2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. With 40 updates introduced in the 2020 model year, the XT5 showcased a refined exterior with a more pronounced front and a sophisticated rear, highlighted by standard LED lights. The SUV's design was further enhanced by 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch options available. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, featuring cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. The Premium Luxury trim, in particular, exuded elegance, rivaling even the Cadillac Escalade in terms of interior finery.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX was built on a new dedicated platform, offering a sportier and more assertive exterior design. The MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and a critical dash-to-axle distance increase, enhancing its elegance. Standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to its modern look. Inside, the MDX boasted a spacious cabin with a layered dashboard, authentic materials, and a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a variety of interior themes added to its appeal. The MDX's craftsmanship and quality were evident, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

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 lb-ft of torque. An upgrade to a 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 when upshifting but less so when downshifting. The XT5's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the AWD V6 achieving 9.4 L/100 km, better than the expected 11.2 L/100 km. The base engine offered 9.5 L/100 km with FWD and 10.1 with AWD.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link in the rear, improving ride quality. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering five drive modes for a customizable driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults in two rows, with a three-seat bench in the second row. While legroom was adequate, headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, though visually appealing, were less comfortable on long trips. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, with a deep rear cargo area, though wheel bump-outs reduced its width. The SUV's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered versatile seating arrangements. The first two rows provided comfortable seating, with dual bucket sport seats in the front and a second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, balancing legroom for all passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, with additional underfloor storage. Folding the third and second rows expanded the cargo capacity significantly. The power tailgate featured a "Walk Away Close" function and hands-free access, enhancing convenience. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes available.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic. The system included a rotary controller for navigation, though it crowded the screen's aesthetics. The XT5 offered one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were available, enhancing visibility and driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System in higher trims, with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering configurability and integration with Amazon Alexa. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless charging were standard. The MDX also featured a CabinTalk system for communication with rear passengers, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera on higher trims. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates were standard.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and Teen Driver software allowed for monitoring and limiting vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system was included. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering comprehensive driver assistance technologies.