2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured a design that balanced between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional styling of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It incorporated Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. However, this combination resulted in an awkward mix with the XT5’s compact size and tall profile, making it unmistakably a Cadillac, but not a particularly graceful one. The Premium Luxury and Sport models had different exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels were included on the Luxury and Premium Luxury models, while the Sport models came with 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the XT5’s interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which added semi-aniline leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, door trim, a microfiber sueded headliner, and a heated steering wheel. Without this package, it was unclear if the XT5 met luxury standards. The interior design lacked a strong theme, unlike the Volvo XC60’s minimalism or the Lincoln Corsair’s Midcentury Modern look. It also didn’t have brand-specific markers like Audi, BMW, or Mercedes interiors, leaving little to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, eliminated almost all chrome from its exterior, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. Despite its new look, the GX quickly accumulated dust, making it appear drab and old. The GX’s design remained largely unchanged from its first-generation model, with only the signature Lexus spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights distinguishing it from its predecessors. Inside, the cabin’s quality was undeniable, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, save for the faint roar of the standard V8 engine.

The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535. Despite its age, the GX’s interior featured comfortable seats and padding in all the right places. However, some switchgear was outdated, and the rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space, making it less practical for carrying passengers and luggage.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine making 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6, available on the Premium Luxury and standard on the Sport model, provided a reasonably quick and smooth driving experience, with linear power delivery and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, which excelled at providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, offering a nimble feel without being overly sensitive. The XT5’s cabin was impressively quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. The GX’s 0-60 mph time was a leisurely 7.8 seconds, but the torque made the acceleration feel more exciting. The GX’s fuel economy was a low 16 mpg in combined driving, but it managed 16.8 mpg during testing, including off-roading. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped the GX feel stable and secure, despite its tall and narrow design. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but less than the BMW X3. The XT5 had more legroom in both rows, though it trailed the Lincoln Corsair in front legroom. The seats were fairly comfortable but could have used more padding, especially in the rear. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC, but falling short of the Infiniti QX50. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen offered additional storage.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a tall, narrow, and short design, making it easy to maneuver in various environments. The 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat provided a commanding view, and the interior padding was well-placed. However, some switchgear was outdated, and the rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space, making it less practical. The GX’s cargo capacity was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, less than a Toyota RAV4. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading and unloading.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 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 with the optional Technology Package. While the touchscreen was easy to navigate, the array of secondary controls, including a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads, were not ideally placed and lacked physical feedback. The standard eight-speaker Bose audio system could be upgraded to a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use, with the screen positioned at the top of the center control panel. The GX also included a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

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, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and rear automatic braking. The Technology Package included rear pedestrian alert, a surround-vision camera system, night vision, and automatic parking assist. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking recent crash-test ratings, relied on its standard Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked more advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.