2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of design elements, sitting between the futuristic angles of the Lexus NX and the more classic styles of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design cues, such as a bold grille and distinctive lighting, but its compact size and tall profile created an awkward aesthetic. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct styling, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker accents and a mesh grille. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a cohesive design theme and brand-specific markers, making it less memorable compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model, with only the signature spindle grille and modern lighting distinguishing it from its predecessors. The cabin, however, was crafted with the high-quality materials Lexus is known for, providing a quiet and refined environment. Despite its dated appearance, the GX offered a comfortable and well-padded interior, though some controls were confusingly placed. The GX’s design was functional, with a focus on practicality over modern aesthetics, appealing to those who value substance over style.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6, in particular, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with quick shifts and a well-tuned suspension that balanced comfort and control. The steering was precise, contributing to a nimble feel, and the cabin remained quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivered 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. Despite its hefty curb weight, the GX managed a 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph, aided by its torque-rich engine. The GX excelled in off-road capabilities, thanks to its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which improved stability and wheel articulation. However, its fuel consumption was high, and the steering was slow and heavy, making urban manoeuvres challenging.

The Cadillac XT5 offered generous interior space, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, though it lagged behind in rear headroom. It provided ample legroom in both rows and boasted a cargo capacity of 850 litres with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded. The seats were comfortable but could have used more cushioning, and the centre console was somewhat cramped.

The Lexus GX featured a tall and narrow design, providing an elevated driving position and good visibility. The seats were comfortable, with the Black Line Special Edition offering NuLuxe upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the rear door openings were narrow, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the third row and 1,322 litres with it folded, further hindered by a side-swinging tailgate.

The Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. While the system was an improvement over previous versions, it lacked the sophistication of competitors’ offerings. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality, but the array of controls was not user-friendly.

The Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player, along with a Lexus app and Enform connected services. The system offered a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition, though the placement of stereo controls was awkward. Intuitive Parking Assist became standard, with optional surround-view cameras available.

The Cadillac XT5 featured standard safety equipment such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It received top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it lacked advanced driver-assistance technologies like Super Cruise.

The Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on the Lexus Safety System+ for safety, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, it missed some modern safety technologies found in competitors, which might appeal to those preferring fewer driving aids.