2021 Cadillac XT5 vs Audi Q5: Compact Luxury SUV Showdown

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 is poised to take on the 2021 Audi Q5 in the battle of compact luxury SUVs. Here’s how the two competitors stack up against one another. 

2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Audi Q5 Dimensions and Cargo Space

Despite competing in the same segment, the Cadillac XT5 is more than five inches longer than the Q5—measuring 189.6 inches to the Q5’s 184.3. This results in more room and comfort for passengers in addition to an increased cargo capacity.

Second-row passengers can stretch out with 39.0 inches of legroom, which is 1.2 inches more than the Q5. With the rear seatbacks in place, the XT5 provides 30 cubic-feet of cargo space—five feet more than the Audi’s 25.1 cubic-feet figure. With the second-row seats folded down, the XT5 expands and opens up a cavernous 63.0 feet of cargo volume—a 10 cubic-feet advantage over the Q5.

2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Audi Q5 Technology and Amenities

One unique safety feature available on the 2021 XT5 that is not available on the Q5 is Cadillac’s cutting-edge Night Vision technology. During night driving in areas outside your headlamp’s reach, Night Vision can display a thermal heat image that highlights and alerts you of pedestrians or large animals outside of your view. This technology will quickly prove to be invaluable to individuals who do a lot of driving on deer-heavy rural roads. 

Inside, both XT5 and Q5 buyers can enjoy premium infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, only XT5 owners can connect wirelessly—eliminating the hassle and clutter of charging cords in the cabin.

2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Audi Q5 Performance Comparison

The 2021 Audi Q5 comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine rated at 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 also features a standard turbocharged 2.0L power plant—albeit down on power in comparison with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. But for only $1000 extra on the Premium Luxury level trim, you can opt for a larger 3.6L V6—producing a far more invigorating 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is standard equipment on the XT5 Sport model in addition to all-wheel drive. 

2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Audi Q5 Pricing

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 also holds a significant advantage over the 2021 Audi Q5 in terms of pricing. While both models start within $600 of each other just under $45,000, the better overall value becomes more apparent in upper-level trims. 

In mid-level Premium Luxury spec with the optional 310-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine, the XT5 starts at $50,790. That’s $1,595 more than the mid-level Q5 Premium Plus, but you’re also getting more standard equipment and 49 additional ponies under the hood.The upper-level XT5 Sport trim poses a similar dilemma. At $56,090, it starts $995 more than the comparable Q5 Prestige. But with standard real-time chassis damping control, 20-inch Pearl Nickel finish wheels and the more powerful V6 engine, the XT5 undoubtedly provides more bang for your buck than the 261-hp Q5 with less appealing standard features.

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