Cadillac 2017 XT5

Introduction

The XT5 brings about a fresh design, lightweight construction, generous passenger space and an unfamiliar name. Though roughly the same size as the outgoing SRX, the XT5's wheelbase stretches about 2 inches longer. This pushes the wheels farther against the front and rear bumpers, opening extra interior space in the process. Other interior improvements include a renewed focus on the quality of materials, including the availability of higher-end leathers in the top Platinum trim. This trim also delivers cool new tech features.

In addition to the newfound interior space and features, the XT5 also benefits from significantly lighter construction than the SRX. This weight loss helps it ride better, consume less fuel and accelerate more quickly. The driving experience is further improved by enlarged and relocated sideview mirrors, which aid outward visibility. For now, Cadillac is sticking with a 3.6-liter V6 as the XT5's sole engine.

XT5 prices start at $39,990 and crest at $65,835 for an all-wheel-drive Platinum edition with the optional Driver Assist package (park assist, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control).

The base XT5 comes standard with:
- a rearview camera
- 18-inch wheels
- a power rear liftgate with memory height
- rear parking sensors
- LED daytime running lights
- a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- automatic headlights
- leatherette upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat
- a six-way power passenger seat
- dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry and remote engine start.
- a 40/20/40-split sliding and reclining second-row seat
Technology features include:
- voice commands
- An 8-inch central touchscreen with the CUE infotainment interface
- a Bose eight-speaker sound system with satellite radio
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, OnStar (with a 4G LTE connection and WiFi hotspot capability)
- four USB ports and an auxiliary input jack.
- GM's wireless device charging
Special Features

Every XT5 comes with an infotainment system called Cadillac User Interface (CUE). CUE now responds quickly to inputs, but the display can appear cluttered at times, especially when using the optional navigation. Fortunately, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across all models and provide a friendlier user experience.

Where previous Cadillacs used touch-sensitive panels to adjust things like climate settings, every switch in the XT5 is a physical button. We welcome this change, as the tactile sensations of real buttons take the needless guesswork out of setting the temperature or the level of desired seat heating. Unfortunately, there's still no volume dial. Instead you swipe your finger across a horizontal bar below the infotainment screen. As it doesn't have the accuracy or response of a dial, we were content using the physical steering wheel controls.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard.

Upgrading to the Luxury trim gets you leather upholstery, an eight-way power front passenger seat, front seat power lumbar, heated front seats, driver memory settings, a heated steering wheel, interior accent lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a panoramic sunroof. Added safety features for the Luxury include front parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. The cargo area receives a management system and a retractable shade.

Options for the XT5 Luxury include a towing package, ventilated front seats, heated outer rear seats, three-zone climate control and a navigation system that comes bundled with a 14-speaker Bose stereo. The upgraded stereo also allows one to opt for LED headlights with front park and cornering lamps. A Driver Awareness package adds forward collision alert and mitigation (with automatic braking and pedestrian detection), lane departure warning and intervention, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Advanced Security package includes an alarm that senses vehicle movement outside and in, a locking steering column, door lock and latch shields, and locking wheel lugs.

The 2017 XT5 is quiet and comfortable on the highway.

The XT5 employs a few tricks to boost fuel economy: The engine turns off when you come to a stop and restarts when you're ready to move, and the V6 will occasionally run on four cylinders alone. The 3.6-liter V6 easily motivates the XT5, and it does so with impressive quietness. You only hear the engine after standing on the gas pedal for extended periods, but even then it's still subdued.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 comes with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque and is joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available on all trims except for the base and is capable of sending 100 percent of its power to either the front or rear wheels. Power can be further apportioned to individual wheels, depending on traction needs in rain, snow, ice or other surface conditions. Their XT5’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder has fewer ponies but a torque curve that rises 9-percent higher and peaks 2000-rpm lower than does the V-6’s. Cadillac was unable to offer this engine in the States or in Europe in spite of the popularity of the generally more fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbo configuration among the XT5’s competitive set.

An automatic engine stop-start feature to help save fuel at stoplights is also standard. The EPA rates front-drive models at 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway), while the all-wheel-drive XT5 gets a rating of 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway).

When equipped with the optional Trailering package, the XT5 offers 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.
Safety

Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front airbags, curtain airbags, driver knee airbag and OnStar support, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen vehicle assistance.

Most XT5s will be optioned with a Driver Awareness package that includes forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, lane departure warning and intervention, front pedestrian detection, forward collision mitigation and a seat that vibrates to alert its driver if it senses the vehicle drifting or nearing an obstacle when parking. An optional Driver Assist package (Premium Luxury and Platinum trims) bolsters these features with added collision mitigation functionality.

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 has excellent forward visibility. The large sideview mirrors sit on the door versus ahead of the side windows, opening up the space in front of the driver. And though only available with the Platinum trim, a rear camera mirror looks to be a promising safety feature. Flipping a switch on the mirror activates a video feed from a camera mounted above the rear license plate. The wide-angle image shows a rear view unobstructed by rear headrests or roof pillars. We weren't able to test it extensively, but found it capable of solving rear visibility concerns at the cost of minor disorientation.
Interior Design

The 2017 Cadillac XT5's interior presents a renewed focus on design and quality of materials. At 30 cubic feet behind the second row, cargo capacity compares favorably to the Audi Q5 and Lexus RX 350. The second row folds flat and extends storage space to 63 cubic feet. Elsewhere in storage, front passengers will find a clever pass-through cubby underneath the center console. It's sized to fit a handbag or purse.

     
We do like the XT5's spacious interior. The second row will feel roomy to normal-sized adults, with plenty of knee- and legroom -- enough to cross your legs. Even though the size of the XT5 is roughly the same as the SRX it replaces, Cadillac added 3.2 inches of rear legroom by moving the front and rear wheels closer to the corners. Rear headroom is a little tight, but you can recline the rear seatbacks to give yourself some extra space. The second row also slides forward and back, either benefiting legroom or storage space. Backseat passengers will also appreciate the two USB ports for charging devices.