2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a design that was a blend of Cadillac’s signature elements and a compact SUV’s proportions. It featured a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. However, the combination of these elements with the XT5’s compact size and tall profile resulted in a somewhat awkward appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered different styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome for a traditional look and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille for a sportier vibe. Inside, the XT5’s interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which added high-end materials like semi-aniline leather and a microfibre sueded headliner. Despite these materials, the interior lacked a cohesive design theme, failing to make a strong brand statement.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The redesign brought a more spacious interior, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The NX offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and thoughtful padding for comfort during spirited driving. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space, with features like rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The NX also introduced a panoramic sunroof and a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with nature-inspired themes. Cargo space increased by 14%, providing 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded down.

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 linear power delivery, making it suitable for everyday driving. The XT5’s performance suspension with adaptive dampers, part of the Platinum Package, excelled in providing a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps while maintaining body control. The steering was well-calibrated for a luxury vehicle, offering nimbleness without excessive sensitivity. The cabin’s quietness further enhanced the luxury experience.

The 2022 Lexus NX, particularly the NX 350, featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, powering all four wheels. The NX 350 F Sport variant added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. On winding roads, the F Sport felt agile and responsive, while the standard NX 350 offered a more relaxed driving character. Lexus claimed a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, and observed fuel consumption was 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. Despite its dynamic improvements, the NX’s turbocharged engine didn’t match the refinement of its German competitors, and road noise was more pronounced than expected.

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, though less than the BMW X3. It provided ample legroom in both rows, but the seats lacked the comfort expected in a luxury vehicle. Cargo capacity was a strong point, with 850 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen offered convenient storage.

The 2022 Lexus NX, while claiming increased interior space, felt more intimate from the driver’s seat due to its new dashboard design. Comfort was a highlight, with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and well-padded surfaces. Rear passengers enjoyed spacious accommodations, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX’s cargo space increased to 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. Practical storage solutions were present throughout the cabin, enhancing usability.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An optional Technology Package added an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. While usability improved over previous systems, the tech offerings were merely adequate compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome, with a rotary controller and poorly placed capacitive touchpads. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. Over-the-air updates kept the system current. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system as an option. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, enhancing usability. However, the 14-inch screen collected fingerprints and reflections, and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. An optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it had a “Marginal” headlight rating and an “Acceptable” LATCH rating.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety technologies were available in packages, enhancing the NX’s safety credentials.