2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of the Swedish brand's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of elegance and innovation. Built on Volvo's SPA platform, the XC60 shared its design language with other Volvo models, featuring a sleek two-box design with short overhangs and an upright grille adorned with the iconic iron mark logo. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, complemented by thoughtful details like the elegant HVAC vents and harmonious cabin textures.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 represented a refined approach to luxury, with updates from the previous year carrying over to enhance its appeal. The exterior boasted a snub-nosed design with LED lights and a variety of wheel options, while the interior offered a more upscale experience than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The Premium Luxury trim level featured cut-and-sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents, exuding a level of elegance that was a step above other Cadillacs, save for the Escalade. The XT5's design focused on simplicity, with sweeping horizontal lines and straightforward materials throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 variant increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered version, added an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the Polestar variant reaching 415 hp. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and secure driving experience, with fuel consumption figures ranging from 11.1 L/100 km city to 4.0 Le/100 km in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, delivering 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine provided 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with AWD available on higher trims. The XT5's fuel consumption was competitive, with the V6 achieving 9.4 L/100 km during testing, better than the estimated 11.2 L/100 km. The XT5's handling was smooth, though the engine start-stop technology could be intrusive in hot weather.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system adept at handling winter conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, and the XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was rated at 1,587 kg.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably, though the rear seat's headroom was limited. The front seats, while heated, were less comfortable on long trips. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, with a deep rear area hampered by wheel bump-outs. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free power liftgate was available. Small-item storage was limited, with few convenient places for smartphones or other essentials.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a tablet-style interface that divided the screen into function quadrants. While intuitive for some, it required a learning curve. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system providing exceptional audio quality.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5's infotainment system was streamlined, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller for navigation. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose sound system, and a subscription-based WiFi hotspot. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and a semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. The Night Vision system enhanced nighttime visibility, while Teen Driver software allowed for parental control. However, not all features were standard across trims.