2019 Cadillac XT5 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

New standard safety features and driver aids on upper trim levelsLarger, higher-output wireless device charging padPart of the first XT5 generation introduced for 2017

　　With a striking interior and exterior design, the 2019 Cadillac XT5 stands out from its more conservatively styled rivals. Its broad, angular front end and finlike taillights echo classic Caddy themes, while vertical LED accent lights reinforce that the XT5 is very much a modern Cadillac made for today's crossover world. It's also bigger and more substantial than many of the compact luxury SUVs it frequently gets compared to, making it a sort of in-between choice in terms of size, stature and price.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Cadillac XT5 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$172/mo  for XT5 Base

　　XT5 Base

　　4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $41,695 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $44,695 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $48,495 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $50,995 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $54,195 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $56,695 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 8A) - $65,895 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2019, the XT5 adds certain safety aids such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control as standard features on upper trims (previously they were options). New wheel designs and upgraded wireless phone charging round out the updates.

　　Although the XT5 cuts a handsome figure, it doesn't particularly excel in any one area. Some interior design choices, for example, impede space and usability, but none are major shortcomings. Overall, we think the XT5's distinctive styling, roomy interior and cushy ride make it a compelling alternative to its more established European, Japanese and American rivals.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

　　The 2019 Cadillac XT5 has the smooth driving character to accompany its poise and chiseled good looks and makes a solid choice if you're shopping for a luxury crossover SUV. A few flaws, however, hold it back from true greatness.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury (3.6L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

7.5

　　The XT5 delivers a confident and reassuring driving experience when it comes to the way it steers, grips the road and brakes to a stop. It's not terribly quick, but the engine and transmission deliver enough sauce to get the job done. But those with a heavy right foot may disagree.

　　

Acceleration

7.0

　　In routine traffic, the 3.6-liter V6 feels strong enough to accomplish its mission and never comes across as lacking. But it's not a powerhouse like some rivals. At our test track, the dash to 60 mph took us 6.8 seconds.

　　

Braking

8.5

　　The pedal exhibits a reassuring steadiness and firmness, and brake response is immediate without being jumpy or hard to regulate. At the track, our panic-stop test from 60 mph required 116 feet, which is better than average.

　　

Steering

7.5

　　It has good straight-ahead stability when cruising the open road. Turn-in response is crisp and immediate, yet the transition from straight ahead is smooth, not darty. But it generally lacks feel and doesn't communicate much to the driver, especially at lower speeds.

　　

Handling

8.5

　　The Caddy feels coordinated and somewhat light on its feet. There isn't much body roll, and it tracks cleanly around corners. It's not the sort of SUV that encourages you to seek out winding roads, but it doesn't discourage it either.

　　

Drivability

7.0

　　The eight-speed transmission shifts smoothly. On the highway, it doesn't hesitate to deliver a downshift when you need to accelerate, but more aggressive drivers might think it lags. For them, there's a Sport mode. The auto stop-start system has no defeat switch.

　　

Off-road

7.0

　　The XT5 is not really intended for off-road use, but few vehicles in this class are. The all-wheel-drive system is best suited to snow and ice, groomed dirt roads and unexpected changes in road conditions.

　　

Comfort

7.0

　　The XT5 is suitably comfortable. Seat comfort is a high point, and the ride is smooth, well-mannered and never feels bouncy. But it isn't as quiet as it ought to be, particularly at low speeds around town where engine accessory drive noises are evident.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The handsome seats are bolstered in all the right places and allow plenty of adjustments. The padding isn't skimpy, but it's not what we'd call plush.

　　

Ride comfort

7.5

　　The ride is nicely controlled and exhibits little float or bounce that would make a vehicle feel less planted on the road. The suspension absorbs most bumps cleanly, but there's only so much a low-profile 20-inch tire can do when it meets an abrupt edge. Smaller wheels are recommended.

　　

Noise & vibration

6.5

　　Not your grandpa's hushed Cadillac. Wind and road noise is present in moderate amounts, though it's more dispersed than acute. There's a bit of vibration at idle, and at city speeds we noticed more mechanical sounds than expected.

　　

Climate control

7.0

　　The climate control system isn't as responsive as we'd like, and we found ourselves constantly adjusting the temperature settings and vents. The available heated and ventilated seats can be set to turn on automatically.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　It's attractive and modern-looking at first glance, but the styling priorities reduce control simplicity and compromise outward visibility. And while the XT5 offers generous head- and legroom up front, it does not feel all that spacious across the width of the cabin, particularly at the elbows.

　　

Ease of use

6.5

　　The gauge numerals are tiny, and the amount of tick marks dense. The center touchscreen and shiny black panel beneath collect fingerprints, and the airflow mode switch is accessible only through the touchscreen. We're not fans of the knobless design approach.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.5

　　The easily accessible seat height, narrow sills, wide-opening doors, and squarish door openings make the front and rear seats equally easy to enter and exit.

　　

Driving position

7.0

　　The driving position is generally accommodating, but the high center console creates a high resting area for elbows. Some taller drivers might wish for more telescoping extension of the steering column and a driver's left footrest that isn't so close.

