XT5 CROSSOVER SUV TAKES OVER

FOR SRX AS CADILLAC’S SALES LEADER

Since the SRX became Cadillac’s best-selling vehicle during its 13-year run, it isn’t surprising that its successor, the XT5 crossover SUV, would assume the same role, and it has.

Though it has yet to match the sales popularity of the SRX, which hit a model sales high of 68,850 for 2015, the next-to-last year of production, the XT5 still outpaced every other Cadillac model with a reported 49,878 sold in the U.S. in 2019. That tops the iconic Escalade (35,424) and its XT4 (31,987) and XT6 (11,560) siblings and easily outpaces the top-selling Cadillac sedans, the XTS (11,306) and CT6 (7,952).

To keep the XT5 on pace with a challenging field of competitors, Cadillac has updated the 2020 model with numerous changes that include new interior color schemes, a revised   infotainment system, and a new base engine.

Available only with a V6 at its 2017 debut, the XT5 now comes standard with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine on Luxury and Premium Luxury trims. It is rated at 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. of torque compared to the 310/271, respectively, in the V6 while offering respectable fuel mileage of 21 miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The V6 is standard on the top-of-the-line Sport trim and also is available on Luxury and Premium Luxury models. Each engine gets its own version of a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The other major change is with the infotainment system. The company’s CUE system (Cadillac User Experience) that was introduced some years back came under heavy criticism for its problems and annoyances and actually was the target of a class action lawsuit last year.

The new system still can take some getting used to, but is a step up from its predecessor, which was overly sensitive, susceptible to sun glare issues, and often slow to respond. It gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

This review is based on the Premium Luxury trim that carries a base MSRP of $46,795.

Standard equipment on Premium Luxury models includes the 4-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive (AWD is available), 18-inch wheels, SiriusXM satellite radio capability,  Bose premium audio, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, LED headlights and taillights, LED daytime running lights, leather seating surfaces, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar support, heated steering wheel, sunroof, wireless charging and a bevy of safety features that include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and front and rear parking assist.

An optional Platinum Package upgrades the leather seats for all rows and adds a suede headliner among other things for an extra $4,850.

Other options on my test XT5 were a technology package that features a surround-view camera; a driver assistance package that includes lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control; a comfort package that includes tri-zone climate control and ventilated front and rear seats, and navigation with the CUE infotainment system.

It also came with 20-inch wheels over the standard 18s.

The issue there, of course, is that all those options and packages added nearly $14,000 to the base MSRP before the $995 destination and delivery charge was added.

What I liked about the 2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury: The turbo-4 engine delivers adequate power in a fuel efficient manner. The overall ride is quiet and comfortable and well up to what you expect from a Cadillac. The XT5 also comes in at the right size — not too big and not too small. Cadillac added a button to deactivate the stop/start system.

What I didn’t like about the 2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury: The console storage compartment is too small, especially considering what you typically have with an SUV. The 8-inch touchscreen also is a bit on the small side by today’s standards.

Would I buy the 2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury? Not sure, but I’d definitely give it a look if I were shopping in the segment. Like many others, I really liked the SRX, much more than the Escalade. Desirable options oquickly drive the final cost up and take away from the XT5’s price advantage, however. The bottom line for my test XT5 was $63,715.