2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's signature boxy profile and blunt front end but introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The XC90's design was a blend of traditional Volvo elements with modern touches, offering a more characterful appearance while maintaining its recognizable identity. The Inscription trim level, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined and thoughtfully arranged interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 combined Cadillac's trademark design cues with a compact footprint and tall profile, resulting in a somewhat ungainly appearance. The XT5 featured a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered different exterior styling cues, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter opting for darker trim and a mesh grille. The XT5's interior, while luxurious, relied heavily on the optional Platinum Package for standout features like semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfiber sueded headliner. The interior design lacked a strong theme, failing to make a statement like some of its competitors, and lacked brand-specific markers that would remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option, while the T6 and T8 models came with standard AWD. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled to deliver flexible performance, particularly when relying on electric power alone. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin, but its towing capacity was limited compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 310 hp and 271 lb-ft. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6-equipped XT5 provided adequate power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts from the transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, which offered a comfortable ride and excellent body control. The XT5's steering was well-suited to luxury driving, providing nimbleness without being overly sensitive. The cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats in the second and third rows lacked support. The XC90's interior felt spacious, thanks to an optional power moonroof and its upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but less than the BMW X3. It trailed its German rivals in rear headroom but provided more legroom in both rows. The seats were comfortable but could have used more padding, especially in the rear. The XT5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 63 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available. The center console housed a rotary controller for the infotainment system and a small cubbyhole for storage.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The touchscreen was easy to use, but the text and typeface made reading menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5's standard infotainment system included 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 display and a head-up display. While usability was improved over previous Cadillac systems, the tech was still considered adequate compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but the array of secondary controls was cumbersome. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with 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. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.