2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models, which meant its mechanical components were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black alloy wheels and red interior accents, enhancing its adventurous appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches, such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, with SofTex upholstery in the TRD Off-Road model, although real leather was not available even on the highest trims.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 combined Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille and vertical taillights, with a compact footprint and tall profile, resulting in a distinctive yet somewhat ungainly appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered different exterior styling cues, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter darker trim and a mesh grille. The XT5’s interior, especially with the optional Platinum Package, felt luxurious with semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfibre sueded headliner. However, the interior design lacked a strong theme or brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to competitors like Volvo or Lincoln. The XT5’s interior was comfortable but didn’t quite meet luxury standards without the Platinum Package.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4 excelled on the highway with low cabin noise and a comfortable suspension. Off-road, the Trail and TRD Off-Road models featured torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity, but lacked traditional off-roading features like a two-speed transfer case.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered a base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while a 3.6-litre V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque was standard on the Sport model and optional on the Premium Luxury. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited to luxury driving, and the cabin was impressively quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a tall, upright roof providing ample headroom and good outward visibility, though legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average at 1,059 litres with the rear seats up and 1,977 litres with them folded, though still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4’s interior included oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but lacked large cupholders and storage space on the console.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but less than the BMW X3, and trailed all three in rear headroom. It had more legroom in both rows compared to its German rivals, though less front legroom than the Lincoln Corsair. The seats were comfortable but not up to luxury standards. Cargo space was 850 litres with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC, but not the Infiniti QX50. The XT5 included a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen for storage, but the centre console was limited in space.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, while Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen. The RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, lacking features like a head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display were available with the Technology Package. While usability was improved, the tech didn’t stand out compared to other luxury brands. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome. The standard eight-speaker Bose sound system could be upgraded to a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system, offering excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention, but mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more, with a 360-degree camera system available.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The 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 had a “Marginal” headlight rating and “Acceptable” LATCH rating.