2023 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched in 2016 as the flagship SUV on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, complemented by the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 aimed to deliver affordable luxury, though its cabin materials were more akin to those found in a Buick or high-end Chevy. Despite this, the XT5 offered a spacious and intuitively laid-out interior with ample cargo space. Cadillac retained physical controls for a more intuitive feel, though this choice made the cabin seem dated. The XT5 provided good headroom and legroom, with options for a panoramic sunroof and genuine leather upholstery on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with additional heated features available on upper trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel economy varied, with the T5 achieving 10.1 L/100 km combined, the T6 at 10.8 L/100 km, and the Recharge offering 8.8 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The driving experience was smooth and controlled, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge model.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and available in both FWD and AWD. An optional V6 engine offered 310 hp, but neither engine provided notable driving excitement. The XT5's handling was decent, but ride quality suffered on rough roads, with more cabin noise and vibration than expected. The XT5's fuel economy was competitive, with the turbo-four achieving 9.7 L/100 km combined and the V6 with AWD at 11.5 L/100 km. However, the XT5 lacked performance variants, unlike many of its rivals.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for children, while the cargo space ranged from 357 litres behind the third row to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. The XC90 could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for family adventures. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 featured a well-designed interior with multiple storage spaces, though it used more hard plastics than expected. The front seats offered good ergonomics, while rear passengers had access to seatback pockets and cupholders. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,784 litres with the rear seats folded. The wide liftgate opening and low load floor made loading easy. Compared to rivals, the XT5's cargo space was generous, though the shape of the cargo area could limit the accommodation of larger items.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch touchscreen, though it was occasionally slow to respond. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display. The Advanced package added a 360-degree camera and advanced air cleaner. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims, with multiple USB ports for device charging.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 featured the CUE infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was intuitive and responsive, with physical controls for climate and steering wheel functions. A Bose premium audio system, wireless charging, and navigation were available. Cadillac's decision to retain physical controls contrasted with rivals' all-touch systems, providing a more user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. Volvo's Pilot Assist system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's last full crash test was in 2021, where it earned "Good" scores in most areas but missed a Top Safety Pick award due to "Marginal" headlights. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a vibrating safety alert seat. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and rear pedestrian braking.