The Cadillac XT5 launched in North America for the 2017 model year. It replaced the second-generation Cadillac SRX as the luxury marque’s midsize two-row crossover offering, an important segment in the luxury car world.
The XT5 rides on GM’s front-wheel-drive C1 platform, with power initially coming exclusively from the 3.6L LGX V6 rated at 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. When the XT5 was refreshed for the 2020 model year, the 2.0L LSY I4 was added as the new base engine, producing 237 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque, with the V6 offered as an option on some trims, and standard on others.
Today, we’re doing a little throwback and looking at the design of the 2017 Cadillac XT5 from back when it was brand new in 2017. It’s worth noting that that XT5 is now in its eighth and final model year in the North American market.
- See all 2017 Cadillac XT5 colors
The model seen here is finished in Radiant Silver Metallic (GAN) paint and is the Platinum, which was the range-topping trim when the XT5 launched, prior to it adopting Cadillac’s Y-trim level strategy.
Starting with the front, we see a trapezoidal grille that’s not a radical departure from that used in the second-generation SRX. However, this was one of the first Cadillac models to wear the brand’s updated Crest emblem sans wreath. Also, the headlight signature is significantly different; it’s not as blocky as the face of the second-gen SRX, using a thinner vertical line interrupted by a piece of the front fascia and creating a sleek, sharp aesthetic.
Moving to the side of the XT5, we see this model’s iteration of Cadillac’s Art and Science design language. In the current iteration, Art and Science can also be seen on the ATS, XTS, ELR, and third-generation CTS. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the XT5 introduced the “XT” nomenclature.
Rather than the large scallop cut out of the side of the second-gen SRX, the side of the XT5 has a bold body line starting at the front door (just below the mirror stem) to the top portion of the taillight. That said, the daylight opening (DLO) of the XT5 is not so different from that of the SRX. The entire aesthetic is very “nose and cab forward”, which is further accentuated by front-drive underpinnings and the short dash-to-axle ratio.
Also note the Platinum trim’s 20-inch 12-spoke fully polished wheels (SLW), the bright decorative line at the bottom edges of the doors, plus the Cadillac crest on the front quarter panels.
Moving around the back, we see a liftgate-mounted spoiler, which tricks the eye into thinking that the XT5 is longer than it actually is.
The aforementioned body line of the XT5 resolves at the top of the taillights, which move down at a sharp angle. A pair of rectangular exhaust outlets flank the bottom of the crossover, and a trapezoidal opening around the rear license plate subtly imitates the front grille. It all comes together in a stylish, cohesive design that we think is aging well.
Although the Cadillac XT5 is exiting the North American market after just one generation, an overhauled second-gen XT5 is now launching in China for the 2025 model year produced at the SAIC-GM Jinqiao Cadillac plant in Shanghai. As for Cadillac’s home market, the XT5 has a spiritual successor in the form of the all-electric Cadillac Lyriq, another midsize two-row crossover, albeit with a battery electric drivetrain.
Comments
As though you can’t look at one all you want on used car lots stocked with former rentals and repos.
Not in this quality, you can’t…
It really is too bad Cadillac is so short sighted. The XT5 is a great car, I had 2 of them a 2017 and a 2020, both Prem Lux with the Platinum package. It was also a good selling model, but Cadillac, being terrible marketers, let it die on the vine just as they did with the CTS and CT6. Even though they have basically given the market away, in this country, I think they can still get it back with the 2025 CT5, if they bring to the US. It’s unfortunate, but I think Cadillac’s China First marketing strategy will bite them on the ass.
I’VE 0WNED THREE OF THEM , AND IM A RETIREE . IT’ A SAME THEIR LETTING THAT XT5 GO TO CHINA !!!!!!!
What annoys me about the XT5 and CT6 is that Platinum is the only way to avoid tons of black in the interior. In addition to hard to find used, they usually come with the largest wheels, which diminish the ride quality.
They’re fools if they end production–hasn’t it been their biggest seller for years? I finally saw a Lyriq on the road last week. They’re okay but not as instantly distinctive as the XT5.