2018 Cadillac XT5 review

What We Like

Appealing design: The Cadillac XT5 has a cleaner and more appealing design than the SRX model it replaced last year. Distinctive vertical lighting, an attractive grille, and creased lines make the XT5 instantly identifiable as a Cadillac. Inside, high-contrast color combinations add a layer of luxury to the interior. Higher trims feature rich leather, wood trim, and synthetic suede.

Comfortable seats: Though it has tidy exterior dimensions, the XT5 has a roomy interior comfortable for four adults. The front seats are supportive during longer trips, and the rear seat supplies plenty of legroom. The XT5 is a bit narrow, though, so squeezing a fifth passenger into the back seat isn’t easy. The cargo space is usefully shaped and competitive for the class.

Ride and handling: When equipped with its available adaptive suspension, the XT5 offers a smooth ride combined with responsive handling. Adaptive suspensions automatically adjust to help reduce ride harshness while controlling unwanted body roll and motion. The XT5’s adaptive suspension is standard with the Premium Luxury and Platinum trim levels.

What Needs Improvement

Interior controls: Cadillac has long struggled to convey a high-tech image without hurting the user experience, and while the XT5 demonstrates some improvement in this area, it remains less than ideal. From a speedometer that is difficult to read at a glance and a confusing electronic transmission shifter to an irritating lack of stereo knobs and a frustrating voice recognition system, the XT5’s controls and displays cause aggravation.