Cadillac XT5 is the Most Affordable Luxury Midsize SUV

When the Cadillac XT5 debuted for the 2017 model year, it filled a void in General Motors’ lineup as the auto manufacturer’s premier midsize luxury crossover SUV. Though the now discontinued Cadillac SRX tried to fill that role up until 2016, it simply didn’t possess the pedigree to challenge German manufacturers who maintained a stronghold over the segment. 

The stigma that a U.S. manufacturer couldn’t build a strong competitor in this field changed when the XT5 hit the market. Not only could Cadillac match the refinement, performance and quality demanded that buyers in the luxury SUV segment demanded, but they could do it at a more affordable price.

Now four years later, the XT5 is Cadillac’s best selling model in the United States and worldwide. It received a mild-refresh for the 2020 model year—trim level configurations were changed and GM’s 2.0L four-cylinder engine yielding 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque became the new standard powertrain.

These changes elevated the XT5 to an even higher level on the food chain—cementing the vehicle as a true luxury midsize crossover and the new industry standard.

2020 Cadillac XT5 Luxury

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 is available in three trim levels—Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport.  The XT5 Luxury starts at $45,090 after destination and comes with an impressive host of standard features. It features the aforementioned 2.0L turbocharged engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission and is available in FWD or AWD (+$2100) configurations. It also adds a standard suite of safety and driver assistance technology features like LED IntelliBeam headlights, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, safety alert seat and front and rear park assist.

2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury takes it a step even further, adding wireless charging and an UltraView power sunroof as standard equipment. Starting at $49,790, the Premium Luxury features the same drivetrain as the Luxury base trim. However, a more powerful 3.6L V6 is now available for only $1000 extra, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Like the Luxury, AWD can be added for only $2000 extra.

The Premium Luxury also adds rear cross traffic alert and lane change alert with side blind zone detection to the Luxury’s already impressive standard list of safety equipment.

2020 Cadillac XT5 Sport

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 Sport is positioned at the very top of the model lineup, and showcases the best performance and luxury that Cadillac has to offer. Starting at $56,090, the XT5 Sport comes standard with the 3.6L V6 engine and its unique Sport Control AWD system. To make the XT5’s driving dynamics even more enticing, a unique chassis damping control system was fitted that’s capable of adjusting to road conditions every two milliseconds for optimum performance and control.

The Sport also receives high-gloss black exterior accents and 20-inch 12-spoke pearl nickel-finished wheels—two inches larger than the Luxury and Premium Luxury’s standard offerings.

Cadillac XT5 vs. its Competition

Competitors like the BMW X5 (starting at $60,395) and Audi Q8 ($69,890 starting MSRP) are priced in another stratosphere and come in well above even the top-trim Cadillac XT5 Sport. With its striking good looks and luxurious cabin featuring authentic materials like genuine leather, natural woods and carbon fiber trim, the Cadillac XT5 has positioned itself as the premier luxury midsize SUV at an affordable price.

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