2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60 embodied a transformation of the brand with Swedish heritage infused by its ownership under the Geely Holding Group. After shedding its Ford shackles in 2010, Volvo reemerged with a product lineup renowned for safety, innovation, and a stylish near-luxury appeal. The XC60, positioned between the smaller XC40 and larger XC90, shared the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles.

Visually, the XC60 boasted a sleek, two-box crossover design with short overhangs and athletic body lines. The upright grille featured Volvo’s iconic iron mark logo and headlights with an LED daytime running light in the shape of Thor’s hammer, which emphasized its Swedish roots. The paint quality, chrome finishes, and large alloy wheels, reaching up to 21 inches in the top trims, were meticulously crafted.

Inside, the XC60 exemplified Scandinavian design with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. A 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen took center stage, embedded in a dashboard designed to harmonize with the cabin’s sophisticated architecture. Details such as the elegant HVAC vents controlled by a single chromed knob demonstrated the craftsmanship and attention to detail that elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant evolution for Cadillac, a brand dedicated to restoring its prestige within the General Motors family. The XT5 received substantial updates in 2020, including a new engine option, revised styling, and enhanced technology that carried over into the 2021 model year. The SUV showcased a snub-nosed exterior with unique trims, standard LED lighting at both ends, and 20-inch wheels that emphasized its presence on the road.

The interior of the XT5 aimed for an upscale experience with cut-and-sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, exuding a level of refinement unseen in other Cadillac models outside of the Escalade. However, some felt that it didn’t quite measure up to Cadillac’s historical opulence due to mixed materials and somewhat ordinary design elements.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 housed an array of powertrain options, all utilizing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque with turbocharging. The T6 models exclusively featured AWD, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque via a combination of turbocharging and supercharging. The top-tier T8 models incorporated an 87-hp electric motor, achieving 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque in a hybrid configuration, with the Polestar Engineered variant tuning it up to 415 hp.

The T8 models also functioned as plug-in hybrids (PHEV), allowing up to 19 miles of electric-only driving. The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring contributed to agile handling and a solid, secure ride. It was praised for its serenity inside the cabin and impressive suspension, making it suitable for long road trips. EPA fuel economy figures ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to a combined 57 MPGe for the T8 in electric-only mode.

The Cadillac XT5 offered distinct engine options across its three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The base configuration featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Premium Luxury grade could be upgraded to a 3.6-liter V6 engine that garnered 310 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque, standard on the XT5 Sport.

Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. While shifting was smooth when upshifting, some noted a clunkiness during downshifting. The Sport mode somewhat improved the shift quality but could become jittery.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on the Luxury and Premium Luxury, with AWD available as an option. The AWD-equipped XT5 managed to deliver better-than-expected fuel economy during a 2,000-mile test, averaging around 25 mpg—surpassing the EPA estimates. Comparatively, the base engine achieved 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD.

The XC60 was designed to prioritize safety and comfort, particularly evident during harsh winters. Its front seats were highly adjustable and heated rapidly, with a robust HVAC system excelling in challenging conditions. The cabin was rich with intelligent storage solutions and user-friendly controls, making for a practical yet elegant space.

The XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats down. It also had a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The XT5 offered seating for five, though practical space was more suited for four adults due to headroom constraints in the back row. The heated front seats, standard on all trims, helped maintain comfort, though some found the front seat cushions hard during long trips.

The XT5 afforded 30 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced by wheel bump-outs. Despite this, a smart cargo-management system and a hands-free programmable height liftgate enhanced its usability. Small-item storage was less impressive, with minimal space for smartphones and other personal items.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system was central to the XC60’s tech experience, using a tablet-like touchpad interface. It garnered mixed opinions, as some users appreciated its familiarity with smart device gestures while others found it challenging with a steep learning curve. Features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot.

The XC60 also integrated the Volvo On Call app for remote functionalities and boasted an outstanding Bowers & Wilkins audio system in the top trims.

Cadillac streamlined the XT5’s infotainment system and center stack, integrating a Piano Black plastic panel with haptic feedback for climate controls. While visually refined, the system’s cold temperature often deviated from the setting. An 8-inch touchscreen managed the infotainment, supported by a rotary controller for better usability while driving.

Standard tech included one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose system, wireless charging, and USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensured seamless smartphone integration. Additional options like a rear camera mirror and a head-up display aimed to enhance the driving experience.

Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system offered additional safety and convenience, and a capped top speed of 112 mph underscored Volvo’s commitment to safety.

The XT5 provided critical safety features such as front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-zone alert. Optional Night Vision technology improved nighttime driving visibility significantly.

GM’s Teen Driver program allowed for vehicle feature restrictions for young drivers and a report card system to monitor driving habits, enhancing peace of mind for parents.