2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling elements, positioned between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more conventional designs of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design cues, such as a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. However, this combination resulted in an awkward mix with the XT5’s compact size and tall profile, making it unmistakably a Cadillac, albeit an ungainly one. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct exterior 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 appearance. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a strong design theme and brand-specific markers, leaving little to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid drew styling inspiration from Toyota’s Tacoma pickup, particularly in its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged appearance popular among midsized SUVs. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, adding unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid featured an unconventional yet less jarring interior with an asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash for reduced distraction, and the Bronze Edition test vehicle introduced unique styling elements like bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, though the latter was prone to dirt and stains.

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-equipped Premium Luxury test car provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts from the transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without excessive corrections, and the cabin remained impressively quiet.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The CVT contributed to a droning engine sound under heavy acceleration, particularly when climbing hills. The braking system offered a seamless transition from regenerative to physical braking, and the ride quality was soft yet confident, with a quiet cabin on the highway.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered favourable 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 more legroom in both rows but less front legroom than the Lincoln Corsair. The seats were comfortable but could have used more padding, especially in the rear. The XT5 boasted 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC, though the Infiniti QX50 offered more. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options were plentiful, with trays, shelves, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating tall passengers with ease, and offered sliding and reclining capabilities. A second-row bench was available as a no-cost option, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children or smaller adults. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display were available with the Technology Package. While usability improved over previous systems, the tech remained adequate, lacking the sophistication of competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome, with a rotary controller and poorly placed capacitive touchpads. The standard eight-speaker Bose sound system could be upgraded to a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for ease of use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on Limited and Platinum trims. Satellite radio and remote vehicle monitoring were included with limited trial periods, while navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, park assist, automatic high beams, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The Safety Alert Seat was also standard, vibrating when warnings were triggered. An optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced braking features, while the Technology Package offered additional safety functions. 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 "Acceptable" LATCH rating.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A surround view camera and head-up display were exclusive to the Platinum trim. The safety systems generally performed well, though adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist required some fine-tuning.