2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of design elements, sitting somewhere between the futuristic angles of the Lexus NX and the more classic lines 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 appearance. The XT5 was unmistakably a Cadillac, yet it struggled to achieve a cohesive aesthetic. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered different 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 strong design theme and brand-specific markers, making it feel less distinctively Cadillac.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 maintained its appeal despite its age, offering a stylish and high-quality feel akin to a small luxury SUV. The CX-5 was praised for its impressive build quality and refinement, with the available turbocharged engine providing notable power. Mazda’s decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti’s renaming of the G37. The CX-5’s design and feel were consistent across all trims, ensuring a sense of quality and sophistication regardless of the model chosen. The vehicle’s updates, including improved structural rigidity and suspension dampening, contributed to a more refined driving experience, aligning with Mazda’s reputation for sporty dynamics.

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 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided a smooth and linear power delivery, making it suitable for everyday driving. The XT5’s performance suspension with adaptive dampers, part of the optional Platinum Package, offered a comfortable ride with excellent body control, while the steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without nervousness. The cabin’s quietness further enhanced the luxury experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, offered a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. The turbo engine’s power increase, along with structural and suspension improvements, made the CX-5 feel more solid and refined. The vehicle’s driving dynamics were enhanced by the responsive six-speed automatic transmission, well-tuned steering, and effective brakes, providing a sporty and engaging driving experience. However, the turbo engine’s fuel economy fell short of expectations during testing, achieving 21.4 mpg in combined driving.

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. It provided more legroom in both rows, although the front seats could have been more comfortable with additional padding. The XT5 boasted 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. The interior featured a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen for storage, compensating for limited center console space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, updated for the 2022 model year, improved front seat comfort and support. It offered a height-adjustable driver’s seat across all trims, with power adjustments and heated seats available on higher trims. The Signature trim included luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5’s interior space was limited, with small storage areas, a cramped back seat, and less cargo space than some rivals. It provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than many mainstream competitors but more than some entry-luxury models.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system 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 the system was an improvement over previous versions, it still lagged behind competitors in terms of screen size and graphics. The array of secondary controls, including a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads, were not user-friendly, and the optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5’s Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch display, was visually appealing but functionally frustrating. It lacked a voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the center console were awkward to use, requiring memorization and focus. The system’s control knob often necessitated multiple twists and pushes to execute commands, making it more distracting than a touchscreen. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and other safety features. 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, but its headlight and LATCH ratings were less impressive.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most i-Activsense driver assistance features standard. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night, a common issue with the model.