2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling, positioned between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional aesthetics of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille and distinctive vertical taillights, which, when combined with its compact size and tall profile, resulted in a somewhat awkward appearance. The XT5 was unmistakably a Cadillac, yet it lacked the grace typically associated with the brand. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. The interior, while luxurious, relied heavily on the optional Platinum Package to meet luxury standards, as the base design lacked a strong thematic presence.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 exuded a more conservative and tailored image, aligning with Cadillac’s broader lineup. Its exterior design, while attractive, was somewhat bland, with towering front running lights and taillights reminiscent of GMC models. The XT6 was available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, with prices starting under $60,000 in Canada. Our test vehicle, equipped with nearly every option, including Super Cruise and Night Vision technologies, had an MSRP of $84,747. Despite its rich interior materials and advanced driving assistance technology, the XT6’s interior design fell short of luxury expectations, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to competitors. The XT6’s interior space was also limited, particularly in the third row, and its storage solutions were unremarkable.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided sufficient power for everyday driving, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, enhancing ride comfort and body control. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, offering nimbleness without excessive nervousness, and the cabin remained impressively quiet.

Similarly, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 shared its engine lineup with the GMC Acadia, featuring a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The XT6 offered both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive modes, along with Tour and Sport driving modes. The V6 engine provided adequate power, but the driving experience leaned towards serenity rather than excitement. The XT6’s adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to its athleticism on twisty roads, but the overall driving dynamics were more focused on comfort. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle achieving 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but less than the BMW X3. It provided ample legroom in both rows, although the seats could have been more comfortable. The XT5 boasted 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing its German rivals but falling short of the Infiniti QX50. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the centre console featured a small cubbyhole for storage.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6’s interior space was more limited, particularly in the third row, which was challenging for adults to access. The front seats were comfortable, especially with the optional semi-aniline leather, but lacked advanced adjustments and massage functions. The XT6 offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,200 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum volume of 2,229 litres. Storage solutions were decent but unremarkable, with small cubbies and bins.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While usability was improved, the tech offerings were merely adequate compared to competitors. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality, but the array of secondary controls and touchpads lacked ideal placement and feedback.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a mix of impressive features, such as a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but fell short in terms of instrumentation and infotainment. The 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors, but the software was intuitive and responsive. Usability issues included touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights. The available Bose Performance Series audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was less impressive than those in other GM vehicles.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came equipped with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and a surround-vision camera system. The XT5 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some areas for improvement in headlight performance and child seat anchor ease of use.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed for hands-free highway driving under certain conditions. While impressive, Super Cruise had limitations and required driver attention. The XT6 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, demonstrating its ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision.