The SUV space is perhaps second only to trucks when it comes to how competitive it is. Americans love SUVs, and there’s a lot of love for home-grown brands like Cadillac.
Two models often compared are the Cadillac XT5 and the Cadillac XT6, both SUVs and both offering many great features. If your heart is set on a new Cadillac SUV, then how can you choose between the XT5 and XT6? Let’s find out more below.
Pricing
The Cadillac XT5 is the smaller of the 2 models and starts at $43,995. It comes with 3 trim options, the Luxury (from $47,190), the Premium Luxury (from $51,840) and the Sport (from $57,090).
The Cadillac XT6 starts at $48,595, and also features the same 3 trim levels, the Luxury (from $51,790), the Premium Luxury (from $56,190), and the Sport (from $59,490).
Both models come with optional packages that add features, starting from a few hundred dollars for things like the Floor Liner Package ($375), all the way up to the high-end Platinum Package offering some of the most premium features and clocking in at $4,850. Therefore, final prices can easily escalate to more than $70,000 on the XT6.
Exterior
Unlike the Cadillac XT4 and XT5 which share many similarities in exterior design, the XT6 Cadillac model exhibits quite different exterior features and styling. Most obvious is the notably boxier design of the XT6.
The Cadillac XT6 features a more squared-off appearance at the rear, a larger front bumper and intakes, simpler headlight and taillight configurations, larger wheels, and more. All of these differences give the XT6 that ‘big SUV’ look.
The Cadillac XT5 has a sleeker, sportier dynamic with updated, more cosmopolitan features at the front end that include an updated headlight signature, smaller intake and a new grille. The grille shape on both is the same, but the finish is different. The XT5 can get up to 20-inch wheels while the XT6 can get up to 21 inches.
Interior Styling
The exteriors may be more different, but the interiors are noticeably similar. The Cadillac DNA runs through both XT5 and XT6 models, with simple elegance, decent legroom, with the XT6 even offering 29.5 inches in the third row, which is just a little more than offered by the Audi Q7. The XT5 only seats up to 5, so there’s no three-row seating configuration.
Overall, you won’t find a great deal of difference in interior design/styling. Both fall a little short compared to the competition from Europe, but still offer a comfortable and decent-looking interior to enjoy.
Performance
The signature engine in both the Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac XT6 is the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine outputting 235-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s an impressive engine that does more for the smaller Cadillac SUV since there’s less bulk to move, but it nonetheless performs well in both models.
The alternative engine available in both is the 3.0L V6 option that boosts horsepower to 310-hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine comes as standard on the XT6 Premium Luxury and Sport Models, but for XT5 buyers, they have the option of either the 2.0L or 3.0L on the Premium Luxury trim.
All the powertrains in both vehicles are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, either as FWD or AWD drivetrain configurations.
On the road, both are decent performers, handling corners well with precise steering, and keeping roll to a minimum. This is one of the more surprising features for some since they both fare better on the road even than the smaller XT4 which you might think was more nimble. While neither the XT5 and XT6 compete at the top of their category, they offer solid on-road performance, whichever you pick.
One slightly negative common feature they share is precise but lackluster steering performance. It responds well and does what you want, but there’s no fun in the drive as there is with some European SUVs from BMW or Mercedes.
Fuel Economy
The Cadillac XT5 gets 21-mpg in the city, 28-mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 24-mpg, according to the EPA.
The Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, only manages 17-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway with a combined rating of 20-mpg. Some tests have revealed the real fuel consumption ratings of both to be a little lower, especially in the city where it can drop as low as 15-16 mpg.
Upgrading to the V6 engine on either SUV model means fuel efficiency drops further.
Practicality
As you might expect, the Cadillac XT6 offers more in the way of cargo overall, but not if you need that third seating row up. That can be a bit of a dilemma for buyers.
The Cadillac XT5 offers 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up and up to 63 cubic feet with the seats down. The XT6 with a third seating row in use only delivers 12.6 cubic feet of space, but the total cargo space with third and second rows flattened comes to 78.7 cubic feet.
The third seating row is obviously very useful in the Cadillac XT6 if you regularly have excess passengers, especially kids, but it always means you end up with limited cargo room.
Technology & Features
Both Cadillac SUVs come with an 8-inch touchscreen compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll also find Cadillac’s own infotainment system, the Cadillac User Experience, or CUE, which in its latest version is smarter, more intuitive and more user-friendly than previous versions.
You’ll find great options in both models like a wireless charging pad in the Cadillac XT5, and the possibility of a rear-seat DVD player in the Cadillac XT6.
Cadillac sells most of these features via packages. The higher trim you get, the less you have to buy, but if you want the lot then you’ll have to opt for the Platinum Package.
Safety
The Cadillac XT5 and XT6 both received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA in terms of their overall safety features. Since they both feature the Cadillac Smart System of ADAS and safety additions, it’s not surprising that they’re fairly similar in this regard.
Features include emergency braking, forward collision warning, parking assistance, teen driver mode, vehicle diagnostics and more. Some of these come as standard but others will have to be purchased.
