The Cadillac XT5 2023 is a practical and price-conscious choice in mid-sized luxury SUVs. This recent model has a dashing look with sturdy roof pillars, a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more intuitive gear change, with the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine as the base engine.
The engine runs smoothly and the power is linear. Still, it lacks the natural acceleration of some turbocharged rivals, such as the 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V, which is available with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.
Despite feeling lazy, the XT5 is well powered. Consumer reports expect the car to be more reliable in the future compared to other average new SUVs on the market. Interested in the Cadillac XT5? Here are three things Consumer Reports likes about the 2023 Cadillac XT5.
1. The 2023 Cadillac XT5 has a luxurious interior
The interior of the 2023 Cadillac XT5 is visually appealing and comfortable with its luxurious and exquisitely detailed lavish cabin. All trims above the base trim have genuine leather trim. However, the basic trim has beautiful leatherette seats.
Most panels, such as the edges of the center console, have a soft-touch material covered with extra pieces of wood, chrome and fine stitching that adorn the dashboard and parts of the doors.
As you move up the model range, you get more lavish interior features, just like any premium SUV in its class. For example, the Platinum package enhances interior materials with semi-aniline leather seats, premium carpeted floor mats and more, while the Premium Luxury trim adds an ultra-visible sunroof.
According to Consumer Reports, only minor assembly imperfections were found on the back of the front seatbacks. Also, a cheap-feeling safety screen in the cargo area detracts from the luxurious premium feel of the cabin interior.
2. Consumer Reports likes the XT5’s roomy rear seat
Despite the compact size of the 2023 Cadillac XT5, the rear seat has generous knee and head room. The rear seat in the XT5 is fairly snug and provides plenty of support for long journeys. Also included, according to Cadillac, are heated outer rear seats and genuine leather upholstery with an adjustable recline.
During the test drive, Consumer Reports found in the backseat that the firm, flat cushions generally provide good support and comfort. Still, the lower pad is significantly short, reducing thigh support. This can be tiring for smaller passengers. Nevertheless, the flat floor creates good foot space for the passenger in the middle seat.
3. The 2023 Cadillac XT5 front seats are supportive and comfortable
The front seats in the 2023 Cadillac XT5 are supportive and comfortable as they are well-shaped and firmly padded. Even better, there’s an extension on the lower driver’s seat cushion to provide more thigh support and comfort. Standard power seat adjustments are available to provide different positioning options.
Consumer reports revealed that power lumbar support for the front seats is standard on all 2023 Cadillac XT5, aside from base trim. Conversely, it only fits in and out. Also, the left footrest was considered intrusive, forcing the driver to sit at an angle in his seat, compromising the support and luxury of the left thigh.
In particular, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist are standard in the 2023 Cadillac XT5. Other features, such as Blind Spot Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, are standard on all but the base model.
According to Consumer Reports, the 2023 Cadillac XT5 is a worthy purchase with significantly improved handling compared to the 2021 model. It remains sturdy, stable and absorbent on the road, just like any other SUV in its class.
Related: Consumer Reports Recommends Only 1 Cadillac Model for 2022