Back in January, GM Authority was the first to show you the very first photos of the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh. Now, we captured the facelifted crossover completely uncovered, giving us a more thorough look at the updates to the refresh – which aren’t that major.
Judging by the bright accents on the new grille, this 2020 Cadillac XT5 seems to be the Premium Luxury trim level. The refreshed XT5 is widely expected to adopt Cadillac’s new “Y” trim level strategy, as the current model follows the outgoing trim level structure.
Updates to the front end are not major, and are limited to a revised LED lighting cluster (the actual headlight shape does not change), a revised lower fascia, and the aforementioned new grille.
The updates to the side are also not that numerous. One element confirming our assumption that this 2020 Cadillac XT5 tester is that of a Premium Luxury trim is the bright DLO trim. Sport models will feature black DLO trim.
The most notable change, meanwhile, are the wheels. These are a new design and are not available on any XT5 model currently offered.
Out back, the vertical taillights feature the same shape as the current pre-facelift model, but a new internal LED design that provides a more three-dimensional appearance. Like other Premium Luxury models that follow the Cadillac Y trim level structure, this model features red tail lamp lenses shared with Luxury models. Sport models will feature a neutral density (transparent) taillamp design.
There’s also a revised exhaust outlet treatment, with the dual exhaust tips now being fully wrapped by a new rear valance.
From a powertrain standpoint, we have information that indicates that the 2020 Cadillac XT5 will swap the last-generation, turbocharged 2.0L I4 LTG engine with the all-new turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY, which makes 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That’s less power than before, but from a significantly more refined powerplant. The new LSY motor will be coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the eight-speed unit in the 2017-2019 models. The turbocharged four-banger is currently a China-only affair, but it is possible that it will find its way to North America for the mid-cycle refresh.
Meanwhile, the 3.6L V6 LGX engine making 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque will carry over. But like the boosted 2.0-liter, the six-cylinder swaps the Aisin-sourced 8-speed automatic for the new GM 9-speed automatic transmission.
Expect an official reveal over the next few weeks. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for the latest Cadillac news, Cadillac XT5 news, and ongoing GM news coverage.
Comments
What the heck is General Motors CEO Mary Barra doing.. a refresh where not much has changed as the 2020 Cadillac XT5 is still not much different than the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer Premier with V6, AWD and 9-speed automatic transmission except the Cadillac XT5 is over $20,000 more expensive.
Get a grip this is more a deal of the Cadillac revolving door manager thank Mary.
She runs GM not Cadillac.
Your Mary Barra bedwetting rants are more tired than a Michelin warehouse…
Aren’t those the same weird looking wheels from the Blazer RS?
they are the same on the base RS trim for the Blazer and I actually think they look better on the Cadillac. I think would even look sharper if they matched the color of the car. I really don’t like the look of black rims.
So XT6 has the five year Old designed XT5 interior on a Brand new car and now this.
So you get a different looking grille with Chevy Blazer rims.
GM is on Fiiiiiire with Cadillac CUV’s HAHA
Another pubescent rant by someone with a major lack of intellect.
So, nothing more than recycled Chevy parts and XT6 interior (which is in fact recycled XT5 interior)
Those are some ugly rims! I’m not seeing the resemblance to the blazer rims, but then maybe I just didn’t look that close at the Chevy’s. Doesn’t matter. Those rims are so ugly, I’d never consider the rest of the car just because of them. Once again, over-sized rims with lower profile tires. When will this crap stop?
FWD platforms must be banned. Their proportions are ugly as hell.
So really, a new grill. That’s it. Yay.
Unpopular opinion: I understand why people want Cadillac to make RWD/AWD CUV’s instead of FWD/AWD CUV’s but hear me out. When Infiniti switched the QX50 to FWD/AWD it allowed them to create more room in the passenger compartment and more useable cargo space. So even though I would like Cadillac to create something that is RWD/AWD to create better proportions, I can see the value in creating a FWD CUV. Just my opinion.
Other than that, I like that they cleaned up the grill, but I wish they went a little further. The CT6 refresh from last year was much more dramatic versus what they did here.
Since the update to the CT6, everything that they’ve released has had a lackluster front end.
It’s a crossover. Most are AWD.
I don’t care as much about chassis layout so long as they don’t have “front drive” proportions. Volvo and Audi do a good job hiding it. No one else does though.
That being said, anything with a v series badge should be rear drive biased layout.
The XT5 was only released in 2016 as a 2017 model. I don’t know why people are expecting anything more than a refresh with the front end so the grille is shared among all the new Caddy’s. What did you guys expect? An overhaul after 3 years? Since when? The XT5 is stunning, the refresh was just right. The wheels are hideous. Thank God you can upgrade them to the 20’s!
