2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand within the General Motors lineup. The XT5's exterior design was characterized by a snub-nosed front and a sophisticated rear, with standard LED lights accentuating its robust proportions. The SUV's interior, while not entirely luxurious, 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 the past.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" and a reworked grille that housed sensors for driver-assist systems. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The XC60's interior, while subdued compared to other Volvo models, offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel in the Inscription trim, adding a touch of luxury.

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 was smooth when upshifting but less refined when downshifting. The XT5's throttle response was immediate with the V6, though it could benefit from more low-end torque. Fuel consumption for the V6 AWD model was approximately 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, better than the estimated 11.2 L/100 km. The base engine achieved 9.5 L/100 km with FWD and 10.1 with AWD.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. The B5 powertrain combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The B6 added an electric supercharger, increasing output to 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard AWD in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features included a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults across two rows, with a three-seat bench in the second row. While legroom was adequate, rear headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, though visually appealing, were less comfortable on long journeys due to a hard bottom cushion. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but featured a deep rear cargo area. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded, while plug-in hybrid models had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors. Despite the somewhat pinched roofline, rear visibility was satisfactory.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic, offering haptic feedback. The tri-zone automatic climate control system was adjustable via a chrome toggle switch, though it often ran colder than displayed. The XT5 included a heated steering wheel, available heated rear seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The infotainment system was equipped with a rotary controller, one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system was available, along with a rear camera mirror and a head-up display.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system. It included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system featured Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The XC60 offered over-the-air software updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

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. Not all features were standard across trim levels. The XT5 also included a rear-seat reminder, a rearview camera, and available Night Vision technology, which enhanced nighttime drivability. General Motors' Teen Driver software was standard, allowing parents to limit certain vehicle features and monitor driving habits.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received high safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Volvo's driver assistance system, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, was available as an option.