Audi Q7 vs Cadillac XT5

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refreshed design with its 55 TFSI model, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine. This model, priced at $86,100 with the Technik trim, showcased updated front and rear styling, new wheels, and lighting elements that aligned it with the flagship Q8 model. Inside, the Q7 adopted a high-tech dashboard from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and modern vibe, enhanced by multi-colour ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 aimed to reclaim Cadillac’s reputation for refinement with its updated design and technology. The XT5 featured a more snub-nosed exterior with standard LED lights and 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch designs available. Inside, the Premium Luxury trim offered cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents, elevating its elegance. The interior design focused on simplicity and thoughtful material placement, providing a more upscale feel than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The XT5’s cabin was designed to offer a chic and sophisticated experience, with a focus on elegance and comfort.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was equipped with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q7 featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to enhance fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 11.2 L/100 km during testing. The SUV accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a towing capacity of nearly 3,500 kilograms. The Technik trim included an adaptive air suspension, providing a smooth ride and agile handling, while the cabin remained remarkably quiet due to dual-pane acoustic glass.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 with 310 horsepower. The V6, standard on the Sport trim, was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT5’s fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 9.4 L/100 km during testing, better than the estimated 11.2 L/100 km. The SUV’s handling was smooth, with the Sport mode providing more dynamic shifts. However, the engine start-stop technology affected the climate control system, which could be inconvenient in hot weather. The XT5’s AWD system offered good traction, and the SUV handled various road conditions with ease.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers due to the cramped third row. With the third row folded, cargo space increased from 402 litres to 1,010 litres, and up to 1,970 litres with both rear rows down. The Technik trim provided comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front seats, ample legroom in the second row, and a panoramic sunroof. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console and door-panel bins offering minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably, though the rear seat offered limited headroom. The SUV provided 850 litres of cargo space, with a deep rear area hampered by wheel bump-outs. The XT5 featured a cargo-management system and a hands-free power liftgate. Interior storage was limited, with small cubbies and map pockets. The front seats, while heated, were not as comfortable on long trips due to a hard cushion. The XT5’s interior was designed for practicality, with a focus on cargo space and ease of use.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for infotainment and vehicle settings. The system included voice and handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Audi Connect services. While intuitive, the touchscreens were sometimes unresponsive due to dry fingertips. The Technik trim featured a head-up display and a Bose sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based WiFi hotspot. The XT5 offered a rear camera mirror, a digital instrument cluster, and an available head-up display. The infotainment system was functional, though the rotary controller crowded the screen’s aesthetics. The XT5’s technology focused on connectivity and ease of use, with a range of standard and available features.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system was problematic, leading to unexpected braking. The Q7’s HD Matrix LED headlights were rated "poor" by the IIHS due to glare, but the SUV received high ratings for collision protection.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. The Night Vision system enhanced nighttime visibility, though it was not foolproof. The XT5 also included Teen Driver software, allowing parents to monitor and limit vehicle features. The XT5’s safety technology provided a balance of alert capability without being intrusive.