2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of design elements, sitting somewhere between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional styling 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 elements, but its compact footprint and tall profile created an awkward aesthetic. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered different styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a strong design theme and brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained a consistent design language with subtle updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The Signature trim added body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing its premium appeal. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. The new seats improved comfort significantly, and the driving position was sportier. However, the control layout, particularly the non-touchscreen infotainment system, remained a point of contention. Despite this, the CX-5’s interior exuded a sense of quality and sophistication, aligning with Mazda’s premium aspirations.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 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, in particular, provided a smooth and linear power delivery, making it suitable for everyday driving. The optional performance suspension with adaptive dampers offered a comfortable ride, cushioning bumps while maintaining excellent body control. The steering was well-tuned for a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without being overly sensitive. The quiet cabin further enhanced the luxury experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a standard Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, a turbocharged version was available, offering up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive contributed to a responsive and engaging driving experience. The CX-5’s ride and handling were significantly improved, with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system provided different driving modes, enhancing the vehicle’s versatility. Overall, the CX-5 delivered a sporty and composed ride, living up to Mazda’s reputation for driving dynamics.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, though it fell short in rear headroom compared to its German rivals. It provided ample legroom in both rows, although the front seats could have been more comfortable with additional padding. The XT5 excelled in cargo space, offering 850 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing its main competitors. The interior featured practical storage solutions, such as a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen, but the centre console was somewhat cramped.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating comfort with new furnishings. The front seats were now more supportive, and the driving position was sportier. The back seat remained snug, but features like heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, particularly the Mazda Connect infotainment system, required acclimation due to the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with wireless smartphone charging and various bins and trays. Cargo capacity was 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with them folded, making it competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs.

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 other luxury brands. The array of secondary controls, including a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads, was not user-friendly. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality, enhanced by the XT5’s quiet interior.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth. The lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition made the system less intuitive, requiring the use of centre console and steering wheel controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The optional 10-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, and SiriusXM satellite radio was available. Despite the tech limitations, the CX-5’s infotainment system was functional once users acclimated to its operation.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came equipped with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top “Good” scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. However, it lacked the advanced Super Cruise driver-assistance technology available on other Cadillac models.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials. The driving tech was mostly agreeable, with useful features like blind-spot warning displayed in the head-up display.