2022 Cadillac XT5

The Cadillac XT5 is a good-looking five-seat luxury crossover SUV with high-tech features, including top-notch infotainment. It offers a choice of two engines, one with decidedly stronger acceleration. A mid-sizer with a conservative look, it adds Brembo front brakes on the Sport model for 2022.

The engines are a 237-hp turbo-4 or a 310-hp V-6 with refined acceleration. Both engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, with either front- or all-wheel drive. The ride and handling are good, although the Sport can feel a bit stiff on its 20-inch wheels, despite its standard adaptive dampers. The cabin has plenty of space for four adults or more.

The turbo-4 engine is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined with front-wheel drive, and 2 mpg less with all-wheel drive, on premium fuel. With the V-6 it’s 19/26/21 mpg with either front- or all-wheel drive, on regular fuel.

The NHTSA gives the XT5 five stars overall, while the IIHS agrees on its crashworthiness, but rates the headlights as “Marginal.” Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, with a more advanced system with pedestrian detection optional on top models.

Model Lineup

Made in Tennessee, the XT5 starts at around $45,000 for the Luxury trim, plus $2,000 for all-wheel drive. It’s well equipped, with good synthetic leather and an excellent infotainment system.

This entry-level model is the best value.

The Premium Luxury, at about $50,000, adds real leather, more engaging technology, and a big sunroof.

The XT5 Sport can top $60,000 with the Platinum package.

The 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is good for a luxury car.

Exterior

The styling is clean without being conspicuous or particularly passionate. It has a clean shape, with a discreet angular grille flanked by headlights with arrowhead-style outlines. The sides have lightly sculpted panels, and hockey-stick taillights are nearly connected by a thin strip of metallic trim.

Interior

The cabin has a pleasant shape, with a winged dash studded with a central touchscreen and wrapped in high-quality materials that get plusher in higher trim levels. The Luxury has synthetic leather, and the Premium Luxury and Sport models use real leather.

There’s above-average space for passengers and their gear; both front and rear passengers have good space to spread out. The XT5 has a solid 63 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded down.

Driving Impressions

Power from the turbo-4 is adequate, although 237 hp isn’t a lot for a crossover of this size. The V-6, which comes standard in the Sport, is more like it, with a strong 310 hp and good 271 lb-ft of torque. That engine is more refined, and brings strong, smooth acceleration. Its choice seems like a no-brainer, especially since it runs on regular fuel.

The 9-speed automatic transmission is smooth but can be slow to downshift for passing.

The XT5’s handling isn’t especially sharp, as its priority is a comfortable ride, which the standard wheels deliver better than the 20s on the Sport that comes with adaptive adapters, which diminish the jolt of the 20-inch wheels.

Final Word

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 is a handsome, likable luxury SUV. It makes the most sense in the base Luxury trim.

—by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection