2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 represented a significant step forward for Cadillac in its quest to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. With updates from the previous year carrying over, the XT5 showcased a refined exterior with standard LED lights and a choice of 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale design compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, featuring cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. The Premium Luxury trim level, in particular, exuded elegance, rivaling even the Escalade in terms of interior finery.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a distinctive appearance with its blunt and bulbous nose, black windshield pillars, and swollen haunches. Despite its polarizing design, the Highlander Hybrid aimed to remain recognizable on the road. The Platinum trim level offered a luxurious interior with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the Highlander Hybrid's interior design was not without its flaws, as the asymmetrical dashboard and reflective 12.3-inch touchscreen could be distracting. The cabin's two-tone look added a touch of sophistication, but the mix of illumination colours in the gauges created a busy appearance.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but clunkier when downshifting. The XT5's throttle response was immediate with the V6, though it could benefit from additional low-end torque. Fuel consumption for the V6 AWD model was better than expected, averaging 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, compared to the estimated 11.2 L/100 km.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 horsepower. It used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission and achieved a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.7 L/100 km. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, it lacked driving excitement. The drivetrain sounded strained during hard acceleration, and the steering was lifeless. However, the regenerative brakes operated smoothly, and the SUV provided a comfortable and quiet ride on flat terrain. Despite its improved efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid's driving dynamics were less engaging compared to its predecessor.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults in two rows, with a three-seat bench in the second row. While legroom was good, headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, though visually appealing, were not as comfortable on long trips. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, with a deep rear cargo area hampered by wheel bump-outs. Small-item storage was limited, and the smartphone storage was not easily accessible.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with a 10-way power seat adjustment for the driver. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the Highlander felt narrow, and the third-row seat was uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row and a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres. However, the storage tray under the cargo floor mixed with tire-changing tools, and the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area below.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system included a rotary controller on the centre console, which could crowd the screen's aesthetics. A rear camera mirror and a head-up display were available, enhancing nighttime driving and providing essential information.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The voice recognition system worked well, though it did not control the climate settings. The JBL sound system's performance varied, and the Driver Easy Speak technology projected the driver's voice through the speakers. A video rearview mirror provided an unobstructed view, useful when exiting parking spaces.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Cadillac's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure with steering assist. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance for 2021. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.