The all-new 2017 Cadillac XT5 and all-new 2017 GMC Acadia have quite a bit in common: both are midsize crossovers, both offer the 3.6L V6 LGX engine, and both are significantly lighter than the vehicles they replace. But the new midsize CUVs are even more alike, since both ride on GM’s new C1XX platform — the first two vehicles to use the new GM architecture. So it’s only natural for us to compare the two vehicles in an installment of the GM Authority Dimensional Brief.
As they stand, the XT5 and Acadia share the same 112.5-inch wheelbase. However, the Acadia is a full 4.1 inches longer, nearly half an inch wider, and almost 3 inches taller. Those proportions, especially the length, enable the Acadia to offer a third row of seating compared to solely two rows in the XT5.
On the topic of curb weight: GMC lists the 2017 Acadia with an estimated curb weight of 3,956 pounds (1,794 kg), while Cadillac estimates the XT5 to weigh in at 3,999 pounds (1,814). However, it is unclear whether the weight for the GMC is for the 3.6L V6 or the base 2.5L I4 LCV. As such, treat the weight figures with a grain of salt… at least until we clarify the figures for the GMC.
| Item | 2017 Cadillac XT5 | 2017 GMC Acadia | + / – |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 112.5 | 112.5 | Equal |
| Length: | 189.5 | 193.6 | +4.1 inches Acadia |
| Width: | 75 | 75.4 | +0.4 inches Acadia |
| Height: | 66 | 68.7 | +2.7 inches Acadia |
| Est curb weight (FWD): | 3999 | 3956 | +43 inches XT5 |
| Est curb weight (AWD): | 4277 | TBA | Not Available |
| Item | 2017 Cadillac XT5 | 2017 GMC Acadia | + / – |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 2857 | 2857 | Equal |
| Length: | 4815 | 4917 | +102mm Acadia |
| Width: | 1903 | 1916 | +13mm Acadia |
| Height: | 1675 | 1745 | +70mm Acadia |
| Est curb weight (FWD): | 1814 | 1794 | +20kg XT5 |
| Est curb weight (AWD): | 1940 | TBA | Not Available |
Having seen these two crossovers in person, we can also say that they are a case study for platform sharing done right, since the two CUVs look nothing alike. That’s a big contrast compared to the badge engineering practices GM was known for in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Comments
I dream of a day when both of these vehicles are Alpha variants and one of them is named “Jimmy”
I think only one of these will be Alpha-based… the Cadillac. I dream of this day often myself.
On the other hand, I have nightmares of a D2XX XT3. I hope De Nysschen and Ellinghaus scratch Audi off the list of benchmarks, given the next gen Quattro will be front-biased.
all audis are FWD based
No, they’re not. MLB vehicles (essentially the B8 A4 and up) have a 60/40 front/rear torque split. I think you are referring to Golf and MQB-based vehicles such as the A3, Q3, TT, etc… those are transverse-engined and FWD-biased because they are not “true” quattro.
No, no, no. No Jimmy should ever be Alpha-based. A modern Jimmy should ride on the GMT31XX platform. Take a Canyon ZR2, put some seats in the back, give it a removable hardtop. A Jimmy as it’s meant to be.
Cadillac’s XT5 was designed for comfort meaning more legroom for occupants in both front and back while the GMC Acadia being almost the same size will have third row seating which means things won’t be as comfortable; it would have been interesting to know what was the cargo capacity difference between the two vehicles.
Yes, I’m wondering the same thing. We’re looking to do an interior dimensions comparo, but Cadillac has yet to publish interior dimensions for the XT5.
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2015/12/and-now-the-2017-cadillac-xt5-order-guide/
They’ve been on the order guide for a while.
I just noticed GMC had picked up Buick headlights and front facada styling cues. Smart.
Platform sharing had come a long way. This is why companies like Hyundai and Kia can share so much. I just hope that future Chevy and GMC trucks will one day be truly different.
What should be different between Chevy and GMC truck? (not challenging you, I think they should too)
I think both will have plenty of room as the packaging is where things are improved.
The GMC will be good and the Cadillac will just be a little better.
Case in point like the GMC Terrain. It has a ton of leg room in the back with the sliding seat. This is nice but once you buy it you set the rear seat but seldom move it. Even moved forward all the way there is still a tone of leg room. Now move to the back cargo room is very compromised with the seat back and the strut intrusion.
Also the front the dash as a lot of space from the more rear point to the windshield. Lots of more wasted space.
I think due to the nature they just used the XT5 more for comfort and space as the GMC is more the cargo and haul the kids. They cut one person out to reduce the size but still retain a comfortable interior. Also they have made the seats folding to accommodate more cargo.
It is all about making the interior more efficient to do more in less space and not waste as much as in the past.
I should see both this week so I can better access it.
How much bigger is the 2017 Acadia vs Terrain?
It’s too bad that the rear view mirrors cannot be retracted from inside electronically, as was able with the 2016 Acadia. Driver now has to now get out of vehicle and manually rotate against the vehicle to eliminate damage in mall lots and other parking situations. In four years, I’ve used the feature hundreds of times