If you’ve been on the hunt for a luxury SUV, the Cadillac brand has more than likely come up in your search. This is really no surprise considering Cadillac has been synonymous with high-end transportation since its debut at the turn of the 20th century. But with Cadillac’s broad range of SUV options, where does one start within the manufacturer’s lineup? Perhaps the easiest place to begin is to examine Cadillac’s XT series, which consists of three models that include the XT4, XT5, and XT6. The XT4 is Cadillac’s compact SUV, while the XT5 and XT6 are two midsize options.
This luxury SUV trio offers drivers the lavish features the manufacturer is known for, packed into a compact and midsize design, perfect for navigating through busy city streets and backing into tight parking spots. The stunning Cadillac styling impresses everyone who sees it, with each model offering its drivers a unique set of cutting-edge comfort and convenience features. Cadillac has been known as a luxury brand for over a century, and the XT series is no exception. J.D. Power awarded the XT6 “#1 in Initial Quality among Upper Midsize Luxury SUVs” in 2022. Before you start searching for a Cadillac dealer in your area, let’s take a closer look at the series and what these exceptional luxury SUVs have to offer.
Two Great Engine Options
The 2023 XT series comes with two main engine options, depending on which model you choose. The 2023 XT4 only comes with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, while the XT5 and XT6 come with the option of either the 2.0L engine or a 3.6L V6, depending on the model trim. Fuel economy is quite impressive for these luxury SUVs, with the XT4 getting 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, while the XT5 offers similar efficiency at 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The XT6 rounds out the lineup with a comparable 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Cadillac has done a tremendous job providing impressive fuel efficiency, given the amount of power these engines have. The V6 engine, in particular, has a peppy acceleration, perfect for anyone who is more performance-focused.
Impressive Creature Comforts
In many cars, sitting in the back will leave passengers fighting over who sits where because the seats are too close without enough legroom. The Cadillac XT series poses no such problem. Each seat offers a minimum of 39 inches of legroom in the second row; the XT4 offers best-in-class numbers. Each seat offers ample room and quality seat materials, including leatherette and premium leather, available in up to six interior color options.
A large infotainment center allows quick and easy access to maps, music, radio, and car info. The 7-speaker audio system comes standard on the XT4, while the 8-speaker Bose premium audio system on the XT5 and XT6 can be upgraded to a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system. Multi-zone air conditioning and heated seats come standard on the XT series. Upgrading the XT series to a higher trim option will allow drivers to add leather-trimmed seats, extra seat adjustments, extra safety features, cargo tie-downs, and many more great features.
XT Series Size and Seating Comparison
The main distinctions in the XT series are the vehicle sizes, the number of seats, and the cost. All the following dimensions and specs are from the 2023 models, but the general principles hold true for older generations of these models as well. Cadillac designed its XT series to allow owners to choose their SUV preference, from small to midsize.
The XT4 model is the smallest of the bunch, with a total length of just over 181 inches, or just over 15 ft. This model is designed for those who want an SUV but still want the maneuverability of a sedan. The XT4 does a great job of balancing its size and fuel efficiency while still providing comfortable seating, a spacious trunk, and the ability to fold down all the back seats and get up to 48.9 cu.ft. of cargo space. The XT4 is a great small SUV for your everyday needs: running errands, taking the kids to soccer practice, picking up that new side table you found at the store, and any daily task you can think of. The XT4 is easy to drive, easy to park, and still has the spacious interior one expects from an SUV.
The Cadillac XT5 is the middle-of-the-road option in the Cadillac XT family. A smaller midsize, though not as small as the XT4, the XT5 balances size, and space. Fuel efficiency is only a few miles less than the XT4 while increasing the cargo space to a maximum of 63 cu.ft. The spacious seating options offer best-in-class legroom, with 39 inches in the second row. Passengers will be happy to ride in any of the seats in this SUV. With a length of just shy of 190 inches, the XT5 still allows for maneuverability and easy parking on the street or in garages.
The biggest of the XT series, the XT6, is significantly bigger than the other two models while still being in the midsize class of SUVs. At 198.5 inches, the XT6 is almost one and a half feet longer than the XT4, but Cadillac puts each of those inches to good use. Adding another row of two seats in the rear, the XT6 has room for up to seven passengers. The back seats can all be folded down when you need to fill the cargo space, giving you 78.7 cu.ft. of room when all the rear seats are folded. That’s a lot of room. Though bigger than the XT4 and XT5, the XT6 is still designed to handle well and be easy to park.
Trim Options for the XT4, XT5, and XT6
All models come in three main trim options: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Luxury is the base trim model, providing the quality luxury one expects to get out of a Cadillac but simplifying some of the features to allow for a more affordable cost. Many are surprised by the amount of incredible features on even the baseline Luxury Cadillac XT series.
The Premium Luxury trim option is just what it sounds like; even more enhancements to your already luxurious XT SUV. This trim option adds leather-trimmed seats, some additional safety features, wireless phone charging, and a plethora of other comfort, convenience, and safety features. On the XT5 and XT6 models, options include all-wheel drive and the 3.6L V6 engine.
The Sport trim options are designed for those planning on using their SUV for more sport-oriented travel, with AWD and the 3.6L V6 coming standard on the XT5 and XT6. Cargo tie-downs, lumbar driver seat controls, and alloy sports pedals are just a few of the great features of the Sport trim option on the XT series.
The Cadillac XT Series Offers the Best in Compact/Midsize SUV Luxury
Cadillac’s XT series offers luxury in all its models and trim options, from the XT4 Luxury trim to XT6 Sport or Premium Luxury trim options. These small to midsize SUVs offer drivers and passengers a comfortable ride with all the features you have come to expect from Cadillac. Comfortable seats, active noise canceling, great speakers and infotainment system, beautiful aesthetics, sharp color options, and so much more. Anyone who purchases one of these models will surely enjoy the innovation and cutting-edge features Cadillac puts into its vehicles. For those looking for a smaller, more manageable SUV loaded with the high-end luxury Cadillac is known for, be sure to take a look at the 2023 XL line to take your daily drive to a new level of sophistication and luxury.