Key Rivals
As compact and midsize luxury SUVs, the Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac XT6 face stiff competition, with some of the closest alternatives being:
- Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 (similar pricing to XT5 and XT6)
- Acura RDX and Acura MDX (slightly more affordable)
- BMW X3 and BMW X5 (more expensive)
The Cadillac XT5 doesn’t have that much competition from other American carmakers, but the midsize segment of the Cadillac XT6 is packed with other options from American manufacturers. These include the Lincoln Aviator and GMC Acadia, among others.
Verdict
The most obvious difference between these two in terms of utility is the passenger and cargo capacity. But there are also significant differences in the exterior appearances that can’t be overlooked.
If you’re a small nuclear family with a lot of stuff to transport, the Cadillac XT5 works better, but if you’re an extended family and/or regularly transporting your kids and their friends around, then a 3-row Cadillac XT6 works best for that.
They both perform equally well on the road, with the XT5 being marginally more efficient in terms of fuel consumption. Not everyone is into the boxy design of the Cadillac XT6, preferring the sleeker build of the XT5. But on the flip side, many will prefer the more imposing, traditional SUV look of the XT6.
For those who are still on the fence, a test drive at your local Cadillac dealership is the best way to make progress with your new vehicle purchase decision.
Comparison Table
| 2022 Cadillac XT5 | 2022 Cadillac XT6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | ||
| Price | $43995 | $48595 |
| Performance | ||
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 2.0L Inline-4 Gas |
| Horsepower | 235 hp @ 5000 rpm | 235 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500-4000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1500-4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Handling | ||
| Steering Type | Electric Rack & Pinion | Electric Power Steering |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Five-Link Independent |
| Rear Wheel Size | P235/65R18 | P235/65R18 |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Front Wheel Size | P235/65R18 | P235/65R18 |
| Turning Diameter (ft.) | - | 38.7 |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG/MPGe - Hwy | 29 | 27 |
| MPG/MPGe - City | 22 | 21 |
| MPG/MPGe - Combined | 24 | 23 |
| Gas Tank Size (gallons) | 19.0 | 19.0 |
| Cruising Range - Hwy (miles) | 551.0 | 513.0 |
| Size and Weight | ||
| Height (in.) | 66.1 | 69.9 |
| Length (in.) | 189.6 | 198.5 |
| Weight (lbs) | 3915 | 4362 |
| Max Width (in.) | 74.9 | 77.3 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 112.5 | 112.7 |
| Interior Dimensions | ||
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Front Seat Leg Room (in.) | 41.2 | 41.2 |
| Front Seat Head Room (in.) | 39.7 | 39.8 |
| Front Seat Hip Room (in.) | 56.1 | 50.1 |
| Front Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 58.3 | 58.3 |
| Rear Seat Leg room (in.) | 39.0 | 39.1 |
| Rear Seat Head Room (in.) | 38.4 | 39.1 |
| Rear Seat Hip Room (in.) | 54.8 | 55.7 |
| Rear Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 56.3 | 57.4 |
| Third Row Leg Room (in.) | - | 29.5 |
| Third Row Head Room (in.) | - | 37.2 |
| Third Row Hip Room (in.) | - | 39.5 |
| Third Row Shoulder Room (in.) | - | 53.5 |
| Infotainment Features | ||
| HD Radio | Not Available | Not Available |
| MP3 Player | Standard | Standard |
| WiFi Hotspot | Standard | Standard |
| Satellite Radio | Standard | Standard |
| Bluetooth Connection | Standard | Standard |
| Entertainment System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Premium Sound System | Standard | Standard |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | Standard | Standard |
| Smart Device Integration | Standard | Standard |
| Hard Disk Drive Media Storage | Not Available | Not Available |
| Interior Trim | ||
| Cloth Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Vinyl Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Leather Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Premium Synthetic Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Bucket Seats | Not Available | Not Available |
| Sun/Moonroof | Not Available | Not Available |
| Leather Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard |
| Woodgrain Interior Trim | Not Available | Not Available |
| Comfort Features | ||
| A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Rear A/C | Not Available | Standard |
| Telematics | Standard | Standard |
| Seat Memory | Not Available | Standard |
| Seat-Massage | Not Available | Not Available |
| Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
| Keyless Start | Standard | Standard |
| Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Multi-Zone A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Power Liftgate | Standard | Standard |
| Climate Control | Standard | Standard |
| Head-Up Display | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Mirror(s) | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Parking | Not Available | Not Available |
| Navigation System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Driver Seat | Not Available | Not Available |
| Cooled Rear Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Hands-Free Liftgate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Rear Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Remote Engine Start | Standard | Standard |
| Cooled Front Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Front Seat(s) | Standard | Standard |
| Power Passenger Seat | Standard | Standard |
| Remote Trunk Release | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Not Available | Not Available |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Navigation from Telematics | Not Available | Not Available |
| Universal Garage Door Opener | Standard | Standard |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Not Available | Not Available |
| Safety Features | ||
| ABS | Standard | Standard |
| Brake Assist | Not Available | Standard |
| Night Vision | Not Available | Not Available |
| Rear Parking Aid | Standard | Standard |
| Traction Control | Standard | Standard |
| Stability Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Not Available | Standard |
| Cross-Traffic Alert | Not Available | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitor | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Airbags | ||
| Knee Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Driver Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Seatbelt Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Passenger Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Side Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Front Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Front Side Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Warranty | ||
| Basic | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles |
| Maintenance | 1 Year/1 Visit | 1 Year/1 Visit |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles |