker trim. The interior, enhanced by the optional Platinum Package, felt luxurious but lacked a strong design theme. While the XT5’s seats were comfortable, they didn’t quite meet luxury standards. The XT5 offered more cargo space than its German competitors, but its interior design didn’t strongly reflect Cadillac’s brand identity.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a classic wafting sensation, although the SUV’s weight and tall center of gravity resulted in some side-to-side wallow. The Range Rover achieved an average fuel economy of 18.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA’s combined rating of 20 mpg.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower, while the optional 3.6-liter V6 offered 310 horsepower. The V6 provided linear power delivery and smooth shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission. The test car’s performance suspension with adaptive dampers excelled at providing a comfortable ride, cushioning bumps while maintaining excellent body control. The steering was well-suited to luxury driving, and the cabin remained impressively quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center-console bin and a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered more front headroom than some German competitors but trailed in rear headroom. It provided more legroom in both rows, although the seats could have been more comfortable. The XT5 boasted 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing its German rivals. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, could be navigated with some practice. The SUV included a comprehensive head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The waterproof Activity Key wristband allowed owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during activities, and the iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner’s manual.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and head-up display. While usability had improved, the tech still lagged behind competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though it had a “Marginal” headlight rating and an “Acceptable” LATCH rating.