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　The front seats offer good head- and legroom, but the cabin feels confined at the elbows due to the high center armrest. There's a good amount of rear legroom, but headroom is tight for 6-footers in the XT5 equipped with the panoramic sunroof (which is most of them).

　　

Visibility

6.0

　　The cowl is somewhat high, but the view forward and directly to the sides is reasonable. A rising window beltline, thick rear pillars and narrow rear window all add up to a significant rear three-quarter blind spot. All mirrors could also stand to be bigger.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　The paint looks attractive, and the panel gaps are small. The interior materials are a cut above the old SRX's, with attractive perforated leather and metal accents that have a matte-silver finish. The piano-black touch points unfortunately show fingerprints and smears.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　We found the XT5's main cargo hold to be well-shaped and accommodating, though we can't say the same about the small-item storage in the front of the cabin. The high point is a hidden purse cubby, but the center console is not nearly as big inside as it appears outside.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　For all the interior space the center console consumes, you'd think that its storage bin inside would be bigger. The door pockets are kind of small, too. The glovebox is a decent size, and there's a handy purse shelf hidden below the shifter. There are two front cupholders and two rear.

　　

Cargo space

8.5

　　The cargo floor is flat, but the liftover height is higher than that of some competitors. The rear seatbacks fold completely flat via remote levers just inside the hatch, expanding the standard 30 cubic feet of cargo space to 63 cubic feet. The hatch's opening height is programmable.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

　　Two pairs of LATCH anchors are hidden in the crack of the seats, which is a tight fit with no relief to prevent the hooks from scratching the leather. Three top tether anchors are readily accessible. Two seats can be accommodated in the outboard position or one in the middle.

　　

Towing

7.5

　　The optional tow package supports 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, which is competitive for crossover SUVs of this size and weight.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　The touchscreen audio and navigation system seems more responsive than previous iterations, and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is transformative. The standard voice controls aren't very compelling, but the system defers to Apple and Android commands if properly synced.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.0

　　The infotainment system response time is better than before, which makes the logical touchscreen menus flow smoother. But the screen appears small due to all the virtual buttons in the margins. The touch-sensitive volume slider seems like a styling gimmick.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.5

　　Bluetooth phone pairing is fairly straightforward. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported and standard. There are two USB jacks and an auxiliary jack inside the center console with two additional power-only USB jacks for rear passengers.

　　

Voice control

7.0

　　The voice controls are pretty clunky and can't recognize all commands. It's a lot easier if you plug in your smartphone, at which point the same button summons Siri or Google Voice, both of which are better voice recognition systems.

　　

Which XT5 does zzdcar recommend?

　　While the XT5 base trim offers a nice complement of essential features and luxuries, we suggest stepping up one level for the Luxury trim. It costs several thousand dollars more but comes with heated seats, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and several driver aids. It also offers many more options. Next up the ladder is the Premium Luxury trim, but it's not a substantial upgrade given the price. Its adaptive suspension is nice, but the 20-inch wheels contribute to a rougher ride than the Luxury trim's smaller wheels.

　　

2019 Cadillac XT5 models

　　The 2019 Cadillac XT5 is a five-passenger SUV available in four trim levels: XT5 (base), Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum. A 3.6-liter V6 engine (310 horsepower, 271 pound-feet of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard across the lineup. All-wheel drive is optional on all but the base trim and comes standard on the top Platinum trim.

　　Highlights of the XT5 base trim include 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, a power liftgate with height memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated-leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats (eight-way driver, six-way passenger), a 40/20/20-split rear seat (folding, sliding and reclining), a power-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry, and remote ignition. All-wheel-drive models have heated front seats.

　　Tech features include an 8-inch touchscreen, voice controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, OnStar services (includes a 4G LTE data connection and Wi-Fi hotspot), four USB ports, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

　　The XT5 Luxury trim upgrades include a panoramic sunroof, front parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, power-folding and driver-side auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, heated front seats with adjustable lumbar and eight-way passenger adjustment, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, wireless smartphone charging, and a cargo management system. Now standard for 2019 are safety aids such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and GM's unique Safety Alert seat, which vibrates to warn of potential collisions to the left or right side of the car.

　　Available options include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a navigation system bundled with an upgraded 14-speaker Bose surround-sound system. Checking off the box for the navigation and Bose bundle also allows you to replace the standard halogen headlights with LED lamps as well as opt for three-zone climate control.

　　The Premium Luxury trim adds the above Luxury options plus 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, interior accent lighting, and an adaptive suspension that constantly adjusts to road conditions. There's also an optional Driver Assist package, which bundles adaptive cruise control, forward and reverse automatic braking, and an automatic parking system.

　　Finally, the Platinum includes Driver Assist plus standard all-wheel drive, unique 20-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, a hands-free liftgate, upgraded gauges, a head-up display, a top-view camera system, and a rear camera mirror, which projects a real-time image from a liftgate-mounted camera.

　　

2019 XT5 Highlights

Trim: BaseLuxuryPremium LuxuryPlatinumBase

　　

Base MSRP	$41,695
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$172/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	30.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles