Cadillac XT5 vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 aimed to deliver affordable luxury, but its interior fell short of expectations for a high-end brand. The cabin, while spacious and intuitively laid out, featured materials more akin to those found in a Buick or top-trim Chevy. Despite this, the XT5 offered above-average cargo space with 850 litres behind the second-row seats, which helped compensate for its shortcomings. Cadillac retained many physical controls, providing an intuitive feel, though this choice made the cabin seem dated. The XT5 offered good headroom and legroom, with options for synthetic or genuine leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof that enhanced the cabin's airy feel.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was a standout in style and presence, available in two trims: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy. The base Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a striking front grille with LED lighting. The Palisade's profile included body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities, and acoustic side glass. The rear design was equally impressive, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid boasted a thoughtfully crafted interior with organic shapes and high-quality materials. It offered features like H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and Nappa leather on higher trims, creating a sense of craftsmanship not often found in non-luxury crossovers.

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 both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was in the high-seven-second range, but the engine could sound rough under heavy throttle. An available V6 engine delivered 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, providing a more suitable companion for various driving situations. However, the XT5 lacked driving excitement and struggled with handling compared to rivals like the Porsche Macan S and BMW X3. The XT5's fuel economy was competitive, with ratings of 10.9 L/100 km city, 8.2 highway, and 9.7 combined for the turbo-four with FWD.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, on the other hand, redefined hybrid performance with its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a 1.65-kWh battery. The turbo-four engine alone produced 258 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the combined output reached 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, ensured the Palisade Hybrid never lagged in performance. The hybrid system optimized power distribution, enhancing handling and fuel efficiency. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, though the pedal feel was softer, creating a slightly disjointed driving experience.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's interior featured more hard plastics than expected, but it offered practical storage solutions. The centre console storage bin was deeper than anticipated, and front-seat ergonomics were well-designed. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,784 litres with the rear seats folded. This generous cargo capacity was a highlight, surpassing competitors like the Porsche Macan and Genesis GV70. The wide liftgate opening and low load floor made loading and unloading easy.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others like the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-90. The battery's position under the front passenger seat slightly reduced second-row legroom, but the Palisade still provided ample space. The third row offered 815 millimetres of legroom, slightly less than some rivals. The Palisade's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C power outlets, and available captain's chairs. Thoughtful storage solutions included a rubberized cargo space in the centre console and a small shelf ahead of the front passenger seat.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 featured the CUE infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, 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 with 14 speakers and wireless charging was available. While not as advanced as some competitors, the CUE system was user-friendly and not overly distracting.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a matching digital instrument cluster. It supported HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Most trims featured a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and a 15-watt wireless charging pad was standard. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a built-in dashcam, a valuable feature for safety-conscious drivers. The Palisade Hybrid also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the gas engine was off.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 received top "Good" scores in crash tests but missed a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to "Marginal" headlight ratings. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The XT5's safety tech was comprehensive but not class-leading.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, enhancing safety. While crash test results for the 2026 model were unavailable, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.