2020 Cadillac XT5

 Is the Cadillac XT5 a Good SUV?

Despite its ranking, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 is a pretty good luxury midsize SUV. Its low starting price and long list of tech and safety features make it an enticing option, and it has one of the best predicted reliability ratings in the class. However, it doesn't match up to rivals that feature nicer cabins, stronger engines, and nimbler handling.

Should I Buy the Cadillac XT5?

The 2020 XT5 is a good option for frugal shoppers who want to dip their toes into the luxury SUV market. With one of the lowest starting prices in the class and a cabin brimming with tech and safety features, the XT5 is among the best values in the segment. Its stellar predicted reliability rating may give prospective shoppers some peace of mind.

That said, this Cadillac has just as many cons as it does pros. Some downsides, like the XT5’s somewhat lackluster handling, can be remedied by purchasing performance upgrades. However, that negates much of this SUV’s initial value.

If price is your priority, the Lincoln Nautilus ($41,040) is worth a look, though it also suffers from dull handling. The Lexus RX 350 ($44,150) is another great option that doesn’t cost much more than the Cadillac. It comes with a powerful engine, an upscale cabin, and a healthy standard features list with lots of advanced safety equipment.

If there’s room in your budget, consider the Audi Q7 ($53,550), which has excellent handling and comes standard with all-wheel drive and a potent V6 engine. It also has one of the nicest interiors in the class.

Compare the XT5, Nautilus, and RX 350 »

Should I Buy a New or Used Cadillac XT5?

The 2020 XT5 is part of a generation that debuted for the 2017 model year. There were only minor updates for 2018 and 2019, but there are some notable changes for 2020. Cadillac introduces a new turbocharged four-cylinder base engine that helps the new XT5 earn better fuel economy than models with the previously standard (and now optional) V6. However, the new engine has significantly less horsepower than the old one. Also new for 2020 are standard heated front seats, a revamped infotainment system interface that's a bit more user-friendly, and the performance-oriented Sport trim.

If these changes aren’t important to you or if you’re focusing on a model with the V6 engine, consider purchasing a used XT5. All older models come standard with the V6 and are likely less expensive than a new XT5.

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2017 XT5, 2018 XT5, and 2019 XT5 reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts you can find on used vehicles.

Compare the 2018, 2019, and 2020 XT5 »

We Did the Research for You: 32 Reviews Analyzed

We analyzed 32 Cadillac XT5 reviews – along with performance specs, fuel economy estimates, and more – to help you decide if this is the right new car for you.

This 2020 XT5 review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2017.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our team has more than 75 years of combined automotive industry experience. To remain unbiased, we never accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside team manages the advertising on our site.

How Much Does the Cadillac XT5 Cost?

The XT5 starts at about $44,100, making this Cadillac one of the most affordable SUVs in the class. The price reaches upward of $56,100 for the highest trim level.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Cadillac dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Cadillac deals page.

Cadillac XT5 Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Cadillac XT5 or Acura MDX?

The well-equipped Acura MDX costs only a few hundred dollars more than the XT5, making it another excellent value in the luxury midsize SUV class. Its lower predicted reliability rating notwithstanding, the MDX is the better SUV. The Acura has a more powerful base V6 engine than the Cadillac, light steering, and confident handling. The MDX can also accommodate larger families, with seating for up to seven, and it has about 5.4 more cubic feet of cargo space than the XT5. Its interior is nicer too. Genuine leather upholstery is standard, and the stylish cabin is outfitted with soft-touch materials throughout.

Which Is Better: Cadillac XT5 or Lincoln Nautilus?

The Lincoln Nautilus is the only class rival with a lower base price than the XT5. These SUVs have some things in common, good and bad. Both models offer lots of features, good fuel economy, and comfortable rides, but both also have lackluster handling. The Cadillac has a better predicted reliability rating, but the Lincoln has a ritzier cabin and an easier-to-use infotainment system. Choosing between these two luxury vehicles is a matter of preference.

