mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Will The Cadillac XT5 Get A Refresh Or A Redesign?

With General Motors moving forward with its electrification ambitions, the future of the ICE-based Cadillac XT5 crossover has been somewhat uncertain. After all, Cadillac leads the way in GM’s EV efforts and offers an expanding battery-powered lineup, resulting in speculation that the midsize XT5 would quietly be phased out in favor of the all-electric Cadillac Lyriq, at least in the U.S. At this point, however, it appears as though the XT5 may remain in Cadillac’s U.S. portfolio a bit longer than originally expected.

The exterior of the Cadillac XT5 crossover.

Although GM’s recent $4 billion U.S. manufacturing investment announcement did not specifically mention any future Cadillac XT5 plans, there are few clues pointing to the nameplate’s continued survival in the U.S. market. Beginning in 2027, GM plans to shift production of the ICE-powered Chevy Blazer from its current location in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, to the Spring Hill Assembly plant in Tennessee. Given that the Blazer and XT5 both ride on the GM C1 platform, it’s reasonable to assume the XT5 will remain in production alongside its platform-mate, possibly through the end of the decade.

That said, the current U.S.-spec Cadillac XT5 is undeniably aging. First introduced for the 2017 model year, the XT5 received a mid-cycle refresh for 2020, but has remained largely unchanged since. As such, the current U.S. version is now dated in both design and technology, especially compared to some of the latest offerings within the Cadillac lineup.

While GM has yet to confirm any future product updates for the U.S.-spec Cadillac XT5, the company did unveil a second-generation XT5 in China featuring a new exterior design, a revised interior, and updated technology. Whether some of those changes will be brought stateside, or if GM will instead pursue a more modest refresh with updated styling and interior tweaks, remains to be seen.

Which leads us to ask – should Cadillac deliver a full redesign for the North American XT5, or would a more subtle refresh suffice to keep the model competitive for a few more years? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. Definitely update the XT5 and produce it in North America. There are many loyal Cadillac customers who are not going electric yet. Perhaps in the future but not now. A PHEV would be a popular interim step.

    Reply
  2. I’m ready to buy a new XT5. We have a very good 2022. We also have a 2024 Lyriq. My wife prefers only to drive her XT5.

    Reply
  3. Indeed update the XT5 I have a XT6 and don’t need the 3rd row anymore and am waiting on the XT5 for 2026 The dash screen is the same as the Silverado and XT6 they changed the XT4 but nothing else. Definitely needs an overhaul upgrade. I’ll wait until September or see a 2026 if it’s the same I will buy a Volvo.

    Reply
    1. Yes refresh and upgrade a US built ICE XT5 and offer the V6 without cylinder deactivation and bring back the Platinum edition and offer it with or without a sunroof…!!!

      Reply
      1. Good point!!! With relaxation of many EPA requirements either here already or soon to come, we HAVE to PRESS GM to no longer have cylinder deactivation (as standard, or indeed at ALL) across all V6 and V8 engines. Period.
        (That is one of several reasons I am still sticking with my 2005 Pontiac GTO and 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS.)

        Reply
    2. I went to buy a 2026 Volvo XC60 last week and became very disappointed when they told me that the interior comes in only either black or white! If I’m going to spend over $60k for a car I want it the way I want it! So I’m buying the Caddy XT5, at least I have a choice!

      Reply
  4. I have owned several XT 5’s. Every new one was better than the previous vehicle. But, I am never going to buy a hybrid or fully electric car even if I have to trade my current XT5 for a mule.

    Reply
  5. Bring the Chinese version to the US! Why do a USA redesign when it’s already done. The XT5 has been their top seller and an ICE XT5 will sell like crazy for those of us who are not interested in EV’s.

    Reply
  6. Bring the updated Chinese XT5 to the US. Have it assembled in Spring Hill. Give it more power. I own a 2018 XT5, best car I’ve ever owned…Definitely not interested in buying an electric car.

    Reply
  7. A full redesign of the xt5 AND the xt6 would keep the Cadillac portfolio vibrant and competitive in the ice market. There are many of us “no ev for me” types out here looking for Cadillacs to buy!

    Reply
  8. I’m holding on to my 2019, no 4cyl. no EV. do the full redesign. I have owned a GM vehicle for 50 years and every year GM has made it harder to find a vehicle I want to buy. The XT5 is my last hold out. My wife’s CT5 is going the same way. All I want is a AWD, tow package, GPS and at lease a 6 cyl. A 4 turbo is OK for the CT5, not the XT5. For sure not the XT6.

