If there’s anything to take away from this 2023 Cadillac XT5 review, it’s the sense of shock I felt when walking up to it for the very first time.
The XT5 is a big honkin’ midsize SUV. Much bigger than I was expecting. It’ll fill nearly any parking space you can squeeze it into with very little room to spare.
I actually didn’t like it at first. However, after a full day of driving, it started to grow on me. No pun intended.
My full (and totally unbiased) review of the 2023 Cadillac XT5
I rented the XT5 you see in these pictures at the Seattle Tacoma International Airport. I certainly didn’t need an SUV to drive around for the day, but they offered me a deal I couldn’t resist. I’m easily persuaded.
Styling and design
Prior to this drive, I knew exactly nothing about the Cadillac XT5. The picture on the rental car app looked nice enough (even nicer than the image of the BMW X3 displayed right next to it). I tend to make my biggest decisions in life based on looks, so I was very much looking forward to driving around in this stylish SUV for a day.
Walking up to it for the first time, I honestly thought that they assigned the wrong vehicle to me. I wasn’t expecting an SUV that freaking big.
The XT5 commands a presence. It towers above most everything else in the immediate area, and it’ll be pushing the boundaries of nearly any parking spot. For reference, it feels a lot taller than the 2020 Porsche Macan that I recently reviewed.
Despite its intimidating size, it’s actually a quite good looking vehicle. It’s well styled without being obnoxious (not something I can say about all Cadillacs), and dare I say it, I think it looks classy. Most importantly, it’s not the kind of SUV that I would feel embarrassed to be seen in.
Engine and performance
The XT5 featured in this review had the 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 235 horsepower and 258 lb ft of torque. Honestly? It wasn’t enough for an SUV of this size.
I wouldn’t necessarily say that it feels underpowered. The problem is that it’s not powerful enough to feel luxurious. Any vehicle at this price point needs to have enough omph to put a s*** eating grin on my face. Sorry, but there’s just no way I could spend that much money on something that accelerates less dramatically than a 2013 Camry.
Interior
Just when you thought I had nothing nice to say about the 2023 XT5, I’m about to gush (disgustingly) about how ridiculously nice – and comfortable – the interior is. I did the same in my review of the 2023 Cadillac CT4 – and I’m starting to send a pattern here.
The last Cadillac SUV that I drove was a 2016 SRX. Not only was it as exciting as an insurance seminar, it was about as comfortable as any other mass produced General Motors product. Thankfully, the 2023 XT5 hits differently.
The interior is incredibly spacious, well laid out, and is as quiet as a church. Well, except when you’re accelerating away from a stoplight. Ain’t nothing is going to mask the sound of that wimpy 2.0 L four-cylinder making a ruckus just a few feet in front of you.
Handling
Look. The XT5 is a portly vehicle. You’re not going to be able to whip it around tight canyon roads with any sort of grace. You’re going to look like a total idiot trying to keep up with smaller (and far more agile) challengers in the other lane.
That said, you’ll be extremely comfortable in normal driving conditions. It tackles most road conditions exactly how you might expect a 3915 lb SUV would. Cruising down the freeway at 75 mph feels like gliding on a cloud. Traversing potholed roads ain’t nothing but a thing thanks to the fully independent suspension with magnetic ride control. It’s just as perfect for road trips as it is for being a soothing daily driver.
Fuel economy
The only nice thing I can say about the 2.0 L engine is that fuel economy is excellent (as long as you’re not driving like an idiot). Unfortunately, I drive like an idiot sometimes, so I only managed 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
Practicality
I’m of the opinion that a 2023 Cadillac XT5 would be an excellent daily driver. It feels like an level luxury SUV to me – something you could feel proud to own, but not afraid to drive hard. It’s nothing special. Parts are cheap. Nearly any mechanic could work on it.
Getting into and out of it is relatively easy (even for the vertically challenged). Visibility is excellent. Rear storage space is more than ample. It’s the perfect SUV for 90% of the population IMHO.
Pros and cons
If I sounded overly negative in this review, it’s only because I’ve never been all that big of a fan of large SUVs. That said, I can appreciate something good when I see (and feel) it. The 2023 Cadillac XT5 is good. It’s not for me, but I can highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a cost effective way of getting into a somewhat luxurious SUV.
Pros
- The bang for the buck is quite good. It feels 80% as good as a Mercedes or Lexus for a fraction of the price.
- It’s the ultimate highway cruiser. It’s one of the most comfortable vehicles I’ve ever driven on the interstate.
- It looks great. Not cutting edge (nor award-winning), but stylish nonetheless.
Cons
- Build quality is questionable. It doesn’t have that solid “milled from a solid chunk of metal” feel to it (like a Lexus would have).
- Resale value is horrible. Cadillac SUVs don’t hold their value well over the long run, so expect to lose money on it no matter how long it’s in your possession.
- The 2.0 L four-cylinder isn’t enough. It just isn’t.