2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, neither embarrassing nor overly impressing its driver. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille that anchored the vehicle's expressive face. The MDX's sleek, low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall appeal. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design, with a centre stack featuring twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that gave it a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined vehicle brand. The XT5 received updates in 2020, including a new engine option, revised styling, and enhanced technology, which carried over to the 2021 model. Its exterior featured standard LED lights and a snub-nosed design, with trim level differentiation. The XT5's interior design was more upscale than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with sweeping horizontal lines and straightforward materials. The Premium Luxury trim level exuded elegance with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents, offering a level of finery that Cadillac shoppers had been missing.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-litre V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The gasoline-only model with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a reliable companion for long journeys.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, which was standard on the XT5 Sport. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided immediate throttle response, though it could benefit from more low-end torque. The XT5's fuel efficiency was competitive, with the AWD V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, better than the expected 11.2 L/100 km. The XT5 handled well on the road, offering a smooth driving experience.

The 2020 Acura MDX was a practical choice for families, offering three rows of seating with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded flat, and up to 2,574 litres with the second row folded. The MDX featured ample storage options, including a flexible centre console, door panel pockets, and a covered underfloor storage space. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to a minivan.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably in two rows, though the second row's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, with a deep rear cargo area and a cargo-management system for securing items. However, the space was limited by wheel bump-outs. The XT5's interior storage was minimal, with small map pockets and a lack of convenient smartphone storage. Heated front seats were standard, and the XT5 featured a hands-free programmable height power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package included additional tech features, while the Technology Plus and Elite Packages offered further upgrades, such as a surround-view camera and a rear entertainment system.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bose sound system. The XT5's climate control system was housed in Piano Black plastic with haptic feedback, and a head-up display was available. The XT5 also included a rear camera mirror and a fully digital instrument cluster for a modern driving experience.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb crash impact, and it received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered safety features such as front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor driving habits. The XT5's safety features provided a sufficient level of alert capability without being overly intrusive.