2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a design that was a blend of modern and traditional elements. It featured Cadillac’s signature design cues, such as a bold grille and distinctive vertical taillights, which were juxtaposed with its compact size and tall profile, creating a somewhat awkward appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered different styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome for a classic look, while the latter embraced darker trim and a mesh grille for a sportier vibe. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a cohesive design theme and brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler exuded a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The design was simple yet functional, with features like wide fenders and old-school hood latches. The introduction of new paint colours, such as the limited-edition "Reign" purple, added a touch of flair to its otherwise utilitarian aesthetic. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized practicality with easy-to-clean materials and straightforward controls, though it lacked some of the luxury features found in other SUVs.

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, providing smooth and quick shifts. The V6, in particular, offered a linear power delivery suitable for everyday driving. The XT5's performance suspension with adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps while maintaining excellent body control. The steering was responsive, contributing to a nimble driving experience, and the cabin remained impressively quiet, enhancing the luxury feel.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, known for its off-road prowess, offered a range of engine options to suit different needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine offered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid provided an eco-friendly option with a 35-kilometre all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like solid axles, differential lockers, and various transfer cases. However, the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined for on-road performance, requiring early braking and careful steering input.

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, while comfortable, could have used more cushioning. The XT5 excelled in cargo space, offering 850 litres with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing its German rivals. A hands-free power liftgate added convenience, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior focused on practicality, with comfortable front seats and a tight rear seat fit, especially in the four-door models. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler offered 2,050 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The Wrangler's removable hard and soft tops allowed for an open-air experience, with options like the Sky One-Touch power soft top providing easy access to fresh air. The Wrangler also featured multiple charging points, including USB ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While usability was improved, the tech was considered adequate compared to other luxury brands. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but the array of secondary controls, including a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads, were not ideally placed. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality, enhanced by the XT5's quiet interior.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen in our tester. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information and standard connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech was practical, with a forward-facing camera for off-road use and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores from the IIHS for crash tests and front-crash prevention, though its headlights and LATCH system received lower ratings. The NHTSA awarded the XT5 a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on top trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims' headlights rated poorly. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler a four-star frontal crash test rating and a three-star rollover rating, with no side crash rating available.