You have probably already heard the expression “it’s the Cadillac of…” when someone refers to a high-quality object or service. The brand is still a benchmark today, as I was able to see during my test drive of the 2023 XT5 Sport SUV.

First, let’s talk about the model itself and its position in the market. In theory, the Cadillac XT5 is a compact SUV. It competes in the same category as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, among others. However, the American manufacturer’s SUV is noticeably more comfortable and gives the impression of being more spacious than its rivals, even if it may not be the case on paper. Furthermore, the Cadillac XT5 also offers surprisingly dynamic and agile driving for a vehicle of this size, especially considering that it should prioritize comfort above all. Needless to say, I greatly enjoyed my experience behind the wheel of this model. If this is a vehicle that interests you, I suggest you continue reading to find out what I thought of it in detail.

The driving experience

We start off strong here because the model I drove was equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, a powertrain that is also found in several models of the larger GM family. With its 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, this engine provides a very dynamic driving experience in the XT5. I was particularly surprised during acceleration. The 9-speed automatic transmission is an excellent complement as it allows you to always stay in the optimal range of engine torque. I also appreciated the XT5’s stable and predictable road behavior. The American manufacturer’s SUV also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that develops 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. I’m almost disappointed that there are no V or even V Blackwing versions, as this is the kind of model that would undoubtedly be a resounding success in the category.

In the end, I found the driving of the XT5 to be well-balanced and genuinely enjoyable in most cases. The V6 is definitely the option to choose, as it allows the vehicle to offer a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Highway – While its acceleration is strong, the Cadillac XT5 becomes sophisticated and very comfortable when reaching the maximum cruising speed on the highway. It is a vehicle in which you can cover many hours of road without ever getting tired or needing to take a break to stretch your legs, and that’s the difference between a luxury vehicle and a more generic model.

City – Driving a vehicle like the Cadillac XT5 is clearly not a luxury on the beautiful roads of Quebec, and I hope you understood that I’m using sarcasm here. Finally, all this to say that the suspension and interior soundproofing do an excellent job of absorbing shocks, making the American manufacturer’s SUV very pleasant to drive in the city.

Country road – I always enjoy taking small country roads for my test drives because it tests the driving dynamics and how the vehicle transfers its weight from side to side. The Cadillac XT5 weighs nearly two tons, and you can definitely feel its weight on winding country roads. However, the steering is very precise, which more than makes up for everything else.

Price, Design, and Technologies

The visual presentation is successful, the XT5 has character and remains elegant. Its Cadillac aesthetic signature is clear and defined. The model has been on the market for a few years now, but it doesn’t seem to have aged. Well, that’s the case on the exterior, because when it comes to the interior, it’s a different story. The exterior finish gradually evolves from one version to another. The Luxury and Premium Luxury versions feature a certain amount of chrome, which is not the case with the Sport version, offering a much more understated and elegant finish in my opinion.

As for the interior, it’s everything you would expect from Cadillac, luxurious and elegant. It boasts one of the most beautiful steering wheels in the industry, and the finish is very pleasant both to the touch and visually. The only thing that really falls short is the digital instrumentation, especially when compared to the updates received by other models in recent years, such as the Escalade or the XT4. However, the Cadillac XT5 remains comfortable and highly functional. Its cargo space is impressive.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 offers a fairly simple range. There are three versions and two powertrain options. The base model comes with front-wheel drive as standard, but I strongly recommend opting for the addition of all-wheel drive, especially with a price difference of around $2,000. The Luxury version is focused on comfort and luxury, plain and simple. Next, we have the Premium Luxury version, which comes with numerous advanced technologies. Finally, the Sport version reigns at the top of the lineup.

Luxury – $49,097

Premium Luxury – $57,197

Sport – $62,197

Recommendations

The Cadillac XT5 may sound like an anonymous model, but it has a strong personality and solid arguments. It continues to gain popularity despite the fact that its last complete redesign was a few years ago and it does not offer any electrified versions. It is a vehicle that is both simple and very luxurious. It can easily replace a mainstream midsize SUV, especially considering that its price range is in the same ballpark.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier