2019 Cadillac XT5 review

What We Like:

Styling and design: Unlike its primary rivals from Lexus (wild styling) and Lincoln (glitzy design), the XT5 features a clean, creased, and modern look that is distinctively Cadillac. This approach holds true inside the SUV, too, where minimalism is the rule. With higher trim levels, the XT5’s interior features rich, high-quality materials such as leather, wood, and synthetic suede.

Interior roominess and comfort: Don’t let the XT5’s tidy exterior dimensions fool you. This luxury crossover SUV has a roomy interior with comfortable front and rear seats. They make the XT5 perfect for longer trips, and this Cadillac easily accommodates four adults in its somewhat narrow cabin. And with 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, everyone can bring luggage along for the trip.

Ride and handling: When equipped with its available adaptive suspension, the Cadillac XT5 provides a satisfyingly smooth ride combined with sure-footed handling. Adaptive suspensions continually adjust to the road conditions, better absorbing bumps before a driver or passenger can feel them. They also offer added control of unwanted ride motions and body roll. To get the XT5’s adaptive suspension, you’ll need the Premium Luxury or Platinum trim level.

What Needs Improvement

Interior controls: In its attempt to create a clean, minimalist interior design, Cadillac eliminates too many physical controls from the XT5’s dashboard. For example, to adjust the stereo volume, a touch-sensing slider control substitutes for a traditional knob. In addition, the infotainment system’s voice recognition technology leaves something to be desired, and the instrument cluster contains gauges that are hard to read at a glance.