2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. With updates from the previous year carrying over, the XT5 showcased a snub-nosed exterior with distinct trim level features, including standard LED lights and 18-inch alloy wheels, with optional 20-inch designs. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. The Premium Luxury trim exuded elegance, though it didn't fully match the luxury of the Escalade. The interior design favoured simplicity and thoughtful material placement, enhancing the overall upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold, sporty, and upscale appearance, especially in the Execline trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. By removing the third row and lowering the roofline, Volkswagen created a more rakish coupe-like SUV. The interior was exceptionally roomy, accommodating five adults comfortably, with generous rear legroom. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics dulled the impression of quality, and the lack of rubber or fabric linings in storage areas led to potential rattles. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas Cross Sport's colour combinations and overall design conveyed an upscale appearance.

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 upgrade to a 3.6-litre V6 engine was available for the Premium Luxury trim, providing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, and was standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but clunkier when downshifting. The XT5's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the AWD V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, better than the estimated 11.2 L/100 km. The XT5 handled the road with ease, though it could benefit from additional low-end torque.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6, which didn't require premium fuel, had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with VW's 4Motion AWD system standard in Canada. The V6 felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport than in the larger Atlas, though it averaged 12.3 L/100 km in testing. The suspension was too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, leading to a harsh ride on imperfect roads. However, the Cross Sport excelled in highway driving, where the ride quality was agreeable.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided enough room for four adults, with good legroom in both rows but limited headroom in the back. 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. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no good place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger Atlas, offering exceptional roominess for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Storage space was ample, though the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattles. The cargo area was generous, with deep wells for additional storage, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo space compared to the seven-passenger model.

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, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. A rotary controller on the centre console aided in system functionality, 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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system in the Execline trim. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues in touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. Pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a smoother experience.

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 parents to limit vehicle features for young drivers. However, not all safety technologies were standard across trim levels.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. Travel Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, though it occasionally lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.