2020 Cadillac XT5 Interior

 The 2020 Cadillac XT5 doesn’t quite meet class standards when it comes to cabin opulence. Although its materials and design have improved for 2020, the overall cabin styling isn't cohesive, and rivals have superior fit and finish. The seats are unremarkable for the segment, and headroom is scarce in the back row. Additionally, the XT5 has poor outward visibility.

• "The materials used throughout the XT5's cabin appear upscale when examined individually, but when viewed as a whole, the result is a design that appears unfocused." -- Car and Driver
• "In the cabin, Cadillac's designers and engineers have improved the look and build quality of the dash, doors, center console and seats compared to past Cadillacs. Is it as high-lux or meticulous as a Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5 or Volvo XC60? Probably not, but you may still prefer its style." -- Autotrader
• "The 2020 XT5 receives better materials, improved ergonomics, and upgraded features such as a new digital gauge cluster." -- Car and Driver

Seating

The Cadillac XT5 seats five in two rows. Power-adjustable front seats, sliding and reclining back seats, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel are standard. A heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, power-adjustable lumbar controls for the front seats, and genuine leather upholstery are available.

The XT5’s seats are comfortable, and legroom is good throughout the cabin. However, taller passengers may want to avoid the rear seats because headroom is tight, especially when the SUV is equipped with a sunroof. Visibility is poor in most directions for all occupants. The cabin can also be noisy thanks to some poorly fitted interior panels and wind noise that seeps into the cabin.

For securing child safety seats, the XT5 has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats, as well as a tether-only connection for the rear middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for ease of use.

• "Second-row passengers will be greeted with a generous amount of legroom and a seat that both slides and reclines. However, those of above-average height will find the panoramic sunroof standard on the two top trim levels robs them of precious headroom." -- Autotrader
• "Passenger space is acceptable, and accommodations are as deluxe as expected from a modern Cadillac." -- Car and Driver
• "The XT5 is comfortable, but so are the others in this competitive luxury class. Seat comfort and a smooth ride are the highlights. The front seats have decent bolstering and offer plenty of adjustments, while the ride feels planted and is smooth during daily commutes." -- Edmunds

Interior Features

All XT5 models come with the CUE infotainment system, which 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. Other standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and remote start. Wireless device charging, an 8-inch driver information display, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, navigation, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof are optional.

Cadillac completely revised the CUE infotainment system’s interface for 2020. The system and its controls, including the rotary knob and secondary buttons, are user-friendly. However, the system can be slow to respond to inputs, and sun glare can make it hard to see the screen. Additionally, most rivals have larger touch screens than the XT5’s.

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. Two vibrating seat alert systems are also standard. The Rear Seat Reminder system warns you to check for forgotten items in the back seat, while the Safety Alert Seat vibrates to alert you to prepare for a potential collision.

Available safety features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane change alert with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, an infrared night vision camera, a rear camera mirror, a head-up display, a surround-view parking camera system, rear pedestrian alert, and automatic park assist with braking.

See 2020 Cadillac XT5 specs »

• "The 2020 XT5 has more intuitive infotainment controls thanks to the newly added rotary controller. An updated Bose sound system is also now available. There are four USB ports located conveniently throughout the cabin for charging mobile devices, and a wireless inductive phone-charging pad is available between the two front seats." -- Car and Driver
• "The interior looks nice, and the controls are easy to understand. Cadillac uses an 8-inch touchscreen, which is now on the small size for a luxury vehicle. Having knobs for volume and menu selection helps with ease of use, but some buttons aren't always responsive." -- Edmunds
• "The latest generation of Cadillac's touchscreen interface works quite well, and although the screen is prone to fingerprints and glare, many should find it easier to use than rival interfaces." -- Autotrader

Cargo

The XT5 has 30.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats and 63 cubic feet with them folded. These are typical figures for a luxury midsize SUV, and it’s more than enough room to cart a few pieces of luggage for each member of the family. Some reviewers note the abundance of in-cabin storage compartments while others point out their small dimensions.

A power liftgate is standard, and a hands-free power liftgate is available.

• "Cargo capacity is among the best in the segment, especially with its seats-up number of 30 cu ft., since most competitors are in the 20s. With the seats lowered, space increases to 63 cu ft." -- Autotrader
• "Even luxury crossovers should be practical, and the XT5 excels in this category. Above-average cargo space, plenty of bins for stashing smaller items, and an easy-to-fold rear seat allow this Caddy to easily transform from luxury liner to cargo king. The XT5's cargo hold accommodated an impressive 10 carry-on cases with the rear seat in place. Once folded, we fit 24 carry-ons." -- Car and Driver
• "The XT5's fold-flat main cargo hold is well shaped and accommodating for a majority of items. It's definitely one of the better spaces in its class with 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 63 cubes with the seats folded. But the cargo floor's liftover height is a bit on the high side. The power liftgate is programmable for height opening." -- Edmunds