2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color. The material quality was excellent, with leather and wood trim available. The gauge cluster featured a familiar four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, though it appeared dated compared to competitors. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX's interior remained functional, albeit with limited small-item storage.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5's styling fell between the angularity of the Lexus NX and the traditional looks of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. Cadillac's trademark design cues, such as a bold grille and vertical taillights, were present but seemed mismatched with the XT5's compact footprint and tall profile. The Premium Luxury and Sport models had distinct exterior styling, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter darker trim and a mesh grille. Standard wheels were 18-inch alloys for Luxury and Premium Luxury models, while Sport models came with 20-inch wheels.

The XT5's interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which added semi-aniline leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and a microfiber sueded headliner. However, without this package, the XT5's interior might not meet luxury standards. The design lacked a strong theme, unlike competitors like the Volvo XC60 or Lincoln Corsair, and didn't have brand-specific markers to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but not as smooth as the eight-, nine-, or ten-speed transmissions found in some competitors. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a typical performance for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6, standard on the Sport model and optional on the Premium Luxury, provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts.

The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, which excelled at providing a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent body control. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, offering a quick ratio without being overly sensitive. The XT5's cabin was impressively quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for rear passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats had a 60/40 split-folding design. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered more interior space compared to its German rivals, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, though less than the BMW X3. The XT5 had more legroom in both rows but less front legroom than the Lincoln Corsair. The seats were fairly comfortable but could have used more padding. Cargo space was generous, with 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63 cubic feet with the seats folded. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster display and a head-up display were available in the Technology Package. While the touchscreen was easy to navigate, the array of secondary controls, including a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads, were not user-friendly. The standard audio system was an eight-speaker Bose setup, with an optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system available.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear park assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning as standard. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package included rear pedestrian alert, a surround-vision camera system, night vision, and automatic parking assist. The XT5 received top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.