2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features.

The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched.

A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 112 mph for safety reasons and get Care Key, which lets owners limit the top speed before loaning the car out to a friend or family member. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes.

Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three.

Cadillac spent the early 2000s methodically developing sports sedans in pursuit of BMW, but while it focused on that market trends turned toward SUVs. So for the past few years, Cadillac has tried to execute a product planning sidestep with more SUVs and updated versions of existing models.

The Cadillac XT5 (short for Crossover Touring 5) was introduced for the 2017 model year as the replacement for the SRX crossover SUV. It now sits between the XT4 and XT6 in Cadillac’s SUV lineup, and is positioned against small luxury crossovers like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Lexus NX, Lincoln Corsair, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Most of those models have benefitted from recent redesigns, while the XT5 carries over to the 2022 model year with minimal changes. The lineup still consists of Luxury base model, Premium Luxury, and Sport trim levels. For 2022, the XT5 Sport gets front Brembo brakes, red front and rear brake calipers, and new 20-inch 12-spoke wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish. All trim levels also get color-keyed floor mats and new Latte Metallic and Rosewood Metallic extra-cost paint colors.

There are no mechanical changes to report, so the XT5 is still offer with turbocharged four-cylinder and naturally-aspirated V6 engines, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car was a Premium Luxury model with the V6, AWD, and the optional Platinum Package.