2018 Cadillac XT5 SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 XT5 crossover SUV is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive can be configured for all but the top-of-the-line trim since it only comes in all-wheel drive. The six-cylinder powerplant delivered good acceleration in all situations. The forward thrust was sufficient but it was behind against its rivals with turbocharged or supercharged engines. Zero to 60 mph took almost seven seconds, which was an average performance in its class. Driving through bends, the XT5 showed good composure with its good grip on the road. The body roll was well-controlled and it handled like a smaller vehicle than its size. The steering was responsive and there was no delay in the vehicle actually changing direction. The effort felt appropriately light but feedback from the pavement was minimal. The brakes were very capable and controlling the stopping force felt very natural. It only took 116 feet to stop from a speed of 60 mph, which performed better than its rivals. The pedal was firm and throughout its stroke, the brakes delivered a linear response without any oversensitivity.

Technology

The base trim comes standard with LED daytime running lights, power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, remote engine start, voice controls, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, four USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and an eight-speaker Bose sound system. All-wheel drive models have heated front seats. The Luxury trim comes standard with the heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings and several advanced safety and driver aids. The Driver Awareness package adds more advanced safety and driver aids. Standalone options include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, a 14-speaker Bose sound system and LED headlights. The Premium Luxury trim adds an adaptive suspension and interior accent lights and comes standard with ventilated front seats, navigation, a 14-speaker Bose sound system and the Driver Awareness package. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim adds a hands-free power liftgate, a rear camera mirror, a top-view camera system and a heads-up display. Both the Premium Luxury and the Platinum trim have the option of the Driver Assist package, which adds more advanced safety and driver aids.

Safety

The 2018 XT5 was tested by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA) and it earned four stars in the frontal crash test, five stars in the side crash test, and four stars in the rollover test. Overall, it earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2018 XT5 was also tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and it achieved all “Good” scores for crashworthiness and a “Superior” score for front crash prevention. Its headlights were considered “Marginal” for crash avoidance and mitigation. The only advanced safety and driver aids that come with the base trim are rear parking sensors. More features are added to higher trim levels and they are automatic high beams, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, enhanced collision mitigation and an automatic parking system.

Appearance

The 2018 XT5 has a length of 189.5 inches, a width of 75 inches, a height of 66 inches, and a wheelbase of 112.5 inches. The shield-like front grille, angular headlights, and the square jawline of the front fascia make the XT5 recognizable as a Cadillac. The aesthetic of Cadillac’s crossover offerings looks like a combination of the designs of their edgy sedans and boxy truck-based SUVs. The base trim starts with 18-inch wheels but all trims have the option for up to 20-inch wheels. The sunroof only becomes available starting with the Luxury trim, which succeeds the base trim.

Comfort

The ride height did not pose a difficulty in getting inside because the sills were low and the doors opened generously. Upon entering the cabin, the front seats had more than enough space apart from the limited allowance nearest to the high center console. The rear seats offered more than enough space as well, but the sunroof consumed the allowance for tall passengers to move their head around. Up to five people can be accommodated by the two rows of seats. The seats offered good support and were comfortable on long drives. The range of adjustments for the front seats was very useful in accommodating the varying body types of passengers. Even with its agile handling, the ride remained compliant against imperfections on the road. Bumps were dampened well and they did not interrupt the stability. Road and wind noise was audible from the inside and vibrations from the engine could be felt at idle.

Cargo

There is 30 cu-ft of space behind the second row of seats, and folding those down reveals 63 cu-ft of space available for cargo.