DecodedCars2021 Cadillac XT5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,999–4,277 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 38 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,277 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 9% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 XT5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 XT5 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 189.8 in | 74.8 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 65 / 65 in | 4,277 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 189.8 in | 74.8 in | 66.1 in | 112.6 in | 65 / 65 in | 3,999 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT5 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | -9% | $3,400 | 370 |
| XT5 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -4% | $3,550 | 386 |
| XT5 FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -20% | $3,200 | 418 |
| XT5 AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 424 |
| XT5 Hearse FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 425 |
| XT5 Hearse AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +29% | $3,900 | 425 |
| XT5 Limo FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 425 |
| XT5 Limo AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +29% | $3,900 | 425 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Cadillac XT5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.1% |
| 2021 Cadillac XT5 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Cadillac XT5 (this car) | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
Recalls (2)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 22, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V709000 · 95,231 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
- Risk
- An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jun 3, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V422000 · 572 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
- Risk
- Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.
Not every 2021 Cadillac XT5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Cadillac XT5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 4 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac XT5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XT5 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →