2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 had a design that tried to strike a balance between the striking, futuristic aesthetics of models like the Lexus NX, and the more conservative styles of competitors such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. Mixing Cadillac’s hallmark design elements, the XT5 showcased a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights that cascaded down past the headlights, and vertical taillights with a classic Cadillac resemblance. However, these design cues created an awkward blend with the XT5’s tight footprint and high profile, resulting in a vehicle that was unmistakably a Cadillac, albeit a somewhat ungainly one.

The trim scheme for the XT5 varied the exterior styling to give different levels of personality. The Premium Luxury trim donned brightly polished chrome, embracing a more traditional Cadillac aura. Meanwhile, the Sport trim favored darker hues and a mesh grille, insinuating a nod towards performance aesthetics. Luxury and Premium Luxury models came with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport trim enjoyed standard 20-inch wheels, which could also be found in the optional Onyx and Radiant styling packages.

Inside, the XT5 felt luxurious, particularly with the included Platinum Package on the test car. This package, available on Premium Luxury and Sport models, elevated the cabin with semi-aniline leather, leather-wrapped panels, a microfiber-suede headliner, and a heated steering wheel. Despite these premium materials, the interior design itself lacked a coherent theme or brand-specific markers, making it difficult to instinctively recognize it as a Cadillac.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota Sienna worked hard to shake off any lingering negative connotations of the minivan stereotype. Its front-end styling drew inspiration from Japanese bullet trains, striving for a sleeker look. Most trims featured 18-inch wheels, though the front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions of the XSE and Platinum trims boasted 20-inch wheels, augmenting the Sienna's more contemporary aesthetic.

Toyota offered an array of trim options: from the base LE to the higher-end XLE, sporty XSE, luxury-oriented Limited, and the high-tier Platinum. The 25th Anniversary Special Edition trim also made a debut, fitting just below the Limited in the price hierarchy. While the Sienna's attempts to look more like an SUV were commendable, the real charm lay within its functional and spacious interior.

Inside, the Platinum trim model test car enchanted with high-quality brown leather upholstery and tasteful wood-grain accents. The Sienna’s cabin could seat seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seat configuration found in the LE and XLE trims offering the added benefit of seating three across in the middle row. Toyota ensured a practical and welcoming interior, especially for families juggling multiple children and belongings.

Moving on to performance, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented two engine options. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims held a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. Those seeking more power could opt for the 3.6-liter V6, standard on the Sport trim and optional on the Premium Luxury, which produced 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

When equipped with the V6, the XT5 managed to provide respectable acceleration and smooth, linear power delivery, thanks to a reliably quick nine-speed automatic. Handling was enhanced by the optional Platinum Package, which included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers. This setup beautifully balanced cushioned rides with sturdy body control, making the XT5 well-suited for luxury driving. The competent steering ratio added nimbleness without constant corrections, and the impressive cabin quietness fitted nicely into the luxury experience.

Conversely, the introduction of the fourth-generation Toyota Sienna in 2020 brought with it a significant powertrain shift—entirely hybrid. All Sienna models for 2023 came equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with front and rear electric motors for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) trims. This combined setup delivered 245 net system horsepower. Although this hybrid system fell short of some competitors in terms of power, it offered other benefits.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) struggled a bit with the Sienna’s weight, leading to less than stellar acceleration and a noisy climb up the rev band. Despite this, the Sienna's chassis and steering shone. Its nimbleness and cruise capabilities made it a pleasant drive whether navigating city streets or cruising the highway. The light steering made city driving particularly easy, complemented by a tidy turning radius—rare for a minivan. Multiple drive modes (EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport) allowed some customization, though the Normal mode was the most balanced for daily driving.

In the form and function department, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 compared favorably with other German luxury crossovers. It had more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class but less than the BMW X3. However, it trailed all three in rear headroom. On the plus side, it excelled in legroom for both front and rear passengers, though it offered slightly less front legroom than its American competitor, the Lincoln Corsair.

The cargo space of the XT5 was commendable, offering 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded down, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC in this domain. A notable feature was the hands-free power liftgate, adding convenience. Up front, the XT5 featured a small cubby below the touchscreen, compensating for the relatively limited center console space occupied by the infotainment controller and shifter.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, a veritable temple of storage solutions, showcased impressive interior storage with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. A particularly handy feature was the vast open cubby beneath the center console, perfect for larger items like bags or purses. A long dashboard shelf extended to the passenger's seat area, often equipped with a wireless charging pad in higher trims.

In terms of cargo space, the Sienna benefited greatly from its minivan design, delivering 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 75.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed, ultimately offering up to 101 cubic feet of space. While these numbers overshadowed most crossovers, they slightly lagged behind other minivans due to the second-row seats being non-removable and non-foldable. Despite this limitation, the ample passenger space and the phenomenal third-row legroom made up for it.

For technology, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display were available in the optional Technology Package. Though functional, the tech fell short of the flashier, more advanced systems offered by some competitors. Secondary controls cluttered the center console, consisting of a not-so-user-friendly rotary controller and difficult-to-find buttons. Capacitive touchpads without tactile feedback further detracted from usability. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker audio system, on the other hand, delivered stellar sound quality, enhanced by the XT5’s serene cabin acoustics.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna lagged in the tech department, missing out on the newer systems seen in other Toyota models like the Tundra and Sequoia. It retained Toyota’s older infotainment interface, though still packed core features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional navigation system. The Sienna also included seven USB ports, balancing modern tech needs. However, the interface appeared dated and needed improvements, like the requirement for a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and some clunky navigation aspects. Despite this, the user-friendly physical buttons were a plus, providing quicker, safer access compared to touch-only systems. A 9-inch touchscreen looked adequate in person, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered solid sound quality.

Safety features on the 2022 Cadillac XT5 were comprehensive, including standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear park assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Cadillac’s unique Safety Alert Seat vibrated when a warning system was triggered, providing an intuitive feedback method. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, rear pedestrian alert, surround-vision camera, night vision, and automatic parking assist. However, the XT5 missed out on Cadillac’s advanced Super Cruise driver-assist system, available on other models.

For crash safety, the XT5 excelled, receiving top “Good” scores in all Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests and a top “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention (with enhanced braking). However, it earned a “Marginal” headlight rating and an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH ease of use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its safety technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control—all standard features. The Sienna performed well in safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA. Though the 2023 model hadn’t yet been rated by the IIHS, the 2022 model—mechanically identical—received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.