2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, offered a fresh design perspective unburdened by a long legacy. This allowed Genesis to innovate and establish its signature look, characterized by a massive trapezoidal grille, Quad Lamp LED headlights, and elegant two-box design. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and distinctive wheel arches, which housed aluminum-alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches. The interior was a testament to luxury, featuring a sleek dashboard with minimal controls, a 14.5-inch high-definition display, and authentic materials like real wood and leather, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 reflected Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. Updated for 2020, the XT5 carried over its revised styling and enhanced technology into 2021. The exterior featured standard LED lights and a more snub-nosed design, with trim levels offering distinct features. Inside, the XT5 boasted an upscale design with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents, particularly in the Premium Luxury trim. While not all materials were top-tier, the XT5's interior was more refined than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, and offered a chic, straightforward design.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 provided two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's 3.5T models featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview and an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing ride quality and handling. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T consumed 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims. The Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-litre V6 with 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT5's V6 provided smooth upshifts but was clunkier when downshifting. Fuel consumption for the V6 AWD was better than expected at 9.4 L/100 km, compared to the estimated 11.2 L/100 km combined. The base engine used 9.5 L/100 km combined with FWD and 10.1 with AWD.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The centre console housed a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capability. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats for added convenience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably in two rows, though the rear seat offered limited headroom for taller passengers. The front seats, while visually appealing, lacked comfort on long trips. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space, with a deep rear cargo area and a cargo-management system for securing items. Small-item storage was limited, with few convenient places for smartphones or other personal items.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system featured a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with user-configurable split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and NFC digital key functionality for Android users. Genesis Connected Services provided five years of complimentary features, including remote start and emergency assistance. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5's infotainment system was streamlined for elegance, with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic. 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 aided in system navigation, though it crowded the screen's aesthetics. The XT5 offered a rear camera mirror, a digital instrument cluster, and an available head-up display for enhanced driving information.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and a suite of driver assistance technologies, such as blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision-avoidance assist. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist were also available, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist.

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, while Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers. A rearview camera and rear-seat reminder were standard.