The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is the first of many new crossovers to come from Cadillac, and it has an important job: continue to cement Cadillac as a crossover favorite.
The outgoing Cadillac SRX was Cadillac’s best selling model, meaning the XT5 has big shoes to fill. MotorWeek had a go in the 2017 XT5 to see if the shoe fits. For the most part, it does.
Praise was awarded for the XT5’s excellent powertrain combination in the 3.6-liter LGX V6 and eight-speed automatic. Driving dynamics were a high point, too. Even the interior scored high marks for its material usage.
But, CUE was (of course) knocked for being laggy and lacking real buttons or knobs. The gauge cluster also came under fire for not looking the luxury crossover part.
Overall, the XT5 seems ready to tackle the segment. Check out the review for yourself up above.
Comments
What is everyone’s opinion on why the XT5 has the 8spd but GMC’s new Acadia still has the 6spd?
We are ready to upgrade the family hauler and we both love the Acadia, but I almost want to wait a year to see if it will get the new transmission.
If the 8 speed is critical to your purchase decision then wait.
The 6 speed is a proven performer and gets excellent gas mileage.
Thanks, that’s kind of the conclusion we’ve already made.
I hope someone will be able to answer my question though.
My guess is that GM is doing a trickle down approach to new technology meaning that the new stuff will appear in Cadillacs or corvette(zl1 with the 10 spd too) and then slowly work its way down to the other brands. So the 8 spd might make it to the Acadia in a few years but I wouldn’t wait for it if you need to upgrade immediately. Its only 2 gears anyway. As for which one to get I would recommend the Acadia depending on how big your family is and if you go on long road trips because the Acadia is larger.
Yes the 8 speed will be coming in the next year or so. They will expand production and expand it in many models.
So if the transmission is important wait.
Generally these new transmissions are put in top line models or larger engine package models first. Then it takes about 1-2 years to spread them out.
My Bu got the 6 speed with the V6 but all others got the 4 speed for the first year and a half.
I hate it when reviewers complain about cue and then show someone frantically taping the screen so it doesn’t work. Cue works fine when you know what you’re doing now. Reviewers just do it now because it’s cliche in a Cadillac reviews. They also always do the volume wrong too. I agree that it needs nobs but you’re supposed to slide your finger not tap it.
I own a SRX and love it . Sure it’s not a sports car but that’s not what it is . I do hope Cadillac does give us a knob for the infotainment though . I think it would help CUE alot and reduce the finger prints that smudge the screen .
One thing that was mentioned was how hard the seats are , but like my SRX once you get them broke in alittle they are quit comfortable . To me it’s like breaking in a baseball glove or a new set of leather shoes , then the fit and feel are much better .
This segment is getting very crowded but there won’t be any mistaking a Cadillac to the others on the road . And having some of the old SRX in it’s profile isn’t a bad thing at all , it’s a more modern look .
Don’t be suprised to see another engine choice next year , Cadillac did it right by offering the 3.6 to start with .
I’m not a fan of the SRX exterior design….I’ve all ways thought the SRX looked fat and hideous…I figured that SRX/XT5 buyers don’t care about looks.
I came across this article recently from Car and Driver on the XT5;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2017-cadillac-xt5-awd-test-review
The reviewer was way off base.
First he is comparing the XT5 to the X3, GLC and Q5 when that is not who Cadillac is aiming for. The XT5 has it’s sights set squarely on the Lexus RX and MDX.
Second, as for performance the reviewer was comparing the NA 3.6 to boosted versions of the other manufacturers models. Not fair at this point.
The XT5 is still in rollout (barely 3 months on the market) and I completely expect them to drop the 3.0TT V6 from the CT6 into this vehicle as a V-Sport version for 2017.
The XT5 will sell better than the SRX period.