2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling, positioned between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more conventional designs of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It featured 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, albeit an ungainly one. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered slightly different exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome for a traditional look and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille for a sportier appearance. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a strong design theme and brand-specific markers, leaving little to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling elements. It featured a bold front end and cleverly re-engineered door hinges to hide the slider channel, giving it a more assertive profile. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering an uncluttered front cabin and ample storage options throughout. The Sienna provided comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third row could easily be stored away, enhancing cargo flexibility. The Sienna’s design and functionality made it a practical choice for families, with power-operated sliding doors and tailgate adding convenience.

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 delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided sufficient power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts from the transmission. 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 being overly sensitive. The XT5’s cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering smooth power delivery and maximizing fuel efficiency. It featured four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna’s handling was impressive for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride on the highway. The hybrid powertrain delivered excellent fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The Sienna’s battery pack was tucked under the front seats, with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

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, though less than the BMW X3. It provided more legroom in both rows but less front legroom than the Lincoln Corsair. 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 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 provided additional storage.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a family workhorse, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The third-row bench easily stored away, and each row offered storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for families.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An optional Technology Package added an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. While usability was improved, the tech offerings were merely adequate compared to other luxury brands. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome, with a rotary controller and poorly placed capacitive touchpads. The standard eight-speaker Bose audio system could be upgraded to a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Bluetooth and Qi wireless charging were available, with a 1500-watt inverter optional on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. Higher trims offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display for enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, automatic high beams, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The Safety Alert Seat vibrated when warnings were triggered. 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 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Sienna had 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire for added safety and convenience.