Used 2019 Cadillac XT5

Like its European and Asian rivals, Cadillac is rushing an assortment of SUVs to market, including the new XT4. But many buyers will continue to seek the added space and features offered by the more upscale XT5. There aren’t many changes for 2019, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore this posh and stylish model. The XT5 offers good performance from its 3.6-liter V6, at 310 horsepower one of the most powerful engines offered in the segment. It also features an array of advanced driver-assistance systems, technology like wireless charging, onboard Wi-Fi and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Four XT5 trim levels are available, with a loaded version of the crossover SUV topping out around $70,000.

We’ve spent plenty of time behind the wheel of the XT5, both on the highway and in town, as well as on some twisty back roads. The Cadillac crossover SUV never fails to impress. It offers plenty of comfort, especially on long trips, yet it retains good steering feel and a solid grip on the road, even when being driven aggressively. And all-wheel-drive models are particularly adept at handling wet and wintry conditions. The 3.6-liter powertrain is quick and responsive, though we’d prefer it if the Stop/Start system were a little less obvious when restarting the V6.

The cabin of Cadillac’s XT5 is quiet and elegant. The quality of the materials — including carbon fiber, aluminum and real open-pore wood — and the fit and finish are excellent. That, plus the roomy, sliding second row and tasteful color schemes ensure the interior holds its own against the competition. It’s also wonderfully comfortable and offers more cargo space than many of its 5-passenger rivals. The split-rear seat also folds flat for hauling larger items. Setting it apart are its standard Apple CarPlay, its excellent infotainment system, a color head-up display and the terrific gotta-try-it-to-appreciate-it Rear Camera Mirror.

In a sea of me-too look-alike SUVs with massive gaping grilles, the 2019 Cadillac XT5 stands out with a crisp and clean set of lines, hard-edged elegance and a hint of wedge in its shape. It’s aggressive, and it gets noticed, but the XT5 refuses to shout for attention. It’s understated, unadorned and beautifully detailed. Although it bears a family resemblance to Cadillac’s other models, the new XT5 advances the brand’s design language with jeweled headlights and tighter, stronger proportions. The XT5 with the most visual appeal is the top-of-the-line Platinum, with its unique exhaust and 20-inch wheels.

CADILLAC USER EXPERIENCE
The XT5 has an updated version of the Cadillac User Experience, or Caddy CUE, which is now quicker and more intuitive to use. It is paired with a standard 8-inch screen, onboard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, voice activation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Navigation is available, but it’s standard on the top trims. Wireless phone charging is standard on all models.

DRIVER ASSIST PACKAGE
The 2019 Cadillac XT5 features an array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including forward-collision warning with automatic braking, as well as reverse auto braking, both able to help a driver avoid, or at least the severity of, a crash.

All XT5s come with cruise control, electric parking brake, power front seats, power express up/down windows, 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt-telescopic steering column and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is standard, along with an 8-speaker Bose audio and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Also standard are a rearview camera and dual front, front and rear head-curtain and driver’s-knee airbags. Navigation isn’t standard, but one year of OnStar is, and it can provide turn-by-turn directions. You can also use your smartphone navi with the XT5’s standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Advance driver-assistance features, such as forward and reverse auto braking are offered as options on lower trims and standard on the Platinum grade. Instead of warning you with jarring beeps, you’re alerted through subtle buzzing in the driver’s seat. Tri-zone climate control is available, as are an UltraView sunroof, ventilated seats, head-up display, hands-free power liftgate and DVD rear-seat entertainment. Cadillac also offers 20-inch wheels, a reconfigurable digital gauge cluster and a 14-speaker audio system. All-wheel drive is available on every trim level.

Unlike many of the Cadillac’s competitors, which now use smaller turbocharged engines, the new XT5 boasts a large naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6. It makes over 300 horsepower and features such technologies as variable-valve timing, Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation, direct injection and auto stop/start technology. It also runs on regular gasoline to keep operating costs down. The V6 is backed by a smooth-shifting 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, and the combination provides surprising fuel economy considering its power output. The XT5 is available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive (FWD, AWD).

3.6-liter V6
310 horsepower @ 6,700 rpm
271 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (FWD), 18/25 mpg (AWD)