2020 Cadillac XT5 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Whether used as a commuter, for the local carpool, or for weekend adventures, a vehicle should combine performance with comfort. That is why many consumers will look at luxury SUVs such as the 2020 Cadillac XT5. A relatively newcomer in the market, it is already making a name for itself. This mid-size option is a good blend of everything drivers need. Of course, no vehicle is perfect, and there are so drawbacks to keep in mind as well. So is the XT5 the best option in 2020?

What's New for 2020?

In 2020, there is no longer a Platinum trim level of the XT5. Instead, consumers can now choose the Sport. It has a specialized suspension as well as steering upgrades. There is now a Platinum package that can be added to give the 2020 Cadillac XT5 luxury. A new base engine is also found this year. It is a turbocharged four-cylinder. This is paired with the new nine-speed automatic transmission that is now standard.

There are some updates to the outer appearance of the XT5 as well. Drivers have new options to pick from this year. They will also notice the new look of the bumpers and grille, making this SUV appear even sleeker. Inside, all models have gained heated seats. Certain models are also now eligible for a night vision safety feature. 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Cadillac XT5 – The Pros

1. Ample Cargo Space

Not only is the 2020 Cadillac XT5 luxurious, but it is also incredibly practical. It excels in interior cargo space and design when compared to the competition. On top of the rear seats folding flat easily, there are also several convenient cubbies for smaller items throughout the cabin. With the rear seats down, drivers get an astounding 63 cubic feet of space.

2. Luxuriously Comfortable Seating

The seats inside the XT5 are great for long trips. Standard on all models are heated front seats. They all also have simulated leather seating surfaces as well as power-adjustment for the driver's seat. Premium Luxury and Sport models have two-way adjustable lumbar support for both the driver and front passenger. Drivers who add the Platinum package to their 2020 Cadillac XT5 get even nicer upholstery. Another available option is ventilated front seats, something that can be very refreshing on hot days.

3. Available Night Vision Feature

Night vision is a feature that utilizes infrared sensors and scanners to help warn drivers of any potential obstacles in the vehicle's path. This is a great feature for everyone, but particularly those who are nervous driving in the dark. It can highlight both large animals and pedestrians, giving drivers longer to react. The night vision feature can be added to the Premium Luxury or Sport trim level.

4. Electronic Precision Shift Transmission

All models of the 2020 Cadillac XT5 are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission featuring electronic precision shift. This advanced feature allows drivers to shift gears with just a gesture. The entire setup delivers a responsive, efficient, and fun driving experience. This transmission is brand new for 2020 and replaces the eight-speed automatic found in 2019 models.

5. Eye-Catching Exterior

The 2020 XT5 is a brilliant combination of sweeping curves and sharp lines, helping to make it both modern and classic at the same time. The redesigned grille is sure to turn heads with its distinctive appearance. Both the headlights and taillights are designed to look like jewels. These lights are more than just attractive. They feature automatic highbeams and cornering headlights.

6. Ride is Smooth and Relaxing

Part of a luxury experience is comfort. The 2020 Cadillac XT5 hugs the road in a reassuring way as drivers tackle curves and corners. Despite being smooth, the XT5 is still fun to drive. It offers responsive steering and strong acceleration. For 2020, Cadillac revised the front struts and enhanced other features for the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims. Not only does this increase drive comfort, but it also helps isolate the cabin from road noise. Drivers will find the cabin of the XT5 to be quiet, even if it is equipped with the larger V6.

7. Powerful V6 Available

Optional in 2020 is a V6 engine that will deliver drivers with 310-horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This responsive engine cruises nicely on the highway and also has enough power to help in tricky merging situations. The standard engine, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, is no slouch either. It generates 237 horsepower as well as 258 lb-ft of torque. The V6 is optional on the Premium Luxury trim and standard for the Sport.

8. Engaging Sport Trim Option

Sitting at the top of the Cadillac XT5 is the Sport model. It comes standard with a specialized sport all-wheel-drive system. Also standard is an advanced chassis with real-time dampening suspension and an upgraded engine cooling system. Another performance-enhancing feature found here is the twin-clutch rear differential. This allows the XT5 to send torque to the rear wheels independently while cornering. Drivers who do not like this feature can simply avoid putting the vehicle into "sport mode." While driving the Sport in "comfort mode," it operates as a front-wheel-drive vehicle would. Going with this trim unlocks more available features as well, such as navigation, adaptive cruise control, and a 14-speaker Bose stereo system.

9. Upgraded Infotainment System

The infotainment system is becoming more and more important to consumers. Luckily, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 realized that and upgraded. Standard on all models is an 8" screen that will run both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new rotary controller makes navigating the system easier than ever. Overall, the system is intuitive and user-friendly. Plus, coming standard in all models is a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, something that is increasingly in demand.

10. Long List of Standard and Available Tech

On top of the newly updated infotainment system, there are also other tech upgrades to be found inside of the 2020 Cadillac XT5. The display for either the rear vision or surround vision camera is enhanced, giving drivers a better picture of their surroundings. Available on the upper two trims is a next generation wireless charging pad. It uses 15-watts rather than 5, meaning it can charge up devices quicker than ever. Drivers also now get a USB-C port, which is becoming common for new tech devices. Also available are two high-definition instrument cluster display options. Either one will offer drivers crisp and easy-to-read graphics.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Cadillac XT5 – The Cons

1. Rear Visibility Problems

Drivers may find that the smaller size of the rear windows, as well as the side mirrors, makes seeing behind the XT5 difficult at times. Going with either the Premium Luxury or Sport trim can help with this a bit because they add standard blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.

2. Fewer Standard Advanced Safety Features than Competitors

Advanced driver assistance aids are the way of the future. While there is a decent number included for the 2020 Cadillac XT5, it does lag a bit behind competitors. Adaptive cruise control and reverse automatic braking are not standard on any trim level. Neither is a surround-view camera. Drivers who value these features can always add them on for a little extra.

3. Interior Design Not for Everyone

Although there are numerous high-quality touches inside of the XT5, it does come across as a bit busy. It feels more chaotic and cluttered that some of its competitors. No one wants to be distracted when looking for defrost or climate controls. That said, many people will simply get used to it over time.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

There are a few other vehicles worth considering in the midsize luxury SUV category. One would be the Acura RDX. This is a very well-loved vehicle, but consumers should be aware that it is not as big as the XT5. Many people also find the infotainment system confusing, which is definitely not the case for the Cadillac XT5. The same complaint is often heard about the Lexus RX 350, another option available to consumers. Yet another choice is the Lincoln MKC. This SUV comes with a considerably smaller price tags, but lacks many of the standard features that the XT5 has. These include lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and a premium sound system. The MKC's transmission also only has six gears. Ultimately, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 represents a good balance when it comes to what consumers want most.

Conclusion

Consumers who want a luxury midsize SUV have three great models to choose from when looking at the 2020 Cadillac XT5. All of them have a long list of standard features, and the Sport trim offers drivers an exhilarating driving experience. While it is true that there are some downsides, they are ultimately minor. Those who need a decent amount of space but can live without the third-row of seating will be well-served by this vehicle. It is safe to say that the Cadillac XT5 is a good choice for consumers in 2020.