INFINITI QX50 vs Cadillac XT5

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic hood gave it a sporty appearance, while the crooked chrome strip at the rear added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin, although thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. Inside, the QX50 featured soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, and the interior controls were user-friendly, though the gear shift lever's design was somewhat unconventional.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 mixed Cadillac’s trademark design cues with a compact footprint and tall profile, resulting in an unmistakable yet somewhat ungainly appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport models had distinct exterior styling cues, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter darker trim and a mesh grille. The interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which included semi-aniline leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. However, the interior design lacked a strong theme, and the seats, while comfortable, could have used more padding.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The CVT provided a smooth driving experience, with simulated shift points for a more familiar feel. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The QX50's drive mode selector offered four modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal, with Sport mode enhancing responsiveness and Eco mode prioritizing fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided linear power delivery and smooth shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, which excelled at providing a comfortable ride. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, and the cabin remained quiet, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a spacious interior with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 64.4 cubic feet with them folded. The QX50 also featured numerous storage options and charging ports.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 compared favorably to German luxury crossovers in terms of interior space, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but less than the BMW X3. The XT5 had more legroom in both rows, though the seats could have used more padding. The cargo area offered 30 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the center console included a small cubbyhole for additional storage.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, voice recognition, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The QX50 also came with ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display and a head-up display. While the touchscreen was easy to navigate, the array of secondary controls and capacitive touchpads were less user-friendly. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The QX50 received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the latter giving it four out of five stars for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 also offered a robust set of standard safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added 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 the NHTSA.