Chevrolet Tahoe vs Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. From the base LS with its unique grille pattern to the luxurious High Country with a chrome bar grille and 22-inch wheels, the Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille. The SUV featured standard LED headlights and expressive taillights, with a more subtle overall styling compared to its predecessor. The interior was centered around a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, though the control layout was somewhat compromised. The Tahoe's cabin quality met expectations, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces in the upper half, while the lower half was covered in hard plastic.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5, on the other hand, presented a mix of Cadillac's trademark design cues with a compact footprint and tall profile. The Premium Luxury and Sport models had distinct exterior styling, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter darker trim and a mesh grille. The XT5's interior, especially with the optional Platinum Package, felt luxurious with semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfiber sueded headliner. However, the interior design lacked a strong theme, and the seats, while comfortable, didn't quite meet luxury standards. The XT5's styling was unmistakably Cadillac, but it was considered somewhat ungainly.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with the standard 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine was also available, except for the Z71 trim. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a 4WD system optional on most trims. The Z71 trim came with standard 4WD and off-road enhancements. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Tahoe Z71 impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.6-liter V6, standard on the Sport trim, delivered 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided linear power delivery and smooth shifts. The XT5's performance suspension with adaptive dampers offered a comfortable ride, suitable for relaxed driving. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, and the cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console was a recommended feature, providing additional storage options. The second-row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter proving comfortable. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered more front headroom than some German competitors but trailed in rear headroom. It had more legroom in both rows compared to its rivals. The seats were comfortable but could have used more padding. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63 cubic feet with them folded. A hands-free power liftgate was available. The center console housed a rotary controller and shifter, with limited space for additional storage.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, though some controls were hard to reach. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was fast. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, though it lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The infotainment system usability was improved but still considered adequate. The rotary controller and capacitive touchpads were not ideally placed. The test car had an optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and a Safety Alert Seat. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. The Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. An optional Driver Assist Package added features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.