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Subaru Forester vs Cadillac XT5

2023 Subaru Forester
2023 Subaru Forester
$26,395MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Cadillac XT5
2023 Cadillac XT5
$44,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru Forester
$26,395MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Cadillac XT5
$44,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$26,395

MSRP

$44,195

Listings

837

Listings

368

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Spacious interior

  • Exceptionally practical

Cons

  • Underwhelming engine

  • Poor voice recognition

  • Uncomfortable back seat

Pros

  • Spacious cabin

  • Excellent value for the money

  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Aging interior

  • Some trims have a harsh ride

Reviews Summary

Sheer practicality defines the 2023 Subaru Forester, a compact crossover SUV where form follows function without fail. In turn, the 2023 Forester possesses the power to make your life easier in nearly every respect. From its standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and generous ground clearance to its roomy interior and sizable cargo hold, it effortlessly tackles most daily tasks with a shrug.

This year, Subaru continues to refine the Forester, adding next-generation EyeSight safety features and an improved standard infotainment system. Unfortunately, though, the Forester still lacks a turbocharged engine option or an electrified drivetrain.

Reviews Summary

The Cadillac XT5 offers plenty of the luxury experience for less money and fuss than some of its competitors. Even so, this SUV lacks the driving excitement and engagement that the Europeans offer, and it can’t match the style and tech of the Korean and Japanese brands. If it were our only choice, there’d be little to complain about, but when there are so many other great options in the same segment—including the Lincoln Nautilus, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Genesis GV70, and Porsche Macan—the Cadillac loses some of its shine.
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 182 hp H4

Engine

2.0L 235 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

235 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

29
2023 Subaru Forester
2023 Subaru Forester
$26,395MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Cadillac XT5
2023 Cadillac XT5
$44,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru Forester
$26,395MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Cadillac XT5
$44,195MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$26,395
$44,195
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.6

4.8

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

6.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Spacious interior

  • Exceptionally practical

Cons

  • Underwhelming engine

  • Poor voice recognition

  • Uncomfortable back seat

Pros

  • Spacious cabin

  • Excellent value for the money

  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Aging interior

  • Some trims have a harsh ride

Summary

Sheer practicality defines the 2023 Subaru Forester, a compact crossover SUV where form follows function without fail. In turn, the 2023 Forester possesses the power to make your life easier in nearly every respect. From its standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and generous ground clearance to its roomy interior and sizable cargo hold, it effortlessly tackles most daily tasks with a shrug.

This year, Subaru continues to refine the Forester, adding next-generation EyeSight safety features and an improved standard infotainment system. Unfortunately, though, the Forester still lacks a turbocharged engine option or an electrified drivetrain.

The Cadillac XT5 offers plenty of the luxury experience for less money and fuss than some of its competitors. Even so, this SUV lacks the driving excitement and engagement that the Europeans offer, and it can’t match the style and tech of the Korean and Japanese brands. If it were our only choice, there’d be little to complain about, but when there are so many other great options in the same segment—including the Lincoln Nautilus, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Genesis GV70, and Porsche Macan—the Cadillac loses some of its shine.
Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 182 hp H4
2.0L 235 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
235 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
26
22
MPG Highway
33
29
Look and feel

2023 Subaru Forester

6/10

2023 Cadillac XT5

5/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Cadillac XT5 as 6 out of 10 and the 2023 Subaru Forester as 5 out of 10. The 2023 Cadillac XT5 offers an affordable luxury experience with a spacious cabin, intuitive layout, and above-average cargo space of 30 cubic feet behind the second-row seats. The XT5's cabin features synthetic leather upholstery as standard, with top trims offering genuine leather, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. On the other hand, the 2023 Subaru Forester prioritizes function over form, offering a simple and practical design with ample storage spaces, including large seatback pockets and a deep center console storage bin. The Forester Touring trim features Saddle Brown leather and trim, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, providing a rugged yet functional interior.
Picture of 2023 Subaru Forester
Performance

