GM replaced the Cadillac SRX with the XT5 for the 2017 model year. The all-new midsize crossover arrived at just the right time for the luxury brand, as utilities were experiencing a newfound period of growth. The 2021 model year will represent the fifth model year of the XT5, for which the vehicle will receive a handful of novelties. We’ve compiled exactly what’s new and different about the 2021 Cadillac XT5 – let’s dig right in.
Exterior
The 2021 XT5 loses four exterior colors while gaining two new ones:
Deleted colors:
- Radiant Silver Metallic
- Manhattan Noir Metallic
- Red Horizon Tintcoat
- Dark Mocha Metallic
New colors:
- Dark Moon Blue Metallic
- Infrared Tintcoat
Additionally, the Satin Steel Metallic color is no longer an extra-charge option. Instead, it will be included in the base price of the vehicle.
The remaining exterior changes of the 2021 Cadillac XT5 are to the wheel options. The 20-inch, 12-spoke Diamond Cut alloy wheels with Dark Alloy Satin finish pockets get added to the wheel lineup. They will only be available on Sport models. Additionally, four dealer-installed wheel options will be deleted:
- 20-inch 6-Spoke Dual-Split alloy wheels with Diamond Cut and Midnight Silver finish (SLV)
- 20-inch Polished alloy wheels (S1R)
- 20-inch Ultra Bright machined alloy wheels with Pearl Nickel finish (S1S)
- 20-inch Midnight Grey alloy wheels (SEE)
Interior
Inside, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 gains the addition of Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto as a standard feature on all trim levels, as GM Authority previously reported. Wired functionality remains for those who prefer it.
Additionally, the power tilt and telescoping steering column will be replaced by the manual tilt and telescoping steering column, but only on the Luxury (base) trim level. By comparison, the 2020 model year featured the tilt and telescoping steering column as standard on all XT5 models. Premium Luxury and Sport models continue with the power tilt and telescoping column as standard.
Finally, the universal tablet holder accessory will no longer be offered.
Mechanical
From a mechanical standpoint, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 continues to be offered with two gasoline engines.
| Engine | Fuel | Aspiration | Transmission | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L I-4 LSY | Gasoline | Turbo | 9-speed automatic M3T | 230 @ 5000 | 258 @ 1500-4000 | 3.47 |
| 3.6L V-6 LGX | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 9-speed automatic M3V | 308 @ 6600 | 270 @ 5000 | 3.49 |
Both engines are mated to the GM 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive is standard on Luxury and Premium Luxury, and all-wheel-drive is optional on both. Meanwhile, all-wheel-drive is standard on the Sport trim.
Like all iterations of the first-gen XT5, the 2021 model continues to ride on the GM C1 platform.
Looking Ahead
As we mentioned earlier, the first-gen Cadillac XT5 has been on sale since the 2017 model year. A mid-cycle refresh arrived for the 2020 model year (see more on the 2020 Cadillac XT5).
The current model will be around for at least the 2021 and 2022 model years before being replaced with an all-new model thereafter. We’ll be here to tell you all about it, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac XT5 news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Lame, no performance variant! How about a turbo V6 with even better handling?
Simple!! Its a Chevrolet…. Chevy doesn’t have a performance version so Cadillac cant have one… GM miss management, stupidity and Cheapness at its finest…
Still no infotainment system with a screen bigger then 8inches Ridiculous GM
Why when all the foreign car auto makers have now pretty much gone with the driver side gas tanks on the left side that General Motors has started PUTTING the gas tank on the right side. I am disabled and cannot walk well and there is no way that I will buy a vehicle that I have to get out and walk around to the right side of the car to fill the gas tank! That is totally unacceptable and unsafe in today’s society! It is the opportunity for people to be victims of crime. I was looking at the xt5 to replace my 2010 Escalade but not anymore. It is such a disappointment for consumers who want to stay with Cadillac and move into a smaller vehicle!
@ Franklin – The XT5 fuel tank filler is clearly on the driver’s side. Maybe you were looking at the XT4 and not XT5. I do believe the fuel tank filler is on the passenger side of the XT4.
Move to NJ….they pump it
So the usual de-contenting and loss of paint colors. About the norm for GM
Overpriced for what you get…….
The price of these vehicles are way to much. For the price, you should get HEATED/COOLING SEATS. It is ridiculous that any Cadillac not come with premium features for the price. What you are paying for, in part, for the name! I love Cadillac’s and would have a new Escalade ‼
Firstly it needs a V8, Second The XT5 along with all other Caddys are at the BOTTOM of the JD Powers list for everything.
FIX that!
Better with the 3.6 Turbo
So many alternatives like the VW Atlas which offer about the same features at a much more affordable price.
Instant V model of the XT5 model at low cost for Cadillac. first: instal the engine of the camaro v6 with 335 hp. brembo brake from ct 5 and for finish offer the magnetic ride suspension. and voilà you have a new offer for the Cadillac XT5V at low cost for
Cadillac. (If Cadillac have the guts to built this suv they will sel thousand, and thousand.) It is my opinion and many peoples think like me.
Add a 2 piece rear hatch, lower the beltline and enlarge rear side windows so the rear 3/4 view is unobstructed. Square off the rear body. Fold down headrests in the rear and put the roof racks in!
Bring back the Northstar in improved version. There is more to life than MPG.
I just purchased my second Cadillac XT-5 and 12th Cadillac. My first was a 1964 El Dorado. Wonderful car. I will not however buy the proposed electric Cadillac.