Cadillac offers luxury buyers an SUV option in every size, including the midsize XT6 and XT5 models. The pair provides a luxury SUV experience at a reasonable price, which is not always the case. They also feature a common design language that sets them apart from other SUVs in the segment. There are some differences as the XT6 offers 3-row seating and room for seven passengers. Meanwhile, the XT5 is a 2-row SUV with seating for five in a spacious cabin.
Let’s take a deep dive into these Cadillac SUVs and see what separates them.
2024 Cadillac XT6
The XT6 offers a spacious cabin with seating for up to seven passengers courtesy of 3-row seating that is among the roomiest in the midsize segment. When you aren’t carrying a full load, folding down the third row gives you a spacious cargo area.
Once inside, you’ll find all the standard accouterments expected in a luxury vehicle, such as leather seats and wireless phone technologies. Unlike its smaller siblings in the “XT” family, the Super Cruise hands-free driving system is available on the XT6.
Like the XT5 and XT4, the XT6’s base powerplant is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, putting out 237 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. While it’s fine for smaller vehicles, buyers are better served upgrading to the 310-hp V6 turbo. Regardless of engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard, with an option for all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing begins at $50,190, including destination fee.
Cadillac XT6 Highlights
Safety smarts:The Cadillac Smart System makes the luxury SUV affordable and safe. The suite’s standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a safety alert vibrating seat, rear parking sensors, and a Teen Driver mode.
Plenty of seating: This midsize SUV offers 3-row seating, unlike the 2-row XT5, which allows it to carry as many as seven people. The third row is among the most spacious in the segment.
Super Cruise: Optional on the Premium Luxury and Sport trims, the company’s sophisticated Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system allows for hands-free driving on highways mapped by Cadillac. This tech feature is unavailable on the XT5.
Check this week’sFair Purchase Priceor see the XT6 models near you.
2024 Cadillac XT5
The XT5 is a midsize SUV that looks good on the outside and feels good on the inside while offering plenty of space for five passengers and their cargo.
The base model comes with faux leather trim, but moving up to Premium Luxury or Sport models gets you leather seats and more soft-touch, premium materials. However, the exterior and interior styling has remained unchanged for several years, so it may seem a bit dated.
One aspect of the XT5 that isn’t dated is the ride and handling, at least on pavement. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, putting out 235 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Buyers wanting a little more zip can upgrade to the 310-hp V6 turbo. Regardless of engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard with an option for all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing begins at $45,290, including destination fees.
Cadillac XT5 Highlights
Budget-friendly: The Cadillac XT5’s big advantage over the XT6 is its value proposition. In addition to being almost $5,000 cheaper, the XT5 is also the more fuel-efficient option. Those cost savings can add up over the years, and it’s something to consider if you don’t need 3-row seating.
Going wireless: All but the base trim comes standard with a wireless charging pad. This makes it easy to keep the battery in your phone topped off without fussing with wires.
Platinum trim: The posh Platinum Package available on the Premium Luxury and Sport trims adds extra luxury to the XT5 with extra-soft, semi-aniline leather seating, a suede microfiber headliner, premium carpeted floor mats, and more.
Check this week’sFair Purchase Priceor see the XT5 models near you.
Similarities
These identical cousins share a design language, powertrain options, and a wide range of technologies, from wireless charging to the Smart System.
Conclusion
While they are nearly the same in many ways, there are some stark differences. The XT6 carries up to seven people and offers Super Cruise, the hands-free semi-autonomous driving technology. Neither is an option on the XT5. The winner here depends on your bank account and the number of seats you really need in a luxury SUV.
2024 Cadillac XT6 | 2024 Cadillac XT5 | |
Starting Price | $50,190 | $45,290 |
Popular Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 237 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 235 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
Fuel Economy | 21 city/27 highway/23 combined | 22 city/29 highway/24 combined |
Also Available | 3.6-liter V6/AWD | 3.6-liter V6/AWD |
Specs | ||
Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 112.7 inches | 112.0 inches |
Overall Length | 198.5 inches | 189.6 inches |
Width | 77.3 inches | 74.9 inches |
Height | 69.9 inches | 66.1 inches |
Turning Diameter | 38.7 feet | 38.7 feet |
Headroom, Front | 39.8 inches | 37.9 inches |
Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 36.6 inches |
Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.2 inches | N/A |
Legroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 41.2 inches |
Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 39.0 inches |
Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.5 inches | N/A |
Shoulder Room, Front | 58.3 inches | 58.3 inches |
Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 57.4 inches | 56.3 inches |
Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.5 inches | N/A |
Cargo Volume | 12.6/43.1/78.7 cubic feet | 30.0/63.0 cubic feet |