2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

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 snub-nosed design and distinct trim level features. The SUV's standard LED lights and 18-inch alloy wheels contributed to its sophisticated appearance, while the interior offered a more upscale design compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The Premium Luxury trim level, in particular, exuded elegance with its cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents, reminiscent of the finery Cadillac had been known for.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its bold styling and unique design elements that diverged from the rest of the Genesis lineup. The GV70 featured the brand's signature two-line lighting signature, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. With six grades available, the GV70 offered a range of options, including the Sport and Sport Plus grades with a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes. The GV70's interior boasted a variety of colour combinations and materials, including quilted leather seats and carbon fibre inserts, providing a luxurious and customizable experience for drivers and passengers alike.

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 provided smooth upshifts but was less refined during downshifts. The XT5's fuel efficiency was competitive, with the V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, better than the estimated 11.2 L/100 km combined fuel consumption.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the focus of the test. This engine produced an impressive 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, positioning the GV70 as a strong competitor against mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. The GV70's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive system provided a dynamic driving experience, with the Sport Plus grade featuring an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance. The GV70's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing slightly better results.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided ample space for four adults, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The SUV offered 850 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but featured a deep rear cargo area. The XT5's interior included heated front seats and a hands-free programmable height power liftgate, though small-item storage was limited.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. The GV70's interior featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated front and rear seats available on higher trims. The rear space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, while the cargo area offered 819 litres of space, expandable to 1,610 litres with the rear seats folded. The GV70's ergonomics and functionality were praised, though second-row storage was limited.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an available 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror and a head-up display for enhanced driving convenience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen, offering split-screen functionality and high-resolution graphics. The GV70's 3D digital instrument cluster and Blind View Monitor system provided advanced safety features, while the fingerprint recognition system allowed for keyless vehicle start. The GV70's audio options included a standard nine-speaker system and an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system on top trims.

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. The available Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, while the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. The GV70's Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, while the rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. Safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration were not yet available for the GV70.