2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of design elements, sitting somewhere between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more classic styling of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It featured Cadillac’s signature design cues, 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, 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 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately midsize SUV profile. The vehicle’s exterior was further enhanced by the elegant matte Brunswick Green paint job and 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats continued the luxurious theme, complemented by a dash split by thin horizontal air vents and adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. Despite a minor quibble with the 14.5-inch infotainment screen’s placement, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment for occupants.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a base 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 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6, available on the XT5 Sport and optional on the Premium Luxury, 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 to a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without requiring constant corrections, and the cabin remained impressively quiet.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came exclusively with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking around five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled at highway driving. The power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene driving experience. The GV80’s handling was competent, though not as sharp as some German rivals.

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 trailed its American rival, the Lincoln Corsair, in front legroom. The seats were comfortable but could have used more padding, especially in the rear. The XT5 boasted 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, though not the Infiniti QX50. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen offered additional storage.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of features and luxury touches. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control system and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

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 and head-up display were available with the Technology Package. While usability was improved, the tech remained merely adequate compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome, with a rotary controller and poorly placed capacitive touchpads. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but not wirelessly. The GV80 provided wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist. The 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 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The GV80’s blind-spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster was a standout feature. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and “Good” ratings from IIHS, with “Acceptable” ratings for headlights and LATCH.