Only three years after its debut for the 2017 model year, the Cadillac XT5 is already getting a refresh for the 2020 model year. In fact, the same update cadence is in store for the XT5’s platform mate – the 2020 GMC Acadia.
The XT5’s front end will be getting most of the attention for the refresh, including Cadillac’s new shield-like grille. In addition, it doesn’t look like the 2020 Cadillac XT5 will see the brand’s new horizontal lighting elements, despite them being one of the defining characteristics of Cadillac’s new design language, as introduced by the 2019 Cadillac XT4 and 2019 Cadillac CT6. That said, the camouflage could be fooling us – and the horizontal portion of the headlights might actually make their way to Cadillac’s bread-and-butter crossover.
Head on over to our sister site, Cadillac Society, for the complete gallery here: 2020 Cadillac XT5 spy pictures.
The rear will only be getting a limited amount of changes, with only the bumper cover wearing the camo, making it quite clear that the refresh won’t bring the “vertical then horizontal” lighting elements introduced by the XT4. Instead, the XT5 will continue using the same vertical taillight design of the current model.
The “horizontal then vertical” headlamp design of the 2019 Cadillac XT4 (pictured) might make its way to the 2020 XT5 refresh
It doesn’t appear that the “horizontal then vertical” taillamp design of the 2020 Cadillac XT4 (pictured) will make its way into the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh
And then there’s the powertrain, which might be in for some updates. For starters, the current Aisin-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission will likely be replaced by the new GM 9-speed automatic, which has been finding its way to most other transverse-engined vehicles in the General Motors lineup. In addition, some believe that the the 2.0L LTG turbo four-cylinder engine will be introduced in North America, making the naturally-aspirated 3.6L LGX V6 engine (310 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque) either optional or reserved for higher trim levels. In fact, the 2.0L LTG engine is the sole Cadillac XT5 engine in China, where – depending on tune, it makes 246 or 265 horses, and 295 pound-feet of torque. However, we doubt that the boosted four-banger will be introduced in North America, since the markets do not have tax restrictions based on engine displacement.
The current XT5 was introduced for the 2017 model year. The vehicle offers two rows of seating and slots between the recently-revealed compact XT4 and the upcoming full-size or “midsize plus” Cadillac XT6. Expect the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh to begin landing at dealers in the fist half of 2019. Production will continue at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee.
Stay tuned as we learn more about the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh, as well as for more Cadillac XT5 news.
Head on over to our sister site, Cadillac Society, for the complete gallery here: 2020 Cadillac XT5 spy pictures.
Comments
I have a 17 xt5 platinum. Love it. Hopefully these updates don’t go back to the xts (had a 14) since the xt5 is much better looking. Probably would only upgrade if it has super cruise. Also, let’s get the wireless android auto and maybe a hybrid. Car is just immaculate
I agree for the hybrid versions. Cadillac has the technology to do so, even if it has to borrow from Chevy’s Volt and Bolt EV parts bin.
I really like the XT5 but it is a little underwhelming in the power train department.
I think adding a V-Sport option is critical for long term success.
Put in the 3.0TT V6 from the CT6 and the associated chassis upgrades and Cadillac would have something credible to compete with the luxury ‘performance ‘ midsized crossovers out there.
The leather seats in my mom’s XT5 are starting to wrinkle including the back seats which don’t seat people often enough to cause the issue. She got the car just before winter. Not exactly what I would call quality for a car this expensive. Sport mode leaves a lot to be desired especially considering it has a V6
Thats interesting considering that I worked at a Cadillac dealership for the past 3 years and never saw anything like that on any xt5 we ever had. Even the first production run vehicles that came back a year later with plenty of miles had pristine leather.
I thought we might have seen the seperation of the DRL’s and foglights disappear and go the route of the CT6 and XT4’s unit .
It looks like the major change will be the grill , and that alone is going to really change the looks of the front end . I hope it’s a gloss black and not flat black , this is a luxury suv and i think it would look much better . Now if Cadillac ever decides to offer XT5 in a V model then use the flat black grill .
Kyle , I have a friend in a detailing shop and to fix those wrinkles , the seat bottom can be steamed and re-stretched , he’s done it on other leather seats or talk to your salesman , your’e right that shouldn’t be happening so soon . Iv’e had my XT5 for almost a year now and luckily that hasn’t happened to mine .
Interesting. Must be a rare occurrence. She hasn’t complained about it and I’m not even sure if she noticed yet. If she mentions it to me I’ll let her know! Thanks Zach & George!