2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of design elements, sitting somewhere between the futuristic angles of the Lexus NX and the more classic lines of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design cues, such as a bold grille and distinctive vertical taillights, which were somewhat at odds with its compact size and tall profile. The XT5 was unmistakably a Cadillac, yet its design felt awkward and lacked the elegance typically associated with the brand. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered slightly 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 appearance. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a cohesive design theme and brand-specific markers, making it feel less distinctive compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator was a midsize crossover that exuded a modern and sophisticated presence. It was praised for its successful execution of Lincoln’s contemporary design language, particularly its face and grille. The Aviator’s interior was undeniably luxurious, with high-end materials and a plethora of design elements, though it might have been perceived as trying too hard with its Art Deco influences. The cabin was filled with soft leather, padded surfaces, and a simulated suede headliner, creating a plush environment. However, some chrome detailing felt cheap, and the key fob was criticized for its lightweight, plasticky feel. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator’s interior was a testament to Lincoln’s commitment to luxury and comfort.

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 engine, in particular, provided a smooth and linear power delivery, making it suitable for everyday driving. The XT5’s performance suspension with adaptive dampers offered a comfortable ride, cushioning bumps while maintaining excellent body control. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without being overly sensitive. The cabin’s quietness further enhanced the luxury experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, boasted impressive power with its drivetrain generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency and performance. The Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension provided a smooth and predictable ride, though the Aviator’s steering was heavy and numb. Despite its commendable handling traits, the Aviator was not particularly fun to drive, focusing more on providing a quiet and smooth ride.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to its German rivals, 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 were not as comfortable as expected for a luxury vehicle. The XT5 excelled in cargo space, offering 850 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available, adding convenience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. However, the third-row seating was cramped, making it unsuitable for adults. With the third-row seats in use, the Aviator offered 519 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded flat. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,200 litres, providing ample space for larger loads.

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. While usability was improved, the tech still lagged behind competitors with larger screens and more advanced features. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality, enhanced by the XT5’s quiet interior.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on Lincoln’s outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and the optional Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the parking sensors and surround-view camera system added convenience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included 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 scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The driver aids performed well on straight highways but were less reliable in heavy traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.