Otherwise known as the SRX before that model was technically discontinued in 2016, the 2019 Cadillac XT5 resembles many of the crossover SUVs pounding down the pavement today. This year’s variant shows a bit more sophistication and luxury, both inside and out. Smallest in Caddy’s SUV lineup (alongside the cheaper XT4), the 2019 XT5 might just be the high-end ride you’re looking for if you value quality interior materials and a stunning curb appeal.

We’ve gathered the basic facts on the 2019 Cadillac XT5 so that when you make your way to the dealership, you’ll already have a feel for what to expect. From the available colors to the various trim levels, one look at our article and you’ll know if the 2019 XT5 makes the cut or not. Happy car shopping!

Performance

The 2019 XT5 gains its power from a 3.6-liter V6 engine capable of 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Though front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available on most trims. The lone engine size is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Choose from the following colors on your brand-new 2019 Cadillac XT5: Radiant Silver Metallic, Red Horizon Tintcoat, Crystal White Tricoat, Harbor Blue Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic, Stellar Black Metallic, Dark Granite Metallic, Bronze Dune Metallic and Shadow Metallic.

Trimlines and Safety Features

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2019 Cadillac XT5 high scores when it comes to safety. The NHTSA gave front-wheel drive XT5 models 4 out of 5 Stars for the overall safety rating, while all-wheel drive models achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 Stars rating. The IIHS rated the model “Good” in all testing categories.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the many safety features and other fancy options available on the 2019 Cadillac XT5:

Standard models are not available in all-wheel drive, but ride on 18-inch wheels and have quite a few standard features for the $41,695 starting price. Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights, simulated leather seating, keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, and a power hatch. Bluetooth, a rearview camera, voice recognition, and rear parking sensors round out this base-but-hardly-basic model.

Choose the Luxury model for the panoramic sunroof and you’ll also receive leather seating, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, driver seat memory settings, and wireless charging. Safety features include rear cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. These last few driver aids take full advantage of the Safety Alert seat which vibrates to get the driver’s attention. The Luxury trim begins around $48,500.

The Premium Luxury trim will cost you just over $54,000. Standard equipment such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, GPS navigation, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, LED headlights, and 20-inch wheels might make it worth it. Safety aids include adaptive cruise control, forward and reverse automatic braking, and an automatic parking system.

Top-shelf Platinum variants cost nearly $66,000 and include standard all-wheel drive, upgraded leather seating, a hands-free tailgate, a heads-up display (HUD), a rear camera mirror, active park assist, and a top-view camera system.

Fuel Efficiency

Available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the 2019 Cadillac XT5 isn’t necessarily the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle on the market today, according to the EPA. Front-wheel drive models achieve 19 city and 26 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (mpg), while all-wheel drive variants lose a point in both instances.

How the 2019 Cadillac XT5 Reviews

The biggest competitors to the 2019 Cadillac XT5 are imports such as the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the Lexus RX, Audi’s Q3 and Q5, the Range Rover Velar, and the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Some of these models are similarly priced to the XT5, while others will cost you considerably more coin. When it comes to luxury SUVs, the best way to know if you appreciate their worth is to sit in them and take them for a test drive.

To give you some pointers, we’ve gathered what the expert reviewers had to say about the 2019 XT5. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) experts named the 2019 XT5 a “posh and stylish model” featuring “tasteful color schemes” where the “fit and finish are excellent.” High praise is accompanied by a note that the “XT5’s resale value remains average.” The only sad note? The optional rear DVD screens won’t be available on the 2019 model.

Edmunds’ reviewers did have some pointers for the Cadillac technology engineers, complaining of “clunky voice controls and gimmicks.” Besides the differences between AI and human brain matter, the experts felt cushioned by the “soft, pleasant ride” where “comfort is a high point.” At the same time, poor rear visibility, a lackluster engine, and coming up short in cargo space did leave the Edmunds’ experts wanting a bit more from the model.

Despite some misgivings about the 2019 Cadillac XT5 voiced by other reviewers, those at U.S. News named the model as a finalist for the 2019 Best Luxury Two-Row SUV for the Money. The low base price and “smooth ride” complemented the “sophisticated, tech-filled cabin”, though these experts found the sunroof limited rear-seat headroom on some models. The 2019 XT5 certainly won’t win any awards for sportiness or handling, but it is a strong competitor when it comes to well-appointed components.

If you’re looking for a cheaper luxury SUV that might still offer some of the same features as the 2019 XT5, check out the Lincoln Nautilus. Formerly the MKX, the new Lincoln shares a lot of the same characteristics as the Cadillac compact SUV, just with Ford’s take on expensive taste. Going much cheaper than that may put you in the top end of trim levels on more basic models you’d likely find from Honda, Infiniti, Toyota, Nissan, and Lexus. A simple search for two-row SUVs will likely give you models to compare and contrast until you find the right one to fit your needs. Of course, there’s a certain panache that comes with driving a Caddy, and that’s worth something to many drivers.

The Good

  • Affordable luxury
  • Signature Cadillac ride quality
  • Plenty of available features to choose from
  • Optional AWD

The Not-So-Good

  • Single engine choice
  • Rear visibility is lacking
  • Not necessarily a sporty SUV

The Last Word

Cadillac’s 2019 XT5 is an unassuming but well-appointed luxury SUV that’s easy on both the budget and the eyes. Consider it as an alternative to higher-priced imports competing in the same segment and you may end up saving money in the long run. To really know if the 2019 XT5 is the right vehicle for you, take it for a test drive at your nearest Cadillac dealership. A luxurious ride is only a few miles away.

Rebecca Henderson has a Master's in German and a Bachelor's in Creative Writing. She alternates her time between writing and working on a variety of motorized projects. Most recently, she and her boyfriend have been building a custom drift trike. Rebecca believes that language, love, and a life worth living are only the first ingredients to happiness.