2023 Subaru Forester

6/10

2023 Cadillac XT5

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Cadillac XT5 6 out of 10 and the 2023 Subaru Forester 7 out of 10. The 2023 Cadillac XT5 is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with an available V6 engine option delivering 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The XT5 offers decent handling but lacks notable driving excitement. In comparison, the 2023 Subaru Forester features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, delivering a comfortable yet communicative ride with trustworthy handling. The Forester Wilderness trim offers remarkable off-road capability, making it suitable for adventurous excursions.
Form and function

2023 Subaru Forester

7/10

2023 Cadillac XT5

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Cadillac XT5 7 out of 10 and the 2023 Subaru Forester 8 out of 10. The 2023 Cadillac XT5 provides multiple storage spaces, good ergonomics for front-seat passengers, and generous cargo space of 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats. In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester emphasizes functionality, offering a spacious and practical interior with excellent outward visibility, making it easy to drive and park. The Forester's Premium trim includes a panoramic glass sunroof, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats, while higher trims offer additional luxury features such as genuine leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Technology

2023 Subaru Forester

7/10

2023 Cadillac XT5

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Cadillac XT5 7 out of 10 and the 2023 Subaru Forester 7 out of 10. The 2023 Cadillac XT5 features the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bose premium audio system. The system offers an intuitive interface with physical buttons for climate controls and steering wheel controls, providing a smooth and responsive user experience. On the other hand, the 2023 Subaru Forester offers a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with an available 8-inch touchscreen display and optional navigation and Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Forester's user-friendly interface includes physical controls for climate settings and volume/tuning knobs, ensuring ease of use.
Safety

2023 Subaru Forester

7/10

2023 Cadillac XT5

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2023 Cadillac XT5 7 out of 10 and the 2023 Subaru Forester 8 out of 10. The 2023 Cadillac XT5 offers standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert available as options. The XT5 also provides advanced safety technologies through optional packages, including adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. In comparison, the 2023 Subaru Forester features the next-generation EyeSight collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, with updated software and cameras providing a wider field of view. The Forester offers a blind-spot monitoring system with Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking, enhancing safety and collision avoidance capabilities.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2023 Cadillac XT5 is 6.3 out of 10, while the 2023 Subaru Forester scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 Subaru Forester emerges as the recommended choice, offering a compelling combination of practicality, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal option for consumers seeking a reliable and versatile compact SUV.

Choose the 2023 Subaru Forester if:

7.3of 10overall
  • You value practicality, functionality, and off-road capability in a compact SUV.
  • You seek a cost-effective and reliable vehicle with a user-friendly infotainment system.
  • You prioritize safety and collision avoidance technologies, including advanced driver assistance features.
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Choose the 2023 Cadillac XT5 if:

6.3of 10overall
  • You prioritize a spacious and luxurious cabin with ample cargo space.
  • You prefer a smooth and responsive infotainment system with physical controls for ease of use.
  • You are willing to invest in additional options and trims for customization and luxury features.
368 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2023 Cadillac XT5 is 6.3 out of 10, while the 2023 Subaru Forester scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 Subaru Forester emerges as the recommended choice, offering a compelling combination of practicality, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal option for consumers seeking a reliable and versatile compact SUV.

Choose the 2023 Subaru Forester if:

Shop Now
7.3of 10overall
  • You value practicality, functionality, and off-road capability in a compact SUV.
  • You seek a cost-effective and reliable vehicle with a user-friendly infotainment system.
  • You prioritize safety and collision avoidance technologies, including advanced driver assistance features.
837 results

Choose the 2023 Cadillac XT5 if:

Shop Now
6.3of 10overall
  • You prioritize a spacious and luxurious cabin with ample cargo space.
  • You prefer a smooth and responsive infotainment system with physical controls for ease of use.
  • You are willing to invest in additional options and trims for customization and luxury features.
368 results

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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