2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. With updates carried over from the 2020 model, the XT5 showcased a more sophisticated exterior with standard LED lights and a choice of 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the XT5 offered an upscale cabin with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents, particularly in the Premium Luxury trim. The interior design was more refined than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, featuring sweeping horizontal lines and straightforward materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 embraced a modern Scandinavian aesthetic, moving away from its boxy past. The XC90's exterior featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, a clear crystal gear selector, and a sliding wood tambour cover. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, making it a comfortable and luxurious choice for families.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, was available for the Premium Luxury trim and standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but less refined when downshifting. The XT5's fuel efficiency was competitive, with the V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, better than the estimated 11.2 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. All models featured AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge model boasted an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 4.0 Le/100 km with a 29-kilometre EV range. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, particularly in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably in two rows, though the second row's three-seat bench technically allowed for five passengers. The rear seat offered limited headroom for taller occupants, but legroom was adequate. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space, though wheel bump-outs reduced the width. The SUV featured a cargo-management system and a hands-free programmable height power liftgate. However, small-item storage was limited, with no ideal spot for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom for adults. The XC90 provided 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. The SUV could tow up to 2,250 kilograms. The XC90's interior was spacious, with ample storage options and a standard panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme heat, and the AWD system and heated seats made it suitable for winter conditions.

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, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. A rear camera mirror and a head-up display were available. The XT5's digital instrument cluster provided essential vehicle information, and the tri-zone automatic climate control system offered separate controls for rear-seat occupants.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with intuitive smartphone-like gestures. The system was occasionally glitchy but worked well with Apple CarPlay. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display were available. The Advanced package included a 360-degree camera system and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 offered a Harman-Kardon audio system and multiple USB ports for device charging.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 boasted an extensive list of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving capabilities on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.