    Reply
  9. Bring the redesigned xt5 home from China. WTF?

    Reply
  10. Before a redesign they need to bring up their quality. My wife’s 23 xt5 had to go in because the transmission was built with wrong parts. A month later it had to go in again because the rear axle had the wrong parts. So we got rid of it.
    This year I thought it would be safe so we bought a 25 xt5. 30 days later at 245 miles it was leaking transmission fluid. So it went in. They had to remove the engine and transmission because they didn’t tighten some transmission bolts properly at factory. So we got rid of it too. Never again.

    Reply
  11. Keep the xt5 but do NOT bring the Chinese one over here to sell An update would be best but I’d take a refresh for one year if need be. We are getting close to replacing our 2019 xt5

    Reply
  12. Bring over the Chinese XT5 hybrid and build it in the USA, but make sure it’s more than just homologations (legal req’ts). Check out the Lincoln Nautilus, same story – designed/engineered/mfg in China and brought to US, but Lincoln made some obvious oversight errors in seat size/comfort and other human interfaces that work well in China but won’t rate well with US consumers.

    Reply
  13. Bring the refresh to the States! No turbos, no 4cylinders. I would consider buying the XT5.
    I will keep my 2020CT6 forever!

    Tom

    Reply
  14. I would like to see the XT 5 emerge as a hybrid in the near future. I’ve had three of the cars and would like to see it lead the fleet in hybrid technology.

    Reply
  15. Bring the version of the XT5 from China but built here in the US. I prefer a US made version (certainly “NO” to Chinese) and I’m looking for ICE, not EV.

    Reply
  16. Have a 2020 XT5. Absolutely love it. If they redesign it and keep making it in the United States, I will buy another one.

    Reply
  17. I had 2 XT5, Platinum Editions and they were great cars. In 2024 I switched to an XT6 Prem, Lux, Platinum because I wanted Captain’s chairs in the second row. I think Cadillac should build and sell the Chinese version of the XT5 in the US and redesign the XT6 with similar design language for the US market. Both should be equipped with standard V6 engines with an optional available hybrid version. I’ll take mine in Crystal White Metallic with Maple Sugar interior.

    Reply
  18. Have a 2012 SRX-144,000 miles…It was far ahead then of anything else. Perfect for a senior. Now those competitors have what is now common–we still need. And yes I will buy a new XT5. (with wood steering wheel & dash) Commute is just a few minutes. A few thousand miles per year. No way to charge a EV. Simply makes zero sense to pay extra for hybrids.

    Reply
  19. Bring the China version to the US!

    Reply
    1. While at it, bring the revised CT6 here as well. We want real Cadillacs not the fake EV’s with fake engine sounds. That’s very low class.

      Reply
      1. It’s hard to understand why they would discontinue the CT6 over here. To me, when you say CADILLAC, I think of a larger sedan not a rebadged SUBURBAN/YUKON XL.
        The XT5 seems to be a nice car and I would imagine that they will continue to build them since they are the favorite for upfitting for hearse and funeral limousines.

        Reply
  20. GM/Cadillac, are you listening to your customers/fans? They want a refreshed/redesigned XT5. Preferably V6 ICE-powered. Preferably assembled in the U.S. Do you REALLY want to alienate such a large/loyal following by denying these requests? You may lose most of them as customers so think long and hard on your decision …

    Reply
  21. Updated IVE versions of the XT5 and XT6 should be no brainers, which likely means it won’t ever happen. An ICE version of the Vistiq would be a great addition to the lineup – whether people want to hear it or not, everyone in this segment isn’t looking to go EV just yet.

    Reply
  22. I told my Cadillac dealer I’d be looking at Lincoln if the XT5 goes away. I can’t have an EV, too much hassle finding charging locations. Will be shopping soon, would love to see a new XT5 as an option.

    Reply
  23. My XT6 is one of the finest cars I have ever owned. It just does everything right and with the 3.6, it’s the perfect power plant with decent economy as a bonus. I’m hoping for a reconsideration about it’s future. That being said, I would absolutely consider an XT5 as a replacement when it’s time. Don’t really use or need the third row on my XT6 but the extra room is perfect when on a road trip. Always wondered how an XT5 with second row captains instead of a bench would be.

    Reply
  24. Keep the xt5 but please redesign it. I’m in the market for a new Cadillac but I won’t buy a car that hasn’t been updated for 8 years more.

    Reply
    1. That’s always a risky proposition when they give in to updating a vehicle. So many times they update it and then have trouble with it. Trouble that could have been avoided if they would just leave it the way it is. Sure changes happen but keep the platform or the very least the concept in place.

