2020 Cadillac XT5: We Answer Your Questions
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If you follow GM Authority, you know we’ve recently been spending some time behind the wheel of the 2020 Cadillac XT5, which received a facelift in addition to other changes and improvements inside and out. It’s now time for us to answer the questions you sent us about the 2020 Cadillac XT5, and we sorted out what we believe to be the most relevant ones. Here goes.
Q: Is the XT5 starting to feel old yet? Is it better than the XT4 and XT6? The styling is starting to look dated since the new front fascias are becoming more horizontal.
A: It’s true that the Cadillac XT5 is starting to show some age compared to more recent Cadillac offerings like the XT4 and XT6, but we found that the cabin updates do a lot at keeping the XT5 fresh and relevant. We particularly enjoyed the carbon fiber trim on the Sport model as well as the Bose speaker grilles integrated into the doors.
These are subtle design cues that up the XT5’s premium feel. They also allow it to more closely resemble the bigger XT6. And we actually find this vehicle to remain attractive, especially with its facelift. So no, the XT5 didn’t feel old while we drove it.
Q: What is the wind noise like in the cabin? Can you drive 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?
A: This is an interesting question because when we read it, we had just gotten back from driving the XT5 with the sunroof open. We did in fact find wind noise to be on the higher side of things compared to similar models from competing German brands.
We took the XT5 out a second run, this time with both front windows down halfway and the panoramic roof completely open. There was a fair bit of turbulence in there, but not to the point that we couldn’t hear others passengers talking.
Q: The 2020 XT5 gets a new instrument cluster and gauges. Can you give us an overview of the options and settings available on the new cluster?
A: The biggest change in the new instrument cluster, except for a rearrangement of information, is the way the driver can cycle through the available drive modes and engage all-wheel drive. In the past, the AWD menu was separate from the Mode menu. Now, it’s baked right into the vehicle’s four available drive modes: Tour (2WD), AWD, Sport (AWD) and Off Road (AWD).
The previous display also had a reputation for being cluttered and complicated. The 2020 model simplifies that layout into a more mainstream design. It’s also coherent with the rest of Cadillac’s lineup of SUVs.
Q: How much is the model you’re driving? Do you think it’s worth it, or how do you feel it should be priced differently?
A: The 2020 Cadillac XT5 Sport we were driving was rather well equipped and stickered at $64,165. The base MSRP for an all-wheel-drive XT5 is $51,790, which puts it slightly above competing vehicles like the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3. While we are convinced by the XT5’s premium look and feel, the issue at hand here is that Cadillac’s brand recognition is still struggling compared to German nameplates.
Positioning the XT5 in a similar price bracket as an Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz could tempt consumers to choose European versus American. For the XT5 to properly rival its German opposition, we feel its price point should be considerably lower that where it is now.
Q: Is it any good? Would you consider it when shopping?
A: Although we find its pricing strategy to be a little high, the XT5 has a few tricks up its sleeve that made us remain interested in the product. For starters, it’s one of the only premium compact crossovers to still offer a naturally aspirated V6 engine option, which gives the XT5 smooth and spirited acceleration. This is also a tried and proven engine whose maintenance bills should be significantly lower during long-term ownership than the turbocharged European engines currently on sale.
Its handling dynamics and luxurious feel still lag behind competing German products, but the XT5 wins points in its overall cabin room and cargo space. The rear seats offer a large amount of head and legroom, impressive, actually, considering the XT5’s overall size.
As for cargo space, the XT5 offers up to 63 cubic feet when its rear seatbacks are folded flat, which is more than in a Mercedes-Benz GLC (56 cu ft.) and an Audi Q5 (53 cu ft.), and a tad more spacious than a BMW X3 (62 cu ft.).
Would we consider the 2020 Cadillac XT5 when shopping for a compact premium crossover? If it would cost a few thousand dollars less, then yes, we would. Unfortunately, as we write this, some competitors offer more luxury and performance for similar money.
Want to read more interesting Cadillac XT5 stories like this one? Then subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac XT5, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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Great, honest review and it’s very much along what my understanding of not only this offering but also the competitive landscape. I hope GM reads this.
Xt5 is beautiful,but not priced to compete on
An equal basis!
It amazes me that the XT5 is oh, so close to being a first choice, but GM refuses to make the changes required to lift its status.
And they do it with so many of its vehicles. I can only assume that, at General Motors, the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing.
I’m getting tired of hearing about GM’s over pricing then followed by 20%+ discounts later in the year to clear inventory. Just take 10 grand d off from the start and get the value over other brands played up. Why would I buy any Caddy product that drop s 40-50% in value in just 2-3 years.
I know and understand its a great selling product for Cadillac but that should NEVER be enough for a Cadillac. My only question would have been: When is this thing on the way out and being replaced with an ALL NEW offering?
Overall its a handsome package until you get to that 65K.
(…and PLEASE stop showing the side profile of Caddy crossovers. The FWD roots arent hidden well enough and all of them from the side view are unprepossessing.)
What do you think if the rear passenger seating was designed for just 2 passengers with seating similar to Captain’s chairs instead of the current bench style seating.
What was the reason for so many 2019 by backs?
I first drove the XT5 at a ride and drive event, I never looked back. The XT4 was a little bit sportier but still didn’t feel like a winner. Then came the XT6 which just had me thinking XT5 but longer…when will Cadillac put any personality and sense of pride in theIr crossovers, 64k for what? Surely not this….
Is the rear view camera still not centered? I have a 2017 and it is off to the right and makes backing up a pain.
we are in a 2018 luxury could use a few tweaks but we enjoy driving it