2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 slightly 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, relied heavily on the optional Platinum Package to meet luxury standards, lacking a strong design theme or brand-specific markers.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo’s past boxy designs, showcasing a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end appeared solid without being ostentatious, and the grille was assertive without being overly flashy. The recognizable “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a modern touch, while the overall dimensions maintained a rectilinear shape without resembling the toasters of the past. The XC90’s Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with rich undertones, adding depth to its appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with a minimalist design, featuring two-tone leather on the steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The interior’s clean look was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a harmonious blend of materials.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a base 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-equipped Premium Luxury model provided a reasonably quick driving experience, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without being overly sensitive. The cabin remained quiet, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

For the 2023 Volvo XC90, Volvo introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain producing 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the older T5 and T6 engines, offering improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery pack to power a 13-volt starter generator, handling functions like climate control and ignition. While not a full hybrid, the XC90’s mild-hybrid setup provided benefits such as imperceptible auto stop-start technology. The XC90 delivered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle’s insulation kept road and wind noise at bay, and the brakes inspired confidence with a solid pedal feel. The XC90’s simplicity in driving dynamics, with minimal drive modes, appealed to those seeking straightforward operation.

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 trailed in rear headroom. The seats, while comfortable, lacked the cushioning expected in a luxury vehicle. The XT5 boasted 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing competitors like the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s interior exuded Scandinavian minimalism, but this design choice led to limited cubby space for smaller items. The lack of a dedicated cell phone space and a small centre console bin were notable drawbacks. The second row offered comfort and reasonable space, but accessing the third row was challenging. With the third seat in place, the XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. While the XC90’s cargo capacity fell short of competitors like the Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60, its smaller size contributed to a more car-like driving experience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An optional Technology Package added an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display and a head-up display. While usability improved over previous systems, the XT5’s tech offerings remained adequate compared to competitors with larger screens and more sophisticated features. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but 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.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s tech offerings included a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, with Bluetooth and Google Assistant as standard features. The system integrated Google Maps and Spotify, with a 12.3-inch driver information display. Natural-language recognition, powered by Google, enhanced the user experience, and commands could be issued via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions led to some frustration, as more physical buttons and redundant controls would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display available as an option.

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 all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, it received a “Marginal” headlight rating and an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH child seat anchor ease of use.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo’s legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist provided gentle nudges and vibrations to keep the vehicle on track. Volvo’s Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance from the car ahead, was also standard.