      Reply
  25. If Cadillac doesn’t do an CT5 refresh I am moving on from them. I will never go electric. First off I don’t want higher car or homeowner insurance due to the potential fire hazards. Plus they are much more expensive to repair. I can get gas anywhere.

    Reply
  26. Great Luxury SUV, needs an update and to built here in the USA

    Reply
  27. Cadillac needs to put in the 33” screen in the 2026 XT5. This would make it more appealing. Consumers want a V6. Everything doesn’t need to be a 4cyl.

    Reply
  28. We love our XT-5. Do not change the size! One inch larger in either direction & it won’t fit in our garage! Deactivate the “deactivate cylinder”. Annoying!

    Reply
  29. Considered going EV but too much senior angst about charging; I’m retired and live in an apt complex w/ no charge-ability. I wanna stay with Cadillac, but Lyriq and Optiq ain’t in my future. Too small XT4 is also stylistically unappealing to me. LOVE my loaded 2013 SRX Performance, but I’ve been wanting to upgrade since 2019! If Cadillac offers a redesigned ICE XT5 with family EV cues, I’d be first in line! Otherwise, Lincoln Nautilus is on my list. Keep me with YOU Cadillac!!

    Reply
  30. Yes- I would be in the market for an updated XT5/Hybrid model.
    I just can’t get into EVs!

    Reply
  31. Unfortunately, I assume there is no way for cadillac to get any tech refresh (specifically super cruise) in place for the 2027 model year, which is less than a year from now. If so, then they should focus on the ’28 and go for a full refresh. Embrace what makes an ice vehicle more fun to drive. And, whatever else they do, keep the naturally aspirated V6 and android auto / apple carplay.

    Reply
  32. Build the China XT5 model in Spring Hill and I’ll be the first in line at my dealership to get one.

    Reply
  33. Yes please update the Xt5 I love driving it very smooth riding vehicle maybe bring it up to the standards that China has it because that one it’s absolutely fabulous especially that green and having it I just love it yes update update update !!

    Reply
  34. Let’s give it a refresh. It’s a big seller for Cadillac and should be around for a while. I had a 2011 and 2017. Don’t want the same look for 2026.

    Reply
  35. Reading these comments most Cadillac owners and future byers are not ready for EV ,So just suggesting to the brain surgeons trying to operate GM …LISTEN As for the XT5 assemble the (china ) version in America with the ICE V6 you will another winner . 1 will be ours .

    Reply
  36. I have 2 2020 CT6s, a Platinum and premium Luxury. I wish that Cadillac still built it. I think I might have to switch to BMW 7 series or Mercedes S class if I want a large car. I feel like Cadillac abandoned me.

    Reply
  37. I love my 2019 XT5, I will not buy a EV, I will buy another XT5, if it continues as is with limited changes. I will not buy any other Cadillac vehicle if you do away with the XT5, that is my dream car.

    Reply
  38. Build the Chinese updated XT5 to the US. Just make sure that the instrument labels are in English. Keeping a ICE Escalade & XT5 should have been in the plan all along. They have been Cadillac’s best two sellers for a decade. People who can afford luxury cars should have a choice. Both models are, after all very good profit vehicles for GM. They are both dressed up versions of lesser models sold by GM for good profit margins. No one needs a Cadillac, a BMW or a Lexus but people want what they want and if they are willing to pay for it, let them have it.

    Reply
  39. Rien à comprendre que l’on ne veut pas continuer avec le XT5 avec le renouvellement comme en Chine mais avec un V6. Moi j’en ai eu 7 cadillacs en tout depuis 2008 et là je suis avec XT4 et s’il ne revient pas ce sera fini Cadillac pour moi. J’étais très déçu que le XT5 ne changeait pas voilà pourquoi j’ai prix ce modèle mais il n’a pas le moteur et la qualité du XT5 que j’ai eu.
    Alors ramené çà au canada avec le XT5 renouvelé. Nous ne sommes pas prêt encore pour l’électrique tout de suite donc si vous voulez garder des clients fidèles….moi çà fait 7 Cadillac depuis 2008 donc je change souvent.

    Reply
  40. GM is crazy to end the XT5. I don’t want to wait much less look for a dam charging station every 400 miles. Get smart keep the XT5.

    Reply
  41. I love my xt-5, so please don’t get rid of it. I just love everything about the xt-5. My 1998 Lincoln towncar Cartier, in which I still have, bought off the showroom floor in 1998 and the Cadilac xt-5 is the best cars I have ever had. Cadilac you have done very well with the xt-5, keep up the good work.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel