The Cadillac XT5, the brand’s compact crossover, has been sold in North America for a single generation since the 2017 model year. Designed as the replacement for the SRX, the XT5 is the second-smallest vehicle in Cadillac's lineup after the electric Optiq. (The subcompact XT4 was discontinued after 2025.) Based on the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, the XT5 is most competitive when compared with the Infiniti QX50, Lincoln Corsair, Lexus NX, and Volvo XC60.
While lacking Cadillac's latest technology and cabin material upgrades, the XT5 is an inexpensive crossover that's functional, handles well, and has above-average reliability scores. In Canada, a new 2026 XT5 starts at $54,099 including destination. An all-new second-generation XT5 went on sale in China in 2025 and is expected to arrive in North America for 2027.
Cadillac XT5 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cadillac XT5 years are the best?
The latest model years of the Cadillac XT5 have the best reliability scores according to J.D. Power. They also have the most updated driver assistance features, although GM's Super Cruise hands-free system is not offered.
Which Cadillac XT5 years are the worst?
CarComplaints.com cites 2017 as by far the worst model year for the XT5. Electrical issues and faulty transmissions are the biggest causes of complaints. The overall number of complaints is low, but earlier (2017 to 2020) XT5s can suffer from faulty engine thermostats and battery failures, among other issues.
Is a used Cadillac XT5 a good deal?
A used XT5 isn’t really a good deal. The interior quality, performance, and dated styling should put the XT5 near the bottom of most buyers' shopping lists unless it's a low-kilometre example at a low price.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Spacious cabin
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (newer models)
- Impressive stereo
Cons:
- Fairly pedestrian performance
- Dated interior
- Poor value for money
Cadillac XT5 Generations
Cadillac XT5 First Generation (2017-Present)
The Cadillac XT5 was introduced for the 2017 model year. It was part of a family of newly named Cadillacs that were meant to move the brand closer in standing to the German luxury automakers. When we first tested the 2017 XT5 in its highest Platinum trim, we concluded that Cadillac had no chance. That opinion has remained consistent throughout this vehicle's 10 years on the market with little in the way of major changes or improvements.
As a used vehicle, the XT5 is a decent choice among luxury crossovers such as the Lexus NX or Lincoln Corsair that are tuned for comfort. But for a better balance of performance, style, and quality, shoppers should look to equivalent Volvo, Acura, or Audi models.
The 2017 XT5 launched with a 3.6-litre V6 making 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). We described the engine as coarse and the transmission as jerky when this vehicle was new. Fuel economy for AWD models was Natural Resources Canada-estimated at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.9 on the highway, and 11.1 combined.
The XT5 received a five-star overall rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted only one crash test, the small overlap front, in which the XT5 received the top Good rating. Both these ratings apply to 2017 to 2026 models.
Four trims were available at launch with Canadian starting prices ranging from roughly $45,000 to $69,000. The base XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, a 5.7-inch colour driver display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, and leatherette upholstery. The rear seat reclined and slid fore and aft. Cargo space was 850 litres or 1,784 litres with the seat folded. The XT5 could tow up to 1,587 kilograms (3,500 pounds).
Available features included 20-inch wheels, a wireless charging pad, a power moonroof, blind spot monitoring, a heated steering wheel with a power tilt/telescoping column, a driver memory seat, leather upholstery, power-folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, a 14-speaker Bose CenterPoint stereo, navigation, driver assistance features including the Safety Alert Seat and automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, a sport-tuned suspension, tri-zone climate control, an 8-inch driver display, a head-up display, heated rear seats, and a surround view camera system.
For 2019, some safety and driver assistance features were brought down to more affordable trims.
The 2020 XT5 received a refresh with new bumpers, a new grille, and new wheels. A turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four with 237 hp and 258 lb-ft became the standard engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base and Platinum trims were dropped, and Sport became the new top trim. LED headlights became standard, and the infotainment software was upgraded.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were made standard for 2021. The 2024 XT5 was supposed to be the last XT5 as Cadillac transitioned into an all-electric lineup, but neither of those things actually happened. Instead, it carried on into 2025 with fewer options as night vision and adaptive dampers were dropped. There were no changes for 2026.
At the time of writing, CarGurus.ca pricing data showed average Canadian prices for a used Cadillac XT5 ranging from $13,000 for 2017 models to $60,000 for 2025 models. The average price across all model years was just over $30,000.
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