2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand within the General Motors lineup. With updates carried over from the 2020 model, the XT5 featured a more distinct exterior design, including standard LED lights and a variety of wheel options. The interior, while not entirely luxurious, offered a more upscale feel 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, making it one of the most refined Cadillacs aside from the Escalade.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its previous model year. The Atlas was available in four trim levels in Canada, with the Execline trim offering the most upscale features, including R-Line design elements and 21-inch alloy wheels. The Atlas's interior was praised for its simplicity and premium flair, though some materials were crafted to a low cost point, resulting in an abundance of hard, shiny plastics. Despite this, the Atlas provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, accommodating seven passengers with ease and offering numerous storage areas.

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, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 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 clunkier when downshifting. The XT5's fuel consumption was competitive, with the V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, better than the estimated 11.2 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel for maximum output. An optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, was available for higher trims. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The V6's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.2 L/100 km, aligning with the 12.0 L/100 km test result. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an Active Control system for different conditions, but its performance was hindered by a lack of power and refinement.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults in two rows, with limited headroom in the back seat. 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 SUV's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom. The Atlas offered a low step-in height and rear side-window sunshades for added convenience. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,741 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Atlas included numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, causing items to slide and create noise.

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, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. A rear camera mirror and a head-up display were available. The XT5's digital instrument cluster provided essential vehicle information, and the system's design was functional but not overly impressive.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display expanding to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Atlas featured VW's MIB3 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Car-Net connected services. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the user experience was hindered by a slow-loading system and cumbersome navigation controls.

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

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted an impressive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.