2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 represented a significant step forward for the brand, showcasing a refined and upscale design. Cadillac had updated the XT5 for the 2020 model year with 40 enhancements, including a new engine option, revised styling, and improved technology. The 2021 model carried over these changes, featuring standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels that highlighted its sophisticated and stylish exterior. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, especially in the Premium Luxury trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was designed by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline, and shortening the length. This resulted in a bold, sporty appearance, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The interior was spacious, accommodating five adults comfortably, and featured a combination of Pure Gray exterior paint with a Dark Burgundy over Titan Black interior. However, the use of hard, glossy plastics in the cabin detracted from the overall impression of quality.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. The V6 was standard on the Sport trim and optional on the Premium Luxury trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in real-world testing with AWD, outperforming its EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. The base engine delivered 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport also offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the turbo-four's 2,000 pounds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and VW's 4Motion AWD system available. The V6 engine in the Atlas Cross Sport returned 19.2 mpg during testing, slightly less than the larger Atlas.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided enough room for four adults in two rows, though the back seat offered limited headroom for taller occupants. The front seats, while visually appealing, were not as comfortable on long trips due to a hard bottom cushion. Heated front seats were standard, and the cargo area offered 30 cubic feet of space, though it was narrower due to wheel bump-outs. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, sharing its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, was exceptionally roomy inside, comfortably seating five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The cargo area was spacious, with deep wells for additional storage, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity 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, providing haptic feedback. The system included one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system were available. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were also offered.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless smartphone charging and SiriusXM with 360L. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which provided excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 included front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and General Motors' Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit certain vehicle features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and an Area View 360-degree camera system.