2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased a significant improvement in design and refinement, reflecting Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a premium brand. The SUV's exterior featured a more pronounced snub-nosed design, with LED lights accentuating its robust proportions. The interior, particularly in the Premium Luxury trim, exuded elegance with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. Despite some shortcomings in comfort and material quality compared to its luxury competitors, the XT5's cabin was a step above its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with a focus on straightforward materials and thoughtful design.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 presented a sharp and modern appearance, maintaining its distinct character within the Audi lineup. The Q5's exterior boasted an expressive face with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, while the body featured crisp character lines. Inside, the Q5 offered a classy and modern environment, with a focus on technology and uncluttered design. The materials used were authentic and well-crafted, contributing to a high level of fit and finish. The Q5's interior was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a well-organized layout.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, was available for the Premium Luxury trim and standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth during upshifts but less refined during downshifts. The XT5's fuel efficiency was competitive, with the V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres in AWD configuration, better than the expected 11.2 L/100 km.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with a combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and 14.1-kWh battery. The Q5 PHEV accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and achieved impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for optimal efficiency. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults across two rows, with limited headroom in the back seat. The front seats, while visually appealing, lacked comfort on long journeys. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, though wheel bump-outs reduced the width. The SUV's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with inadequate space for smartphones and other essentials.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV excelled in interior space, with 710 litres of cargo capacity behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The Q5's interior featured numerous storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console bin, all contributing to a well-organized and functional cabin.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with an available 14-speaker Bose sound system. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were also available. The XT5's digital instrument cluster provided essential vehicle information, while the climate control system offered tri-zone automatic functionality.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument cluster. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, with a standard Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. The Q5's interior featured customizable LED ambient lighting, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. Night Vision technology improved nighttime visibility, while Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor driving habits. However, not all features were standard across trims.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features encompassed Audi Pre Sense front, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. While the PHEV hadn't been rated by safety organizations, the gasoline model received high marks.