OMG! (Those Rims are Horrible and not of Cadillac) SMH . . . What Cadillac should have done (too late now) was design the 2020 XT6 to be more of the Mini ESCALADE Crossover with a slammin’ interior. (see Lincoln Navigator/Aviator) Three Rows with less plastic but a more upscale/higher quality materials. Then the XT5 REFRESH would have been a 2 ROW VERSION of the Mini ESCALADE crossover. XT4 looks great but all Three vehicles need a true HP & TORQUE Engine Update. All 3 versions (XT4-V/XT5-V/XT6-V) having a no-less-than-404HP Option. This would also be more compatible with the CT4-V/CT5-V Sedan Variants that are upcoming in 2 weeks. CT6-V is the King of BHP & TORQUE with 550BHP/627 lb-ft Twin-Turbo V8, The old CTS-V of yesterday had even more with 640BHP/640lbs -ftof Torque. Will be interesting to see what will happen with the ALL-NEW ESCALADE that now arrives in 2020 as a 2021 model. Would have been nice to have create an XT7 Model with a slightly longer wheelbase than the XT6 Crossover (Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse is about 202″ Body Length) An XT9 Sport Coupe Crossover SUV would have been sweet with a lowered Roofline and Suspension (Range Rover Evoque). And Finally, an XT3 two-door coupe & convertible version of the Existing XT4 would have been innovative. To stay IN the game, you must be AHEAD of the game which will CHANGE the Game as well!
“To stay in the game…” That’s really all your hear about Cadillac’s lineup. “Playing catchup…” When you chase, you’re always behind, because when you’ve mastered the competition, and sit to admire (CTS V) you lookup and discover they’ve already moved on to something else… and then if playing catchup, you need to be better, not “as good as” which Cadillac isn’t even doing that…
That refresh came out really well.
The xT5 is a solid contender. The higher end model has an excellent interior and feels good from behind the wheel. The size is just right.
I have never liked the design language of these Caddies.
That front end with the stretched out lights and light bar will be nicer when it’s run it’s course and a real redesign happens.
I remember seeing and riding in the big old Cadillacs of years ago. Why don’t they look back to go forward with these? I can say I like some of the Lincoln’s but even then I long for the style that was evident and in your face from the 60’s and 70’s. Yes I am a dinosaur.
Thank you
Are we sure this isn’t just an owner that bought an aftermarket Grill from some online Store and plopped it on his/her XT5?
Like no way this is what GM/Cadillac consider a Mid-Cycle Refresh right? Like no way. This is almost comical.
Critical thinking is in short supply among commenters on GMA. Most can’t even utilize basic reasoning skills. The educational system has failed you. It’s almost comical to read your comments. You have zero understanding of the industry. It’s like reading the thoughts of a 15 year old trying to analyze a multi-billion dollar auto market.
Sooooooo, sales are down and all they do is change the grille? ??♂️
Sales are only down because of the XT4. Come on people.
Marketshare is still climbing. Do GMA readers not understand that the entire car market is doing poorly right now? At least Cadillac is gaining share.
Wait…wait…let me guess.
Everyone here hates it right?
Surprise surprise.
Not only do they hate it, most haven’t owned a GM product in years and they all think they have pure insight on how a billion dollar corporation should be run. Usually that fantasy business plan completely ignores the UAW, CAFE, emissions regulations or the volatile market auto makers operate in these days. “Corporate average fuel economy? Who cares about that? Put the LT5 in the Colorado already!!!”
Yeah, just because Mercedes AMG sales sets records year after year, BMW M series is offered in over 12 cars and SUVs including convertibles, and even Hyundai makes a luxury sedan with a V8, doesn’t mean GM has the balls to keep up with the industry leaders.
My concerns are few but clear. Put the right motor or motors ina Cadillac. Put style first ahead of anything else. Is it not possible to build the best and strongest chassis with all the latest and proven safety equipment then wrap it in a stunner of a body? Can GM look at where they have been, see my last comment, and then give the world something that turns heads and opens cheque books? Remember the car that turned heads and kids wanted to ride in one, dads and moms wanted to be seen in one? Those old Caddies, and Lincoln’s as well, used to own the road and there was no mistaking what it as. You can be as intellectual as you may think you are and sometimes we are all guilty of that but the open road still calls and a vehicle that stirs the soul and makes you happy to own one will always be in style.
Yes theses weels come directly from a Subaru crosstreck. If your desingners can’t do it for you, ask to bmw to desing one for you.or may be Audi, or Mercedes.