2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design that required some acclimation. Its blunt, bulbous nose and black windshield pillars created a floating roof effect, while swollen haunches balanced the styling. Despite its 20-inch alloy wheels, the design felt overwhelmed by cartoonishly-flared quarter panels. Over time, the Highlander’s appearance might have seemed less striking. The interior offered a two-tone look with soft leather in higher trims, but the dashboard’s asymmetrical design and glossy detailing could suffer from reflections. Controls were well-organized, though the mix of illumination colours made the gauges appear busy.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 combined Cadillac’s signature design elements with a compact footprint and tall profile, resulting in an ungainly appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport models featured distinct styling cues, with chrome for the former and darker trim for the latter. The interior, enhanced by the optional Platinum Package, offered semi-aniline leather and a sueded headliner, but lacked a strong design theme. The XT5’s interior didn’t have brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 6.7 L/100 km and 243 horsepower. While more efficient, the new engine lacked excitement, sounding strained during acceleration and hill climbs. The steering felt lifeless, though regenerative brakes improved over previous models. The Highlander Hybrid’s handling was capable on smooth roads but became sloppy on uneven surfaces. Around town, the electric motor torque and EV Mode were highlights, but overall driving enjoyment was lacking.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered a base 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 235 horsepower, while a 3.6-litre V6 with 310 horsepower was available. The V6 provided adequate power for daily driving, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission. The optional performance suspension with adaptive dampers excelled in providing a comfortable ride, maintaining body control without excessive bounce. The steering was well-suited for luxury driving, and the cabin remained impressively quiet.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy front accommodations with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with seats folded. Storage was less generous than previous models, with a wireless charger blocking access to the centre storage bin.

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 lacked luxury-level cushioning. Cargo capacity was 850 litres with rear seats up, expanding to 1,784 litres when folded. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole provided additional storage up front, compensating for limited centre console space.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. However, the JBL sound system’s audio quality varied. Driver Easy Speak projected the driver’s voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror offered a clear view behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and head-up display. While usability improved, the tech didn’t stand out compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic high beams, radar cruise control, and emergency braking. New features included intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance had some inconsistencies. The Highlander received a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it had a “Marginal” headlight rating.