2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of design elements, positioned 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 and distinctive vertical taillights, but its compact size and tall profile created an awkward aesthetic. 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. Inside, the XT5's interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, but lacked a cohesive design theme, failing to strongly convey the Cadillac brand identity.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid maintained a consistent design language across its models, with the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance versions sharing a similar appearance to the standard RX 350. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its performance-oriented styling, including a blacked-out grille and aggressive bumper designs. The RX models were not considered particularly attractive, with a design that appeared front-heavy and visually smaller due to a stretched wheelbase and signature rear roof pillar design. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach with contemporary textures and ambient lighting, offering a luxurious feel with options like Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim in the RX 350h Luxury.

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 ample power for everyday driving, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, enhancing ride comfort and body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, offering nimbleness without excessive sensitivity, and the cabin remained impressively quiet.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new powertrain lineup. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, with an expected fuel efficiency of 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, achieving 27 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h offered a dynamic driving experience with its adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering, providing confidence in corners. However, accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system, and real-world fuel economy fell short of estimates. The RX 350h delivered better fuel efficiency, averaging 32 mpg, and offered a secure and quiet ride.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 provided 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. It offered more legroom in both rows, though the seats lacked the comfort expected in a luxury vehicle. Cargo space was generous, with 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing competitors like the Q5, X3, and GLC. The interior featured a small cubbyhole for storage, but the center console was limited in space.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, with the RX 350h Luxury offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and effective climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but compromised rear headroom. Cargo space increased to 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with it folded, a significant improvement over the previous model, though still slightly less than some rivals.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and head-up display. While usability improved, the tech offerings were considered adequate, lacking the sophistication of competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome, and the rotary controller and capacitive touchpads were not user-friendly. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. The system's single-screen view limited multitasking, and reflections were an issue. The absence of a tuning knob was noted, and navigating menus could be frustrating. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. 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 "Acceptable" LATCH rating.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and more. Proactive Driving Assist was available, and the regenerative braking system recharged the battery. The front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had some drawbacks, and the driver monitoring system could be triggered by certain driving positions. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.