We’re spending the week with the 2020 Cadillac XT5 which has been mildly updated for the 2020 model year by way of a slight facelift, new interior features and a revision in the trim level structure. The new turbocharged 2.0L I-4 LSY engine is now standard for Luxury and Premium Luxury trim levels, while the 3.6L V6 is optional on Premium Luxury.
Our test unit is an XT5 Sport, which comes standard with the 3.6L V6 LGX engine rated at 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. As we detailed earlier this month, the V6 engine gets the 400 badge out back, while the turbocharged four gets the 350 badge – as part of Cadillac’s recently-adopted, torque-based nomenclature.
All variants of the 2020 Cadillac XT5 come fitted with the GM nine-speed automatic transmission with the Electronic Precision shift gear selector.
Our example is finished in the Manhattan Noir Metallic paint and Cirrus leather seating surfaces with mini-perforated inserts. The Cadillac XT5 Sport also comes standard with 20-inch twelve spoke alloy wheels and Caddy’s unique twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system (occasionally dubbed Sport Control AWD) with Active Yaw Control, as well as Continuously Variable dampers.
In terms of styling updates, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 gets a new grille, with two grille insert designs depending on the trim level (Lux and Prem Lux models get a shiny one, while Sport models get the glossy black one seen here). LED headlamps with IntelliBeam are now standard across the model range.
Out back, the tail lamps receive a set of clear lenses for Sport models, and red lenses for Luxury / Premium Luxury models.
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 also gets an 8-inch color touchscreen, optional navigation, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus 4G LTE Wi-Fi. The most notable interior change is the addition of the latest Cadillac User Experience interface with rotary controller. The new system includes the following technology:
- One-touch phone pairing with Near Field Communication tech
- The latest wireless phone charging system and USB-C ports
- New digital instrument cluster display options
- Rear Vision Camera and Surround Vision features now in high definition
- Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist with Braking
- Rear Pedestrian Alert system
- Optional Night Vision feature
The cabin also comes with updated colors, materials, and trim-specific themes, as well as a new center console design and new storage compartments. Front-seat heating is now standard for all XT5 models.
We will have the 2020 Cadillac XT5 Sport for a week, so if you would like to know more about it beyond the spec sheet, ask your questions in the comments section, and we’ll reply in a timely manner as part of the GM Authority interactive review.
Ready…. set… go!
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Comments
0-60, that’s all that matters.
We’ll try to bring you that!
I’m curious how the turbo 4 compares with the V6 in everyday driving, and with 3 passengers.
We’re only driving the V6 right now, so we won’t be able to compare both engines at the moment.
The XT5 competes with the Lincoln Nautilis (and a host of imports), but the Lincoln comes with more power. Although aging I wonder if the Lincoln isn’t the better deal for power and comfort. Can you make the comparison?
Having driven both, I can say that the Nautilus has more power. But neither model is dynamically engaging to drive thanks to the nose-heavy, front-drive roots, so not sure it ultimately matters.
Looks like a “dinner roll” with wheels.
Don’t know what you eat for dinner potato, but that SUV don’t look like any Food I eat
Is the XT5 starting to feel old yet and is it better than XT4 and XT6? The styling is starting to look dated sincethe new front fascas are becoming more horizontal.
We’re actually quite impressed by the new updates, especially inside, which help the XT5 remain fresh and relevant among Cadillac’s lineup.
What is the wind noise like in the cabin of the Cadillac XT5; one just wonder can you drive down the road with the windows rolled down without getting blasted by wind noise so badly that you need to roll up the windows to hear what a passenger might be saying.
We actually tried that last night, both with windows and the panoramic roof, and yes, wind noise was pretty loud. We’ll try again today as it’s supposed to be a little less windy.
It would finally be nice to get an honest answer to this: how is the interior quality? Any creaking? How are the lower areas of the dash and doors? Soft touch plastic?
So many reviews trash Cadillac quality for no good reason.
Honestly it’s pretty good. The updates done to the cabin do a lot at making it look and feel upscale. No cracking yet, but we’re only at day three of driving it. We’ll come back with a more thorough observation.
The 2020 gets a new instrument cluster / gauges. Can you give us an overview of the options/settings available on the new cluster?
How much is your model? Do you think its worth it or what does it feel like it should be priced?
YO….!
The model we’re driving stickers at $64,165. We feel it should be a good $10,000 less if it wants to properly compete.
The XT5 already “properly competes” today.
Depending on how you slice up the segment, it’s either the second best-seller behind Lexus or in the first half of the pack. Clearly actual customers feel differently about the value provided by the XT5.
I have the Premium Luxury model ,I like everything about the new upgrades but for one thing. In order to receive texts ,your smartphone has to be plugged before your go anywhere.
I have the Premium Luxury model and I like all the upgrade except one. In order to receive texts and use Android Auto using your smartphone, you have to plug it in every time you get into the vehicle.
where’re driving a 2018 Luxury ( the wife loves it ) great style lines , power, mileage ,drivability handling , IP layout easy to rear and operate . The interior material could be a little more Cadillac plush upgrade along with interior color combinations In our opinion great SUV .
I leased the XT-5 a month ago because my 2017 lease expired (that I extended for three months). I settled for white with Cirrus interior, although I wasn’t happy with the paint color. My 2017 paint job was Silver Coast, much prettier than white. I would have liked silver but I would have had to wait until May. The 2020 does handle better and has a faster takeoff.
I have a 2020 XT5 Sport. I agree with your opinion so far and like the car. However, I find it very annoying that my FM radio reception is spotty and even bad, cracking up regularly. I have lived in the same area for over 30 years, listen to the same stations as before and have never ever had this problem, including with current other make cars. Yes, it is a small problem at one level but it is very annoying and I re-experience it every time I drive the car. Is this a widespread problem? Is the radio or antenna weak?
Any major change in material quality over the 2017 model?
Any further reduction in road noise?
Any improvement in headlight output over the base lights in the 17?
Trying to talk a family member into a 2020 out of a 17, want to know what has changed besides the lack of a blue exterior color or the addition of the beautiful new brown color.
What is the HP on the SUV 2020 XT5 2.0 1-4 turbo engine
237 HP
Is it any good?
or
would you consider it when shopping?
I love how it looks. Can it do any off roading at all?
There is nothing I want to know about this fwd crap. Because There is only one real Cadillac 2day. That’s the new Escalade. And I’m sure the models that will come after the Slade will also be great.
Current Xt4-6 whatever are nothin but bs. As for the Ct4-Ct5. They are OK, but OK IS NOT enough. Cadillac must be a leader in each segment. Just like the Escalade is. I’m sure the upcoming models will be even more impressive than the Slade. So uck the current models
In other vehicles that I owned, I had to get a “clear hood bra” that protected the car from damage from small pebbles, etc. ..ldoes the Red Horizon tint coat painting accomplish the same type of protection?