2018 Cadillac XT5 Pros vs Cons

Cadillac launched the XT5 in 2017 and was built upon the former SRX small crossover SUV model. While it hovers around in the middle of the pack as far as fuel economy goes, it bests almost all of its competitors in terms of horsepower. Also, since it doesn't offer third-row seating, you won't have to worry about trying to cram extra passengers into a tight rear space. It just means that you cannot transport as many passengers. While Cadillac could do more for sales by adding a few more engine options, the 2018 Cadillac XT5 has a lot of great things to offer someone looking for an upscale daily driver.

What's New for 2018?

Since the vehicle just emerged onto the market in 2017, virtually everything carries over to the 2018 Cadillac XT5.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Cadillac XT5 – The Pros

1. A Smooth Ride

Not surprisingly, the 2018 Cadillac XT5 lives up to the Cadillac reputation of giving a smooth but fun ride. The vehicle feels like its wheels are firmly on the road at all times, and it rolls easily over bumps and absorbs most shocks.

2. Precise Handling

Handling on the XT5 is nearly flawless. For an SUV, there isn't much body roll. Of course, you should take turns carefully in this vehicle, but if you need to make a quick, sharp turn along a winding roadway, the XT5 can handle it with ease.

3. Plenty of Interior Space

A lot of small crossover SUVs struggle with interior space, especially when a third row is added into the mix. Since Cadillac leaves the third row completely out of the equation, the front and rear seats are incredibly spacious. All passengers will find that they have plenty of head, shoulder, hip, and legroom. Taller adults can fit into the rear with ease and comfort.

4. Steady Braking Abilities

The 2018 Cadillac XT5 has some seriously impressive brakes. When you press your foot down on the brake, it feels firm and well-controlled without any vibrations or jumpiness. The XT5 can make a panic stop from 60 to 0 mph in roughly 116 feet, which is a lot better than what most of its competitors manage.

5. Comfy Seats

Both front and rear seats are quite comfortable, as they are all well-bolstered and provide plenty of lateral and lumbar support. The driver's seat is power-adjustable 8 different ways and is also height adjustable. It has power-adjustable lumbar support that makes taking long drives a breeze.

6. An Upscale Interior Design

Overall, the interior of the 2018 Cadillac XT5 appears immaculate. There are barely-noticeable paneling gaps, and all of the materials used in its construction look to be high-quality. The leather upholstery on the higher-level trims is, of course, stunning, and even the lower-trim-level leatherette is quite chic and seems durable.

7. A Lot of Cargo Space

Cargo space can be hard to come by in small crossover luxury SUVs. However, the 2018 Cadillac XT5 has plenty of room in the trunk for all of your bulky items. There is a whopping 30 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats upright. When you fold the rear seats down, you max the cargo space out to 63 cubic feet of space. It helps that there is no third row in the cabin.

8. The Optional Towing Package

The optional towing package is something you might want to invest in if you plan on hauling a trailer. This package allows the XT5 to tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is one of the best capacities you will find on a vehicle in this class.

9. The Smartphone App Integration

Since the infotainment interface is a bit wonky, drivers will want to take advantage of the well-constructed smartphone app integration features available on the XT5. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard. The center console hosts an auxiliary outlet and two USB ports while there are two power-only USB outlets located in the rear.

10. Affordability

The XT5 is competitively priced, and with the number of great features that it has to offer, it is a more attractive deal than other vehicles in its segment. With a starting MSRP of just around $40,000 and affordable options and packages, you will have a hard time finding a more budget-friendly luxury crossover SUV.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Cadillac XT5 – The Cons

1. Only One Engine Option

Unfortunately, there is only one engine option to choose from. The 2018 Cadillac XT5 comes equipped with a 3.6-L V6 engine, which is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine is pretty strong, garnering 310 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the better performers in this class. However, if you want something a little bit speedier, you will have to look elsewhere.

2. Diminished Rear Visibility

Since the windows are relatively small and the rear roof pillars are especially thick, drivers will experience diminished visibility to the rear. This can be remedied with the rearview camera, but it would be nice if all of the mirrors were a touch bigger.

3. Tech Interface is Troubling

While most of the features work fine, figuring out the menu on the touchscreen's interface can be downright confusing. Non-tech-savvy drivers will need to take time to get acquainted with the setup, and the volume slider is rather annoying.

4. Road and Wind Noise

While driving on slow urban roads, there is a noticeable engine vibration. Also, there is a moderate amount of wind and road noise that seeps into the vehicle. While it's not enough to make this a major gripe, drivers will have to get used to the noises.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Cadillac XT5 vs. 2018 Audi Q5

The 2018 Audi Q5 is so silent inside that you can hear a pin drop. It also provides a smooth ride and has standard AWD. However, it, too, only offers one engine option. It also lacks the spacious cargo area found on the XT5.

2018 Cadillac XT5 vs. 2018 Lincoln MKX

The 2018 Lincoln MKX struggles with similar rear visibility issues as the XT5 and has a few interior flaws that need refinement. However, the MKX has an excellent V6 turbocharged engine option and has a superb ride quality.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2018 Cadillac XT5 is a top contender in its class for the second year running. While a few minor things need refinement, you get a lot of excellent features and a good amount of power from the engine without having to pay a ridiculously high price.