2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials. While higher trims featured upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these clashed with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined vehicle brand. The XT5 received significant updates in 2020, including a new engine option, revised styling, and enhanced technology, which carried over to the 2021 model. The exterior featured standard LED lights and a snub-nosed design, with trim level differentiation through a fresh features list. Inside, the XT5 exuded elegance, especially in the Premium Luxury trim, with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. The interior design was more upscale than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with straightforward materials thoughtfully positioned throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain offered a well-matched driving experience. While CVTs often have a reputation for sluggishness, Honda's engineers managed to create a responsive system, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its lightweight design contributed to excellent fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice of engines, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, which was standard on the XT5 Sport. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided immediate throttle response, though it could benefit from more low-end torque. The XT5's fuel efficiency was competitive, with the AWD V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, better than the estimated 11.2 L/100 km.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. It provided ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers, thanks to an excellent seating position and low cowl. The cargo compartment was roomy, with a two-position load floor allowing for versatile storage options. The CR-V's clever storage solutions, including a deep centre console and large door pockets, made it easy to live with and capable of accommodating various items.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5, while technically seating five, was more comfortable for four adults due to limited headroom in the rear. The front seats, though visually appealing, lacked comfort on long trips. The XT5 offered 850 litres of cargo space, less than some competitors, but featured a deep rear cargo area with a cargo-management system. Small-item storage was limited, with no ideal spot for smartphones. The XT5's hands-free programmable height power liftgate added convenience, but the interior storage options were somewhat lacking.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, even with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports, including high-powered ones in the backseat, and a wireless phone charger in higher trims.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic. The system included a rotary controller for navigation, though it crowded the screen's aesthetics. The XT5 offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were available, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some caveats for lower trims. A recall for a rear subframe failure affected a small number of vehicles.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. Cadillac's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, while Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features. The XT5's safety technology provided a sufficient level of alert capability without being overly intrusive.