2021 Cadillac XT5 vs XT6

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 features comfortable and spacious seating in two rows for up to five passengers, with standard synthetic leather upholstery and available genuine leather upholstery. It offers enough legroom and easy entry and exit in both rows. Cargo space is above average for this two-row midsize SUV, with 30.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 63 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. The XT5 is available in three distinctive trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport, with starting prices at $43,995 for the Luxury and ranging to 55,095 for the Sport trim.

The XT6 offers style and distinction that sets it apart from the crowd. It offers three rows of style, with plenty of room for your family and friends; providing seven passenger seating and available captain’s chair configuration for six passengers. Spacious, comfortable, and quiet, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your ride. Premium materials are offered, beginning with the Luxury trim, from exotic woods or carbon fiber to leather appointments and metallic accents and décor. The one downside is the limited cargo space behind the last seat, with just enough space for shopping bags. Cargo space behind the third-row seats is 12.6 cubic feet, with a total of 78.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space when all seats are folded down. There are three choices of trims for the XT6: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Pricing starts at $47,994 for the Luxury and ranges to a starting price of $58,420 for the Sport trim.

The XT5 offers plenty of standard advanced safety features starting with the base Luxury trim, but some available safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane change alert are common standard features in its class. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, Teen Driver, Lane departure warning, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, front pedestrian braking, forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and safety alert seat. There are plenty of standard and available technology features to keep you satisfied. Its infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive with easy-to-use features, but its touch screen is on the small side for a luxury SUV and hard to see at times. The standard CUE infotainment system features an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Safety ratings are overall good for the XT6 in most test results; as well as offering you plenty of standard safety features to help you feel secure on the road. Standard safety features include safety alert seat, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert, IntelliBeam auto high-beam assist, and HD rear vision camera. Higher trims add lane change alert with side blind zone alert, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, front Rainsense wipers, and available Night Vision. The Cadillac XT6 offers a CUE infotainment system, featuring an 8” diagonal touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, eight-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

The XT5 has solid handling, and plenty of power for everyday driving. You will have the choice of two engines – a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235-horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310-horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission is paired with either engine, front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Fuel ranges from 22/29 mpg city/highway for the turbo-four, FWD to 18/26 mpg city/highway for the V6, AWD.

Buyers can choose from either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 237-horsepower or a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine with the XT6. A nine-speed automatic transmission comes with either engine and standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The 3.6 V6 is strong enough for power on the highway and passing, but some competitors' available engines have horsepower ratings higher than the XT6. It has an available Smart Towing Trailering System that includes Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, hitch, hitch cover, 7-wire harness, and a 170-amp alternator and heavy-duty cooling system. This system can tow up to 4,000 pounds. Estimated fuel economy is 18/25 mpg city and highway.