At the heart of the Cadillac XT5 is a 3.6L naturally aspirated V6 engine, the same unit that powers Cadillac's ATS sedan. In the XT5, the engine is rated at 310 horsepower, and unlike many of its rivals, the XT5's engine makes its power smoothly and with the kind of refinement that simply can't be replicated through turbocharging. Despite its lack of a turbocharger, though, the XT5 is plenty fuel efficient, thanks to modern advances in technology. Start/stop tech allows the engine to shut off in traffic, while cylinder deactivation allows two of the cylinders to shut down when the engine is only at part throttle. Power is sent to either the front wheels or to all four wheels via a refined 8-speed automatic, the only transmission option.
The XT5 comes in four different trims: Base XT5, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum. All but Premium Luxury are driven by the front wheels as standard, but all-wheel drive is available on those trims. The base model comes equipped with most of the features one would expect on a near-$40,000 vehicle. Standard items include an 8-speaker Bose stereo, Cadillac's CUE infotainment system, an 8-inch color touchscreen, an 8-way power adjustable front driver's seat, SiriusXM satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start and a 5.7-inch color driver information center in the instrument panel. Exterior features include 18-inch wheels, roof rails, heated mirrors, and a power rear liftgate.
Luxury-trimmed XT5s add a panoramic double-sized sunroof, heated front seats, rear parking assist and cross traffic alert, machine-faced aluminum wheels, power-folding side mirrors, an automatically dimming rearview mirror and a memory package for all seat and mirror settings.
Premium Luxury adds vented front seats, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, computer-controlled performance suspension, 20-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlamps, illuminated exterior door handles, a navigation system, and additional interior lighting.
The top-of-the-line Platinum trim pulls no punches when it comes to luxury. With its standard all-wheel drive, the Platinum trim includes heated rear seats, tri-zone climate control, a rearview display mounted in the mirror, a head up display, a no-touch feature on the power rear liftgate, unique 20-inch wheels, a more advanced security package and an 8-inch high definition gauge cluster.
Attractive Styling
Luxurious Ride
Powerful V6 Engine, Refined Driving Experience
Innovative Technology
With much of Cadillac's attention on the all-new XT4, the 2019 Cadillac XT5 heads into the new year mostly untouched. There are a handful of shuffled paint schemes, and additional standard equipment appointments for Luxury and Platinum packages and the rear DVD entertainment package also will be dropped.
The XT5 is a mid-sized crossover vehicle starting at just under $39,000. At this price point it competes with other luxury crossovers such as the BMW X5 and Audi Q5, both of which it handily undercuts in price. The Cadillac XT5 creates a refined driving atmosphere with its swanky interior and smooth-revving V6 engine. Looking as expensive as cars costing far more, the XT5 is a fantastic value for those needing both space and luxury with a little more ground clearance than what a traditional luxury car can provide.
