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The Cadillac XT5 offers luxury trappings in a midsize SUV package, but with prices higher than ever, is it smarter to buy new or used?
New vs Used: Cadillac XT5
When it comes to luxury SUVs, Cadillac’s giant Escalade is arguably one of the most well-known examples. So, it makes sense that back in 2017, GM’s high-end division rolled out the Cadillac XT5 midsize SUV to replace an aging SRX and further bolster their SUV lineup. Aside from a mid-cycle refresh in 2020 that brought a revised front end and additional engine option, the XT5 has not changed much since inception. Given the high prices currently found across the new and used car market, this comparison of a 2022 against 2017 Cadillac XT5 is intended to look at the best value between the two.
Specs
Dimensionally, the two-row, five-passenger XT5 has not changed since being introduced in 2017, with a footprint that puts it in competition with the likes of a Volvo XC60 and Genesis GV70. It offers ample cargo space with 30 cubic feet of room behind the second row and 63 cubic feet when folded. Early models were available only with a 3.6L V6 featuring direct injection and variable valve timing that made 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels in base configuration, AWD was optional for the 2017 Cadillac XT5.
The 2022 XT5 still offers the same V6 setup on higher trims but a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder is now standard and produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Check out our article on different types of engine configurations for more detail on the differences. Both engine options for the 2022 Cadillac XT5 are mated to a 9-speed automatic and are also offered with a twin-clutch AWD system.
Driving and Performance
Focused on comfort over performance, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 features a fully independent suspension including a five-link rear setup for composed handling. Weighing in at around 4,000 pounds, that V6 was good for a 6.5-second run to 60 mph per period Motor Trend testing, which is enough to get up to highway speed though not exactly a ‘bahn burner. The V6 setup achieved 19 mpg in city driving and 27 on the highway in FWD guise, figures that drop to 18 and 26, respectively, with AWD. These ratings remain the same for a new, 2022 XT5.
Additional commonalities across the new and used V6-powered XT5 include automatic engine start/stop tech and active fuel management, which can shut down two cylinders to improve efficiency. There is also an available Continuous Damping Control system that adjusts damping based on road conditions for the best possible ride. Finally, when properly equipped, the XT5 has a max tow rating of 3,500 pounds whether it is new or used.
Something you will not find on the 2017 XT5 is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder motor, as it was not introduced until 2020. Making 75 fewer horses than the V6, the pokier acceleration of this power plant is offset by improved fuel efficiency. It is estimated to achieve 22 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway in FWD setup, with lower figures for AWD models. Another upgrade on the 2022 XT5 is the top-spec Sport trim featuring a performance-tuned suspension and beefier Brembo braking system.
Comfort and Interior
From leatherette up to quilted semi-aniline leather, open-pore wood and even carbon fiber trim inside, the Cadillac XT5 is properly attired for the luxury market. The higher you move up the trim ladder, the fancier the accoutrements become whether you buy new or used. Standard acoustic laminated front glass, available heated and cooled seats and a second row that slides and reclines is also common across the first-gen XT5.
This theme of finding similar levels of luxury amenities in a new or used XT5 continues as this SUV is still in its first generation. Of course, thanks to vehicle depreciation, which we dive into here, you can get your hands on those features for less money with the used model. This includes everything from heated rear seats and a panoramic sunroof to a digital rearview mirror and heated steering wheel. Across the board, dual-zone automatic climate control is standard but the triple-zoned setup available on a 2022 XT5 is not something you will find on the 2017 model.
Trims and Features
For 2017, the Cadillac XT5 was broken into four trim levels from base to top-spec Platinum. To access any advanced driver-assistance systems, you would need at least a Premium Luxury model that came with blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. Every 2017 XT5 came with an 8-inch infotainment display along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging pad.
You can find a used XT5 with high-tech features like a head-up display, adaptive cruise control and digital rearview mirror but only on the Platinum model with optional packages. These same features are also reserved for the top dog Sport trim on a 2022 XT5, one of three available models. A major shift on the new model is a much deeper roster of lineup standard ADAS.
That includes forward collision alert with automated emergency braking, safety alert seat and a following distance indicator. Lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning is also standard fare but blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert requires a mid-pack Premium Luxury XT5 and adaptive cruise control is still a package option. Additional improvements on the new XT5 versus the 2017 model include wireless smartphone integration and Amazon Alexa Built-In on all trim levels. Further differentiating the new XT5 is the Sport model that comes with the option for Cadillac’s slick night vision system and a bird’s-eye view surround vision camera system.
Conclusions
There is no doubt that a new 2022 Cadillac XT5 offers a large helping of the latest tech and features, many of which are found on our list of top 10 must have car features, but it does not come cheap when compared to a used model. Shopping for a 2017 XT5 with between 30,000 and 40,000 miles reveals a price range of about $27,000 for base trim to just about $40,000 for a loaded Platinum.
A 2022 Cadillac XT5 starts at $45,140. Tick all the boxes on a Sport model and that number balloons to nearly $68,000. These are big swings in cost that can be justified by a higher level of standard advanced driver assistance systems and some added tech like the night vision system. However, I would happily buy a lightly used 2017 Cadillac XT5 to drive a nicely appointed luxury SUV and save at least $15,000 over a similarly equipped 2022 model.
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