2017 New Cadillac XT5 Reviews

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• published: 17 May 2016
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The XT5 is the third generation of the Cadillac SRX crossover in spirit, if not in name, and it arrives on the heels of the CT6 sedan. The midsize crossover is all new inside and out, but it is staying true to the established dimensions, aiming to take on the likes of the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. It still wears a familiar face, however, as the XT5 continues on with the Art and Science design language. The crossover has adopted vertical lights integrated into the edges of the front fascia -- something the automaker wants to be a signature design element for the brand -- but overall, Cadillac has not altered the overall look or the elements of the exterior greatly; like the CT6 sedan, the XT5 crossover's design is an evolutionary rather than revolutionary step. If something has been lost, it is a little bit of weight: Cadillac shaved off 278 pounds from the outgoing model through a liberal use of high-strength steel and laser welding throughout the structure, with greater stiffness being a nice side benefit of the diet. In an age when one expects a wide array of engines for a given model, the XT5 is almost a throwback to a simpler age of beefy one-size-fits-all powerplants. There is only one engine and one transmission on the menu, with the 3.6-liter V6 sending power to the front or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. This redesigned powerplant churns out 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque and features cylinder deactivation that allows it to switch down to four cylinders when the XT5 decides it doesn't need the other two, typically during interstate cruising. The Good Torque vectoring all-wheel drive and a solid chassis give the 2017 Cadillac XT5 sharp handling. The cabin feels plush and a minimalist design for the dashboard eliminates button clutter. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto add smartphone connectivity to the cabin tech. The Bad Some luxury buyers will prefer a softer ride than the XT5 can offer, while driving enthusiasts might scoff at the front-wheel-drive architecture. The navigation system doesn't benefit from the car's built-in 4G/LTE data connection. The Bottom Line The 2017 Cadillac XT5 presents a solid choice among luxury SUVs, as along as you favor sporty handling over a soft ride. Styling and electronics are all very modern, although the navigation system would benefit from online search. The XT5 takes the place of the SRX in Cadillac's lineup, but more than just an update with a name change, the XT5 leads an overall reinvigoration of Cadillac's SUV lineup, just as the CT6 signals big changes for its passenger cars. The XT5 is a five-passenger SUV, with no option for a third row, showing similar exterior dimensions to the SRX. However, a new chassis means it is lighter and offers more interior space. The XT5's 3.6-liter V-6 engine, making 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, sits laterally in the engine bay, indicating the XT5 is built on a front-wheel-drive platform. As such, the XT5 can be had in front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive formats. The example I drove, in Platinum trim, came standard with all-wheel drive, which includes torque vectoring across the rear wheels to improve handling. The latest entry with a one-size-fits-all engine hits the mark with surefooted handling, a comfortable interior and excellent road manners. It's far from exciting. but that's not its job; there are other cars in Cadillac's lineup that'll gladly do that while the XT5 shuttles your parents around. The biggest choice to make, aside from the myriad trim levels and colors, is whether you want the front-wheel-drive or the all-wheel-drive version; the latter is a $2,645 option. The midsize crossover may have been born as an expedient for Cadillac, but it has turned into nothing short of a breadwinner for the entire brand -- no doubt making the company wish it had more crossovers in more sizes rather than a fistful of similarly-sized sedans. You'll note that the new XT5 nomenclature leaves plenty of numbers above and below. Cadillac will be filling those in the near future. XT5 prices start at $39,990 and crest at $65,835 for an all-wheel-drive Platinum edition with the optional Driver Assist package (adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, and park assist). There are four trim levels and a wealth of equipment alternatives. That value aside, the XT5’s not-so-secret weapon is Cadillac global president Johan de Nysschen. GM’s shrewdest move in the past five years was robbing this boss from Infiniti after he spent three years at BMW and 19 years with Audi. Instead of following the luxury incumbents, de Nysschen has pledged Cadillac will be a “challenger” brand, traveling its own path of “courageous innovation.” Watching that strategy unfold with the XT5 and 11 more new Cadillacs under development will be entertaining.