2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying “G” badge. The Quad Lamp LED headlight array and the elegant two-box design gave it a unique presence. The interior was a highlight, with a sleek dashboard, minimal controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 had a design that mixed Cadillac’s traditional cues with a compact and tall profile, resulting in a somewhat awkward appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered different styling elements, with chrome for the former and darker accents for the latter. Inside, the XT5's interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, but lacked a strong design theme. The seats were comfortable but not exceptional, and the interior didn’t have distinct brand-specific markers, making it less memorable.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered 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 ride was enhanced by an electronically controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models, providing a smooth driving experience. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was slightly higher.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with a base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 with 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided adequate power for daily driving, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts. The XT5's suspension, especially with the optional Platinum Package, offered a comfortable ride, and the steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle. The cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

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 capabilities. The second row was spacious, with power-adjustable seats and climate control, while the third row was available on 3.5T models, offering seating for seven. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with luxury features like power rear-door closure and a standard sunroof.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space, with more front headroom than some German rivals but less rear headroom. The seats were comfortable but could have used more cushioning. Cadillac quoted 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing some competitors. The centre console was compact, with a rotary controller and limited storage space, but a small cubbyhole provided additional storage.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 also offered Genesis Connected Services for five years, providing various remote and safety features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available, along with a premium Lexicon audio system.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While usability was improved, the tech was still considered adequate compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but the secondary controls were less intuitive. The standard audio system was an eight-speaker Bose setup, with an optional 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system available.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with 10 airbags, advanced driver assistance features, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered Highway Driving Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist for added convenience and safety.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. An optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced braking features. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its headlight rating was only “Marginal.”