2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Subaru Forester

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, with optional 20-inch designs, contributed to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with sweeping horizontal design lines and a mix of natural materials like leather, wood, and carbon fibre. The Premium Luxury trim, in particular, exuded elegance, rivaling even the Escalade in terms of finery.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, especially in its Wilderness trim, emphasized practicality and ruggedness over luxury. The Forester's design was functional, with a suspension lift and higher ride height providing 22.9 centimetres of ground clearance. The Wilderness model featured protective cladding and a matte-black hood decal, giving it a distinctive, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the Forester prioritized function with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and a straightforward cabin layout. While the interior materials might have seemed less luxurious, the Forester's design was all about durability and ease of use, appealing to those seeking adventure and practicality.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The V6 was standard on the Sport trim and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the transmission was smooth during upshifts, it was less refined during downshifts. The XT5's throttle response was immediate with the V6, though it could have benefited from more 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 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was competitive, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes, where a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The CVT's eight programmed ratios simulated an automatic transmission, and the Wilderness trim's SI-Drive provided a more lively response.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults across 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 less comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, though wheel bump-outs reduced the width. A hands-free programmable height power liftgate and a cargo-management system added convenience, but small-item storage was limited.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, suitable for a three-person roof tent. Comfort levels were high, with ample storage options and a squared-off cargo area offering 818 litres of space without the sunroof. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo capacity to 2,101 litres, making the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic, offering haptic feedback. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system. A rotary controller on the centre console aided navigation, though it crowded the screen's aesthetics. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. The Forester Wilderness featured a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading. The test vehicle included navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system, though these were not available on the Wilderness trim in Canada. The voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, and a breadcrumb function for navigation would have been beneficial.

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, while Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Premier trims included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.