Mazda CX-5 vs Cadillac XT4

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 employed a “Y” trim level strategy, starting with the standard Luxury trim and offering upgrades to Premium Luxury or Sport trim. The test vehicle featured Premium Luxury trim, which emphasized comfort over sportiness. It came with front-wheel drive, Silver Radiant metallic paint, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a navigation system, a Bose premium audio system, and several option packages, totaling $45,660 including destination charges. The XT4's exterior was visually appealing, especially with the 20-inch alloy wheels, and its interior used competitive quality materials, though some elements like the plain black trim around the power window controls fell short of luxury expectations.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, favoring smooth, sleek lines over aggressive creases and angles. The base CX-5 Sport included features like automatic LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and rain-sensing wipers. The Touring trim added leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry, among other features. Higher trims like the Grand Touring and Signature offered premium touches such as leather seats, a Bose sound system, and advanced lighting systems. The Signature trim, in particular, featured Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling offerings from luxury brands. The CX-5's interior materials and fit and finish were well-executed, providing a premium feel.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivered a lively driving experience, though the FWD model experienced some front-wheel slip and torque steer. The XT4 returned 24.8 mpg in real-world testing, slightly below the EPA estimate of 26 mpg. The vehicle's ride and handling were mixed, with good steering effort in Tour mode but an artificially heavy sensation in Sport mode. The suspension struggled with speed humps and smaller bumps, and the 20-inch wheels contributed to road noise and a less refined ride.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The base engine provided adequate performance, while the turbo engine delivered a more spirited drive. The CX-5's fuel economy varied by configuration, with the most efficient FWD model achieving 28 mpg combined. The turbo engine models were slightly less efficient but still competitive. The CX-5's driving dynamics were engaging, especially in Sport mode, though the stiff suspension could be uncomfortable on rough roads. The AWD system provided good traction, but the seats lacked sufficient bolstering for spirited driving.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4's interior offered comfort for the driver and front passenger, with features like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats were heated and had air conditioning vents, providing a roomy feel despite a flat seat cushion. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, quickly cooling the cabin even in hot conditions. The interior design was clean and minimalistic, with ample storage space, including umbrella holders and an angled wireless smartphone charger. However, cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's design catered to family needs with comfortable seating and good headroom in both rows, though rear legroom was limited. The CX-5 featured two full LATCH connections and a tether connector for child seats. The climate controls were straightforward and easy to use, though the large shifter took up significant space. The infotainment controls were positioned behind the shifter, making them less accessible for shorter drivers. Cargo space was below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate was available.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured the latest version of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which was more user-friendly than previous iterations. The 8-inch touchscreen supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth pairing. The system could be controlled via the touchscreen, center console, steering wheel, or voice commands. However, the screen size was small for a luxury vehicle, and the climate system was not integrated into the voice-recognition system. The optional 13-speaker Bose audio system provided a satisfying listening experience, though the test vehicle lacked some advanced features like a head-up display and rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but the operating system was not user-friendly. The screen's information presentation was outdated, and the controls were positioned awkwardly for shorter drivers. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites was inconvenient, though volume control was accessible via the steering wheel or center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing users to bypass some of the system's shortcomings.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 added several standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and the Safety Alert Seat system. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package included automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a following-distance indicator. Adaptive cruise control and other advanced features were available in the Driver Assist Package. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for certain tests.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Additional features like a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system were available. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda's warranty included a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.