2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased the epitome of modern Lexus design, characterized by its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Coupled with luxurious seating and perforated leather upholstery, the RX made a strong style statement, even though some critics found its center console somewhat bland and dated. Lexus offered the RX in five variants: the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid. The RX F Sport model emphasized performance, while the RXL versions boasted extended bodies and a third row of seating, catering to larger families.

Maintaining the design updates introduced in 2020, the 2021 model preserved elongated headlights and a redesigned nose aimed at tempering the previously criticized front-end appearance. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, integrated rear spoiler, and rear privacy glass. Optional upgrades offered larger 20-inch wheels, enhanced LED headlights, and other weather-resistant features. The F Sport Appearance package added distinctive elements such as F Sport wheels, badging, and performance dampers, enhancing its athletic look.

Inside, the RX 350 base model came well-equipped with chrome door handles, a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel, NuLuxe-trimmed seats, power-adjustable front seats, and a reclining second row. Buyers could opt for semi-aniline leather upholstery, sport seats, heated and ventilated front seats, as well as power-adjustable seating configurations in the rear rows.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 found its visual identity between the angular designs of the Lexus NX and the traditional styling of European SUVs like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The XT5 incorporated Cadillac's signature design elements such as a bold grille, extended daytime running lights, and vertical taillights, resulting in a unique albeit somewhat awkward aesthetic due to its compact footprint and tall profile. The Premium Luxury trim of the XT5 favored chrome accents, while the Sport trim featured darker elements and a mesh grille to underscore its performance orientation.

Standard 18-inch alloy wheels characterized the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, with Sport models sporting 20-inch wheels. Cadillac offered additional Onyx and Radiant styling upgrades featuring both dark and bright chrome. Interiors of our test XT5, decked out with the optional Platinum Package, elevated its luxury quotient with semi-aniline leather upholstery, a microfiber sueded headliner, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. However, without this package, the XT5’s baseline luxury credentials remained uncertain.

The XT5's interior faced criticism for lacking a cohesive design theme, differing from the distinct identities found in competitors like Volvo, Lincoln, and Genesis. This resulted in a fairly generic look that missed brand-specific markers to remind occupants they were inside a Cadillac.

The 2021 Lexus RX came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised smooth gear transitions, though it occasionally struggled under hard acceleration. Lexus recommended premium 91 octane fuel. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 was the fuel economy leader with EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Opting for all-wheel drive or the longer RXL variant reduced fuel efficiency by about 1 mpg.

The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors for a total output of 308 horsepower, managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The hybrid models boasted city fuel economy ratings between 29 and 31 mpg, while highway efficiency stood at 28 mpg.

Performance enhancements in the 2020 model year contributed to a more dynamic driving experience for the 2021 RX. The F Sport Handling package, included in our tester, added adaptive variable suspension and sportier interior elements. The RX, while not a direct competitor to high-performance models like Audi's SQ5, offered a spirited drive in its F Sport variant and maintained a comfortable cruising capability with a top speed of 124 mph and acceleration from zero to 60 mph in about 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

In comparison, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT5 Sport and Premium Luxury trims offered an optional 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission delivered smooth and quick shifts, avoiding the pitfalls of high-gear hunting seen in some competitors’ transmissions.

Equipped with the Platinum Package, the XT5's performance suspension with adaptive dampers favored a relaxed, luxurious driving experience, absorbing bumps with ease while maintaining body control. The XT5 steering ratio balanced nimbleness with stability, contributing to a hushed and refined cabin environment suitable for luxury driving.

When it came to functionality, the 2021 Lexus RX and its variants catered well to different needs. The two-row RX models seated five, while the three-row RXL versions accommodated six or seven passengers, albeit with tight third-row space more suited to children. The sport seats defied common expectations, providing lasting comfort.

Cargo capacity in the two-row RX stood at 18.4 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with those seats folded. The three-row RXL versions offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. These numbers were lower than what more traditionally styled SUVs like the Honda CR-V offered. Standard features included a power liftgate, with an available hands-free version.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5, meanwhile, provided generous interior space relative to its German rivals, offering more front legroom and rear legroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, although it sacrificed some front headroom compared to the BMW X3. However, despite its larger interior dimensions, the XT5's seats were deemed less comfortable than expected for a luxury vehicle.

Cargo space in the XT5 measured 30 cubic feet with rear seats in place, expanding to 63 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC but falling short of the Infiniti QX50. The center console design was less adaptive, limited by a rotary controller for the infotainment system and other navigation buttons, though it included convenient storage options like a small cubbyhole under the touchscreen.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered a robust technology suite with standard features including dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker audio system. Optional upgrades extended to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, and a premium Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

Despite the touchscreen's responsive interface, the Lexus infotainment system drew criticism for its user-friendliness and outdated appearance. The inclusion of the Remote Touch controller, aimed at minimizing direct screen interaction, took valuable center console space and didn’t match the refinement seen in competitors’ systems.

Conversely, the 2022 Cadillac XT5's standard infotainment features comprised an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added enhanced driver and infotainment displays. Although easier to use than previous Cadillac systems, the XT5's tech offerings still lagged behind the more advanced and visually striking systems found in other luxury brands. The touchscreen interface was user-friendly but the surrounding control layout, including capacitive touchpads and rotary controllers, was less intuitive.

An eight-speaker Bose audio system was standard in the XT5, with an optional 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system providing exceptional sound quality, enhanced by the XT5’s quiet cabin.

The 2021 Lexus RX boasted commendable safety credentials, earning a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a four out of five stars overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite added comprehensive driver-assist functions such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and road sign assist.

However, the RX lacked the advanced semi-autonomous driving systems available from some newer competitors, reflecting its position later in its generational lifecycle.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear park assist, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and a Safety Alert Seat. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control, enhanced emergency braking, rear automatic braking, surround-view camera, night vision, and automatic parking assist. Despite its extensive suite of safety features, the XT5 did not offer Cadillac’s Super Cruise system.

The XT5 earned top “Good” ratings in all IIHS crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention (with optional features), but a marginal headlight rating and an acceptable rating for LATCH usability. NHTSA awarded the XT5 a five-star overall safety rating.