2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of design elements, positioned between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional styling of competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It featured Cadillac’s signature design cues, such as a bold grille and distinctive vertical taillights, but its compact size and tall profile created an awkward aesthetic. The XT5 was unmistakably a Cadillac, yet it lacked the grace typically associated with the brand. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a cohesive design theme and brand-specific markers, making it feel less distinctive compared to its luxury counterparts.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its prominent spindle grille and refined styling details reminiscent of the Lexus IS sports sedan. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, moving away from the button-heavy dashboard of the previous model. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like bolstered seats and unique instrumentation, while the Luxury trim offered real leather and open-pore wood trim. Despite the decluttered design, some functions integrated into the touchscreen were challenging to locate quickly, though physical controls for essential functions remained. Overall, the NX’s design was a significant improvement, offering a more modern and spacious feel.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without excessive sensitivity. The cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, including the NX 350 with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport featured additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension, providing a more engaging driving experience. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered electrified options, with the latter delivering 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of electric range. The NX’s handling was improved, with a lower center of gravity and dynamic tuning, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some German rivals. The F Sport trim offered a more athletic feel, while the Luxury trim provided a softer ride.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, though it trailed in rear headroom. It provided ample legroom in both rows, though the seats could have been more comfortable. The XT5 boasted 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing some German competitors. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the center console included a small cubbyhole for additional storage.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed increased interior space, though it felt more intimate from the driver’s seat. The NX offered comfortable seating, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX’s panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo capacity increased to 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Luxury trim featured ambient lighting with various themes, though this was not tested during the evaluation.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and head-up display. While usability improved over previous systems, the tech still felt basic compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome, and the rotary controller was not user-friendly. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring a 9.8-inch standard touchscreen and an optional 14-inch display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems offered natural voice recognition, and a complimentary three-year trial of Drive Connect service was included. The NX also featured digital key capability and a range of connected services. However, the large touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and there was no tuning knob.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. An optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though it had a “Marginal” headlight rating and an “Acceptable” LATCH rating.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection and adaptive front lighting. The NX’s Emergency Driving Stop System demonstrated its ability to safely stop the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive.