2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 was a testament to Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. With updates from the previous year, the XT5 showcased a more sophisticated exterior with standard LED lights and a variety of wheel designs. Its interior, especially in the Premium Luxury trim, featured upscale materials like cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents, offering a level of elegance that was a step above its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The cabin design was marked by sweeping horizontal lines and straightforward materials, creating a more refined atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more utilitarian, blending in with the sea of compact crossovers. While its exterior didn't stand out, the CR-V offered practical features like a variety of colour options, though many were shades of grey. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials depending on the trim. Despite its understated appearance, the CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but less so when downshifting. The V6 provided immediate throttle response, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the V6 achieving 9.4 L/100 km during testing, better than the expected 11.2 L/100 km. The XT5's handling was commendable, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the trim.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, came with a single powertrain option: a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower. Its acceleration was modest, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth acceleration but lacked the engagement of a traditional automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available on most trims, and the CR-V's suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The Cadillac XT5 offered seating for four adults comfortably, though it technically accommodated five. The rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers, but legroom was adequate. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but featured a deep cargo area with a cargo-management system. Small-item storage was limited, with few convenient places for smartphones or other items.

The Honda CR-V excelled in interior space, offering over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, it provided 1,065 litres of cargo space. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured a manual, power, or hands-free power tailgate, making access to the cargo area convenient. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The Cadillac XT5 featured an elegant infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system included a rotary controller, though its design crowded the screen. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 300-watt audio system with a subwoofer and satellite navigation. Charging ports were abundant, with USB ports in both the front and rear. The Touring trim introduced a wireless phone charger, adding to its tech-savvy appeal.

The Cadillac XT5 included a range of safety features such as front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. Night Vision technology was available, enhancing nighttime drivability. The XT5 also featured GM's Teen Driver software, allowing parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its Honda Sensing system included standard features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims.