2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Cadillac XT5

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a redesigned rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90, S90, and V90 Cross Country. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 aimed to balance affordable luxury with high-end materials, tech, and a powerful engine. However, the cabin felt more akin to a Buick or top-trim Chevy than a luxury Cadillac. Despite this, the XT5's cabin was intuitively laid out with good space across both rows and above-average cargo space of 30 cubic feet behind the second-row seats. Cadillac retained many physical controls, making the XT5 more intuitive but somewhat dated. The XT5 offered good headroom and legroom, with a panoramic sunroof available for a light and airy feel. Standard synthetic leather upholstery could be upgraded to genuine leather in higher trims, which also included heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 in AWD only. The B5 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. The base powertrain accelerated from 0-60 mph in the high-seven-second range, but the engine sounded rough under heavy throttle. An available V6 engine offered 310 hp and 271 lb-ft, providing a more suitable driving experience. However, the XT5 lacked driving excitement with either engine. Handling was decent, but ride quality suffered on broken pavement, with noticeable vibration and noise in the cabin. The XT5's fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined for the turbo-four FWD, to 18/25/21 mpg for the V6 AWD.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in the segment. Legroom was average. Mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo space at 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's interior featured more hard plastics and cheaper materials than expected, but Cadillac incorporated useful storage spaces. The center console storage bin was deeper than expected, and front-seat ergonomics were good. Rear storage was less generous, but passengers had access to large seatback pockets and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. The XT5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63 cubic feet with the seats folded. The wide liftgate opening and low load floor made accessing the cargo area easy. These specs were generous compared to rivals like the Porsche Macan and Genesis GV70.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though without the added functionality of syncing Google profiles. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 featured the CUE infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and dual-zone climate controls. The system could be controlled via a rotary controller, voice, or touchscreen. Cadillac offered a Bose premium audio system with 14 speakers, wireless charging, and navigation. Physical buttons for climate control and steering wheel functions were retained, making the system more intuitive. The XT5's infotainment was not as advanced as Volvo's but was user-friendly and not distracting for the driver.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's last full crash test was for the 2021 model, which missed a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It earned "Good" scores in all crash tests, a "Marginal" score for headlights, and "Advanced" and "Superior" ratings for crash prevention. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, parking sensors, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, front pedestrian braking, a vibrating safety alert seat, and rear-seat reminder. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and a rear camera mirror.