2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when it was introduced, was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design and elongated profile, reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Despite being shorter and closer to the ground than the Toyota RAV4, the Venza shared the same wheelbase, offering a unique blend of elegance and compactness. Available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a variety of paint colours and a long list of standard features, including LED lighting, alloy wheels, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. The top-tier Limited trim added luxurious touches like a digital rearview mirror and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased a refined design that marked a return to form for the brand. Updated in 2020, the XT5 featured a more snub-nosed exterior with distinct trim level differentiation. Its standard LED lights and alloy wheels complemented the SUV's robust proportions, while the interior offered a more upscale feel than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The Premium Luxury trim, as tested, boasted cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents, exuding a level of elegance that had been missing from Cadillac for years. The XT5's design focused on simplicity and thoughtful material placement, enhancing its overall appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration and confident handling. While the Venza's power output was modest compared to some competitors, it excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined. Toyota's hybrid powertrain came with a robust warranty, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, though the V6 provided a more immediate throttle response. The XT5's fuel consumption varied, with the V6 achieving 9.4 L/100 km during testing, better than its estimated 11.2 L/100 km combined. The XT5's handling was smooth, and its AWD system provided added confidence on various road conditions.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium appointments, including a deep centre console and a padded upholstery that felt luxurious in the Limited trim. The Venza accommodated five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and a spacious feel. Its cargo space, at 816 litres, was less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use. The quick-flip rear seatbacks made arranging cargo easy, enhancing the Venza's practicality.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided seating for four adults comfortably, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The front seats, while visually appealing, lacked comfort on long trips. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, with a deep rear area that was slightly restricted by wheel bump-outs. Its cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free power liftgate added convenience. However, small-item storage was limited, with few options for keeping items within easy reach.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system in the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited boasted a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though improved, was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for simple tasks. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system available on higher trims. Toyota's connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, added value to the Venza's technology suite.

Cadillac's 2021 XT5 streamlined its infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen surrounded by Piano Black plastic, housing various functionalities. The system included a rotary controller for navigation, though it cluttered the screen's aesthetics. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system, with a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system available. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror and a head-up display, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional automatic braking available on higher trims. The Venza received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety technologies, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. The XT5's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, while GM's Teen Driver software provided additional safety for young drivers. Though not all features were standard across trims, the XT5's safety offerings were sufficient for most driving needs.