Compare the XT5, MDX, and Nautilus »

XT5 Interior

How Many People Does the XT5 Seat?

The two-row XT5 seats five. The seats are comfortable, and legroom is good in both rows, but the rear seats don’t offer much headroom for taller passengers. Visibility is poor in all directions.

XT5 and Child Car Seats

There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the XT5’s rear outboard seats, and the rear middle seat has an upper tether anchor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for ease of use. The anchors are easy to locate, but they could be confused for other hardware.

XT5 Interior Quality

The XT5’s cabin elements and materials are fairly nice, but they fall short of luxury class standards. Wind noise permeates the cabin, and some panels may rattle when you’re traveling at a high speed.

XT5 Cargo Space

With 30.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63 cubic feet with them folded, the XT5 has an average amount of cargo space for the luxury midsize SUV class. A power liftgate is standard, and a hands-free liftgate is optional.

XT5 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

Standard features in the XT5 include the CUE infotainment system, which comes with an 8-inch touch screen, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, four USB ports, and an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo. Wireless device charging, an 8-inch driver information display, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and navigation are optional.

The redesigned CUE infotainment system is easy to operate and features helpful secondary buttons so you don't have to use the touch screen for all functions. That said, the system can be a little slow, and the screen can be difficult to see in bright sunlight. In terms of screen size, Cadillac is a little behind the times, as most competitors offer larger displays.

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?

Read more about interior »

XT5 Performance

XT5 Engine: Decent Power

Cadillac introduces a new 237-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder base engine for 2020. While this engine gets better fuel economy than the previously standard V6, it sacrifices a good deal of horsepower. The V6 puts out 310 horses and is now only available in upper trims.

While the V6 is more powerful than the standard four-cylinder engine, it isn't as muscular as some rivals’, and it can get a little noisy at higher revs. Front-wheel drive and a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission are standard with both engines. All-wheel drive is available.

XT5 Gas Mileage: Base Is Best

XT5 models with the base engine return impressive fuel economy estimates for the luxury midsize SUV class: 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. V6 models lose 3 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

XT5 Ride and Handling: Improved but Lagging

The XT5 has a cushioned, pleasant ride on most road surfaces. It doesn’t offer the lively performance that some rivals do, but Cadillac has improved the driving dynamics for 2020 to create a more engaging and stable ride. The new XT5 Sport, in particular, offers some performance upgrades that cater to driving enthusiasts.

XT5 Towing Capacity

A properly equipped XT5 can tow up to 3,500 pounds. In all but the base model, Cadillac offers towing assistance features like hitch guidance, hitch guidance with hitch view, and engine cooling.

Read more about performance »

XT5 Reliability

Is the Cadillac XT5 Reliable?

The 2020 XT5 has a great predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five.

Cadillac XT5 Warranty

Cadillac backs the XT5 with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Read more about reliability »

XT5 Safety

XT5 Crash Test Results

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2020 XT5 the highest rating of Good in the four crash tests performed. This Cadillac’s headlights received the second-lowest rating of Marginal for forward visibility. The IIHS has a different scale for grading active safety features. In front crash prevention testing, models equipped with the optional Driver Assist package earned the highest rating of Superior, while those without the package received the second-highest rating of Advanced.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 XT5 five out of five stars for overall safety. It received five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover evaluation.

XT5 Safety Features

Standard safety features in the XT5 include a rearview camera, a following distance indicator, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, and front and rear park assist.

A couple of seat reminder systems also come standard. The Rear Seat Reminder vibrates the driver’s seat to prompt the driver to check the back row before exiting the vehicle. The Safety Alert Seat also vibrates the driver’s seat, but this one warns of potential collisions. Also standard is the Teen Driver system, which allows you to do things like set speed and audio volume limits for secondary drivers, as well as monitor their driving performance.

