2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its long-standing design lineage. Despite its decade-old body shell, the GX managed to incorporate Lexus' signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a distinctive look that appealed to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt more like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior ambiance felt dated compared to contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a mix of Cadillac's trademark design elements, such as a bold grille and vertical taillights, with a compact footprint and tall profile. The XT5's styling was unmistakably Cadillac, though it appeared somewhat ungainly. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered distinct exterior styling cues, with chrome accents for the former and darker trim for the latter. Inside, the XT5's interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which added semi-aniline leather upholstery and other premium touches. However, the interior design lacked a strong thematic identity, making it less memorable compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids for off-road conditions. It also boasted a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided sufficient power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts. The optional performance suspension with adaptive dampers offered a comfortable ride, maintaining excellent body control. The steering was well-tuned for a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without excessive nervousness. The XT5's cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While outward visibility was generally good, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space and difficult access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than some competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 compared favorably to German luxury crossovers in terms of interior space, offering 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. Cargo space was competitive, with 30 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded. A hands-free power liftgate added convenience. The center console featured a small cubbyhole for storage, compensating for limited space due to the rotary controller and shifter.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, though analog controls were available for ease of use. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was optional, providing a high-quality sound experience.

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 an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. While the touchscreen was user-friendly, the array of secondary controls was less intuitive. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality, enhanced by the XT5's quiet interior.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced 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.