2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 represented a significant step forward for the brand, showcasing Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. The XT5's design updates from the previous year carried over, featuring a more refined exterior with standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels that highlighted its robust proportions. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with elegant materials like cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents. The Premium Luxury trim level, in particular, exuded a level of sophistication that was second only to the Escalade in Cadillac's lineup.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained much of its decade-old design, with only minor updates over the years. The GX's exterior featured Lexus' signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, but the interior lagged behind modern luxury standards. The wood trim in the Premium model felt more like plastic, and the overall use of materials didn't match the expectations for a luxury SUV. Despite these shortcomings, the GX maintained a distinctive and aggressive look that appealed to SUV enthusiasts, though its interior ergonomics and design betrayed its age.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice of two engines across its Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while an optional 3.6-liter V6 delivered 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but less refined when downshifting. The XT5's fuel economy was competitive, with the AWD V6 achieving about 25 mpg during testing, surpassing the EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Its hefty 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and several driver aids, making it a strong choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided ample space for four adults across two rows, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, while visually appealing, lacked comfort on long trips. The XT5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space, with a deep rear area that was somewhat restricted by wheel bump-outs. The SUV's cargo-management system and hands-free liftgate added convenience, though small-item storage was limited.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console that restricted legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, making the GX more practical as a two-row SUV.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a range of connectivity options. The system included a rotary controller and haptic feedback for climate controls, though the interface could be cluttered. The XT5 also offered a head-up display, wireless charging, and a rear camera mirror, enhancing its tech appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, though analog controls provided a straightforward interface. The GX included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a suite of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. The available Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime driving, while GM's Teen Driver software provided parental controls. The XT5's safety features were comprehensive, though not all were available across all trims.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX's safety offerings were solid but not as comprehensive as some competitors.