Available driver assistance features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane change alert with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a rearview camera with infrared night vision imaging, and automatic seat belt tightening. Adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, reverse automatic emergency braking, a rear camera mirror, a head-up display, a surround-view parking camera system, rear pedestrian alert, and automatic park assist with braking are also available.

Read more about safety »

XT5 Dimensions and Weight

The XT5 is about 15.8 feet long. Its curb weight is 3,915 pounds.

Where Is the 2020 Cadillac XT5 Built?

General Motors builds the 2020 Cadillac XT5 in Tennessee.

Which Cadillac XT5 Model Is Right for Me?

The XT5 is available in three trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The base model comes with a remarkable number of popular amenities, including a long list of advanced safety technologies and infotainment features that can keep you connected to mobile devices. There are also a good number of standard seating and comfort features.

If you want the V6 engine or towing upgrades, you’ll need to start with the midlevel Premium Luxury trim, which also adds some comfort and convenience niceties, as well as a few more safety features. The aptly named XT5 Sport focuses on performance and comes with standard all-wheel drive, a V6 engine, and suspension upgrades.

Cadillac XT5 Luxury

The base XT5 Luxury ($44,095) comes with the CUE infotainment system and includes an 8-inch touch screen, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, mobile device pairing, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, four USB ports, and an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo. Power-adjustable front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, remote start, and a power liftgate are also standard.

Standard safety features include a rearview camera, a following distance indicator, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, front and rear park assist, and the Teen Driver system. You also get a couple of seat reminder systems: Safety Alert Seat and Rear Seat Reminder.

The V6 engine isn't available with this trim, but you can get all-wheel drive for $2,100.

Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury

The XT5 Premium Luxury ($48,795) adds comfort and convenience features like a hands-free power liftgate, console accent lighting, two-way power lumbar controls for the front seats, a heated steering wheel, genuine leather upholstery, wireless device charging, and a sunroof. The V6 engine is available in this trim for $1,000.

This midlevel trim also comes with a handful of additional features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane change alert with blind spot monitoring, an HD rearview camera, and rear cross traffic alert.

Optional features include an engine cooling system, hitch guidance with hitch view, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, navigation, heated outboard seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an infrared night vision camera.

Several packages are available with this trim. The $4,850 Platinum package adds tri-zone automatic climate control, upgraded leather upholstery, premium carpeted floor mats, a performance suspension, and chassis damping control. For $1,300, the Driver Assist package gets you automatic seat belt tightening, adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The Enhanced Visibility and Technology package ($2,275) comes with an 8-inch driver information display, a rear camera mirror, a head-up display, a surround-view parking camera system, rear pedestrian alert, and automatic park assist with braking.

Cadillac XT5 Sport

The XT5 Sport ($55,095) is a new trim for 2020. This model enhances the SUV’s performance with standard upgrades like a V6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension with real-time damping, a steering assist system, and an engine cooling system.

The Platinum package is available for $3,650, while the other two aforementioned packages are the same price as in lower trims.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Cadillac dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Cadillac deals page.

See 2020 Cadillac XT5 specs and trims »

The Final Call

The 2020 XT5’s low base price, high predicted reliability rating, and oodles of standard features make it a solid value proposition in the luxury midsize SUV class. However, the XT5 is outclassed by rivals with nicer cabin materials, stronger engines, and sportier driving dynamics.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "A solid effort, but far from the luxury segment's best." -- Car and Driver
• "The XT5 Luxury offers a tremendous amount of value for the money, especially given all its standard tech features you often have to pay extra for with competitors. As you move up the trim lineup, however, the XT5 gets awfully pricey, and that value proposition begins evaporating." -- Autotrader
• "The Cadillac XT5 offers a roomy cargo area, effortless smartphone integration and relatively good value in the midsize luxury SUV segment. But it isn't a standout in any particular area and fails to match the level of luxury found in most of its contemporaries." -- Edmunds