2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Cadillac XT5

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 aimed to deliver affordable luxury, but its cabin materials fell short of expectations for a luxury brand, resembling more of a high-end Buick or Chevy. Despite this, the interior was well-organized and spacious, offering good headroom and legroom in both rows. The XT5's cargo space was a standout feature, providing 850 litres behind the second-row seats, which was above average for its class. Cadillac retained many physical controls, which made the cabin feel intuitive but somewhat dated. The XT5's interior was functional, with synthetic leather upholstery standard and genuine leather available on higher trims, along with a panoramic sunroof that enhanced the cabin's airy feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with upscale looks and toned-down styling. The TX 350, the likely volume seller, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive. The interior was luxurious, with premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and a dark Peppercorn interior option. The TX's cabin was comfortable, though the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over previous Lexus models. The TX offered ample cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third-row seat and up to 2,746 litres with all seats folded.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in the high-seven-second range. An available V6 engine delivered 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, providing a more suitable performance. However, the XT5 lacked driving excitement and had decent handling but suffered from ride quality issues on rough roads. The XT5's fuel economy was competitive, with the turbo-four and FWD achieving 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.2 on the highway.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, feeling quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly better than the previous RX L model. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing comfort and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, but the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.