2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2023 Acura MDX

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, 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 models offered different 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 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in the Type S Ultra trim, offered a more subtle yet appealing design. It featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. The 21-inch wheels provided a proper stance, while quad exhaust outlets framed a rear diffuser panel. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package, creating a luxurious atmosphere. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear were less user-friendly. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S remained a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV.

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 engine provided a smooth and linear power delivery, making it suitable for everyday driving. 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 being overly sensitive. The XT5’s cabin was notably quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Despite the performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine, while sounding great, did not offer a significant power increase over the standard V6, resulting in disappointing fuel economy. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating. The driving experience was further marred by suspension noise and a lack of cohesion among the dynamic components.

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 fell short in rear headroom. The seats were comfortable but not up to luxury standards, with narrow bottom cushions and insufficient padding. 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 not the Infiniti QX50. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen offered additional storage.

The 2023 Acura MDX excelled in functionality, offering three rows of seats with flexible second-row configurations. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats did not provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX offered seven-passenger seating, with the option to remove the centre section of the second-row seat for easier access to the third row. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,021 litres with both rear rows down. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display were available with the optional Technology Package. While usability was improved, the tech offerings were merely adequate compared to other luxury brands. The rotary controller and capacitive touchpads were not user-friendly, and the array of secondary controls cluttered the centre console. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI, while innovative, was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens and occupied valuable console space. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The top-tier Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided exceptional sound quality. The Platinum Elite and Type S Ultra packages added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came equipped with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it received a "Marginal" headlight rating and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH ease of use.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed following. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star protection ratings for the driver and front passenger in frontal-impact tests. The MDX's safety systems generally operated with accuracy, though occasional false alerts and a braking incident during testing were concerning.