2025 Cadillac XT5

With a solid base engine, a strong V6 upgrade option, a roomy cabin, the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and standard wireless phone integration and charging, the 2025 Cadillac XT5 can appeal to a wide range of buyers. Then again, the XT5 is now entering its ninth model year, showing its age against the competition. It’s still priced attractively, but with a second-generation version already on sale in China, it’s clear this current XT5 is nearing the end of its road.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize luxury SUVs, including the Cadillac XT5.

The Cadillac XT5 sees no major changes for 2025. The Premium Luxury trim now includes standard 4-wheel independent suspension (it was optional before). Other differences include the deletions of the Platinum package, premium front/rear carpeted mats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Maple Sugar and Jet Black interior colors.

The 2025 Cadillac XT5 is priced competitively for the midsize luxury SUV sector, starting around $45,000 and commonly configured in the low- to mid-$50,000s. The closest rivals — the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Lincoln Nautilus — all begin above $50,000, with midlevel models getting into the low- to mid-$60,000s. That makes the XT5 a relative bargain, especially considering its abundant standard equipment. Even though a second-generation XT5 has been revealed for sale in China, this first-generation model (introduced for the 2017 model year) carries on in the United States for 2025, so most other contenders are newer and higher-tech.

Before buying a Cadillac XT5 midsize luxury SUV, check Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price to see what you should be paying. The XT5’s resale value is near the bottom of its class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Overall, we’ve enjoyed our time behind the wheel of the XT5, thanks to a smooth ride and poised highway demeanor. The ride can get a bit brittle and shaky over rougher stretches, but it makes light work of typical city streets and highways.

While the base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is fairly peppy, it lags behind much of the competition in raw power output. Upgrading to the 310-horsepower V6 takes care of that criticism without sacrificing comfort or much in the way of fuel economy.

The Sport model is the lineup’s most engaging variant. In addition to the V6, it also comes with Brembo front brakes and a sport-tuned suspension.

Fuel Economy

With two engines and the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the 2025 XT5 ranges from 21 mpg combined to 24 mpg combined. The 4-cylinder models achieve 24 mpg combined with front-wheel drive (22 city/29 highway) or 23 mpg combined with all-wheel drive (21 city/27 highway). Both the front-wheel and all-wheel drive V6 models get 21 mpg combined, although the front-wheel-drive model manages one mpg more in city driving.

Compared with its rivals, the XT5 isn’t particularly fuel efficient. The Lexus RX returns 25 mpg combined while making 40 more horsepower. The Lincoln Nautilus includes standard all-wheel drive and is rated at 24 mpg combined.

The 2025 Cadillac XT5’s cabin is spacious and well equipped, but we think the overall design and refinement doesn’t compare well to newer, more modern rivals. Acquiring genuine leather upholstery (instead of the standard simulated stuff)  means upgrading to one of the higher trims. Despite the XT5’s age, however, it does have wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay phone integration.

At 39 inches, the XT5’s rear legroom is on the generous side. The Lexus RX, for example, has 37.4 inches, while the Acura MDX has 38.5 inches. The Lincoln Nautilus, on the other hand, has executive-class rear legroom of 43 inches.

The XT5’s cargo space is also at the larger end of the class, with 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and up to 63 cubic feet with those seats folded. The Lexus RX matches the XT5 behind the second row, but maxes out at just 46.2 cubic feet. The Nautilus outdoes both with 36.4/71.3 cubic feet.

The 2025 XT5 wears an older version of Cadillac’s design language. To our eyes, it’s like a nice suit that’s just slightly out of style — there’s nothing wrong with it, and it still looks acceptable, it’s just a bit dated now. The XT5 is in its ninth model year, so it makes sense that it would appear older than its rivals.

Wireless phone integration
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mean seamless integration with favorite apps all without the hassle of wires. This is standard in all versions of the XT5.

Wireless device charging
Along with wireless phone integration, this feature means no cables are required whatsoever. And we do like keeping an uncluttered cabin.

Cadillac Smart System
This array of standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, rear seat reminder, and Teen Driver mode.

Accent packages
These include 20-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black, body decals, and wheel center caps in blue, bronze, or red.

Sport trim
We think the top-spec XT5 Sport trim is the most fun version, because of its 310-hp V6 engine, dynamic all-wheel-drive system, sport-tuned suspension, and confidence-inspiring Brembo front brakes.

Trailering options
Although the XT5 isn’t the go-to model for heavy-duty trailer work, its towing assistance features include a system that helps line up with a trailer hitch while reversing, plus a hitch-mounted camera. These make towing powersports vehicles or other small loads that much easier.

Of the two engines available in the 2025 XT5, the entry point is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit making 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The upgrade is a 3.6-liter V6 generating 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines come standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission. They can also be fitted with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The Cadillac XT5’s warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain is covered by a 6-year/70,000-mile warranty, which is better than several luxury marques.

Safety Ratings

The 2025 Cadillac XT5 took a maximum 5-star crash test score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety equipment includes lane-keeping assistance with lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, front/rear parking sensors, and more.