Head-to-Head: 2022 Cadillac XT5 vs Lincoln Nautilus
Both the Cadillac XT5 and the Lincoln Nautilus deliver luxurious driving experiences in a stylish and practical form. Read on to see which one is best.
Cadillac XT5 vs Lincoln Nautilus
If you’re looking for a midsized crossover that delivers tons of luxury, a dash of performance, and lots of practicality, both the Cadillac XT5 and the Lincoln Nautilus are worth a look. These two crossovers will make every drive an indulgence with leather lined interiors and some impressive technology. Read our comparison below to see which one we think comes out on top.
Cadillac XT5 vs Lincoln Nautilus Specs
The XT5 and Nautilus are surprisingly well aligned crossovers, offering very similar specifications. Let’s start with the Cadillac. The XT5 seats five people with a generous 37.9-inches of headroom for the front passengers and 36.6 inches for the rear passengers. Total passenger volume is 104.5 cubic feet. The XT5 rides on a wheelbase that measures 112.5 inches while the total length is 189.6 inches. Cargo room in the XT5 is generous with 30 cubic feet behind the 2nd row of seats which can expand up to 63 cubic feet with the 2nd row seat folded.
The Lincoln Nautilus also seats five people but offers a bit more headroom with front passengers enjoying 39.9 inches and the rear passengers 39.2 inches. The total passenger volume for the Nautilus is also a bit more than the Cadillac with 108.3 cubic feet. The wheelbase measures 112.2 inches and the total length is 190 inches. These larger dimensions also mean the Nautilus has more cargo room with 37.2 cubic feet behind the 2nd row that increases to 68.8 cubic feet by folding the 2nd row rear seat.
Both vehicles offer a choice between two powertrains. The entry point for the Cadillac XT5 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Lincoln’s entry point is also a 2.0-liter turbocharged four and has a slight edge by producing 250 horsepower 280 lb-ft of torque. When it comes to fuel economy, both achieve similar EPA ratings when comparing all-wheel drive models with the XT5 getting 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The Nautilus achieves 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The Cadillac’s superior numbers are mitigated by requiring premium fuel while the Lincoln makes do with regular.
The step up in the Cadillac brings a 3.6-litler V6 engine that develops 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Lincoln’s V6 is a 2.7-liter turbocharged unit that spins out 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy figures for the AWD V6 models is also very similar with the Cadillac getting 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined compared to the Lincoln’s 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Driving and Performance
As is the story with these two crossovers, the driving experience is fairly similar. The four-cylinder options feel the most similar as they are both turbocharged, so torque is available down low in the revs. The Nautilus has a higher curb weight, so its small horsepower advantage isn’t very pronounced. There is a bigger difference in how the two V6 models drive. The Cadillac’s V6 is naturally aspirated which means it really needs to rev to access its performance potential. The Lincoln, on the other hand, has a turbocharged V6 so it responds with more urgency when low in the rev range.
Both crossovers optimize their efficiency and performance with advanced automatic transmissions. The Cadillac has a nine-speed while the Lincoln comes with an eight-speed and both offer the ability to select the desired gear manually. Both models also offer the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but the Lincoln’s V6 is only available with the all-wheel drive.
Comfort and Interior
Both manufacturers strive to impress you when you’re seated in these two vehicles. Both drip with luxurious touches, but they go about it in slightly different ways. The Cadillac XT5 feels a bit edgier, and maybe a bit more modern as a result. Available natural wood or carbon fiber trim let you create your ideal aesthetic. The infotainment system features a large, easy to use touchscreen and benefit from things like wireless smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. A feature unique to the Cadillac is the available Night-Vision system that displays a thermal image to help you see beyond what your headlights can illuminate. You’ll keep perfectly comfortable in any weather with the optional heated and ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel. You can read a more in depth review of the Cadillac XT5 here.
When you step into the Lincoln, you’re greeted by an interior that feels a touch more classic in its layout. However, there is still tons of the latest technology offered. The 12.3-inch driver display clearly displays all the information you need and lets you configure things to your liking. All of the climate control and media controls are placed on an ergonomically designed pad that falls easily to hand making adjustments a breeze. The highlight of the technology could be the 13.2-inch touchscreen display with the powerful SYNC 4 system to make accessing features like navigation easy. Lincoln offers a variety of colors and materials for the interior including Santos Rosewood for an earthier feel. Available ambient lighting helps set the perfect mood. If you want to learn more about the Lincoln Nautilus and its luxurious features, you can read more here.
Trims and Features
Cadillac offers three trim options for the XT5, starting with the Luxury trim. This trim is only available with the 2.0-liter engine, but can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. Standard safety features on the Luxury trim includes an HD rear vision camera, IntelliBeam auto high beam headlights, and Lane Keep Assist. 18-inch wheels come standard. Inside you get a Bose premium 8-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated, 6-way power adjustable front seats. Move up to the Premium Luxury trim and you get the choice of engine, upgraded Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system, the Advanced Security Package, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. At the top is the Sport trim which comes exclusively with the V6 and all-wheel drive. Other upgrades include Brembo front performance brakes, 20-inch wheels, and the option to upgrade to the HD Surround Vision Camera. To figure out if you should buy a new or used XT5, read our article here.
Lincoln also offers three trim levels on the Nautilus. All three trims levels let you choose between the four-cylinder and V6 engines. The entry Standard trim level comes with things like the Lincoln Embrace, which senses you approaching and lights up to welcome you. You also get Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 which has a number of safety technologies to help make every drive a little safer. 18-inch wheels are standard, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The next step up with the Reserve trim, which offers three choices. The Reserve level include the optional luxury package, a wireless charging pad, and heated and ventilated front seats, the Reserve I comes with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus Package, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and the Revel Audio System with 13 speakers. Choose the Reserve II level and you’ll get 21-inch wheels, the Ultimate Package, and the Class II Trailer Tow Package. At the top, the Black Label trim maximizes luxury with a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, Alcantara headliner, and a heated steering wheel.
Conclusions
Buying a car is a deeply personal thing and it can be hard to give advice. When it comes to well-equipped and luxury crossovers like the Cadillac XT5 and the Lincoln Nautilus both offer a lot to like. The Cadillac is a bit edgier looking, both inside and out. The Lincoln offers a more traditional looking take on luxury. In this author’s opinion, the Lincoln would be the way to go. It’s engines offer a bit more power, the interior is a little more spacious, and, despite its more classically styled interior, the Nautilus is dripping with interior tech. But, as always, take the time to check out both crossovers in person, take them for a drive, and see which model speaks to you more.
