2023 Cadillac XT5 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 aimed to deliver affordable luxury, but its interior materials and design fell short of expectations for a luxury brand. The cabin, while spacious and intuitively laid out, seemed more fitting for a Buick or a high-end Chevrolet. Despite this, the XT5 offered generous cargo space, with 850 litres available behind the second-row seats. Cadillac retained many physical controls, which made the XT5 feel more intuitive than some rivals, though it also contributed to a somewhat dated cabin appearance. The XT5 provided good headroom and legroom, with options for synthetic or genuine leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof that enhanced the cabin's airy feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language, moving away from the boxy aesthetics of the past. The XC90's exterior was purposeful yet understated, with a bold grille and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian elegance, featuring a minimalist design with high-quality materials like Nappa leather and wood inlays. The XC90's cabin was a blend of luxury and functionality, with a focus on clean lines and a serene atmosphere. However, the minimalist approach led to some storage challenges, particularly for smaller items, and accessing the third row was cumbersome.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The XT5's acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was in the high-seven-second range, but the engine could sound rough under heavy throttle. An available V6 engine provided 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, offering a more suitable performance, though the XT5 lacked driving excitement. Handling was decent, but ride quality suffered on uneven surfaces, with noticeable cabin vibrations and noise. The XT5's fuel economy was competitive, with the turbo-four and FWD achieving 10.9 L/100 km city, 8.2 highway, and 9.7 combined.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B6 delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor, but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the XC90's auto stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a refined driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. It handled corners well for its size, and road noise was minimal due to excellent insulation. The XC90's brakes provided a confident feel, and while it lacked extensive off-road features, it offered a straightforward driving experience.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's interior featured more hard plastics than expected, but it offered practical storage solutions, including a deep centre console bin and large seatback pockets. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,784 litres with the rear seats folded. This generous capacity was complemented by a wide liftgate opening and low load floor, making it easy to load larger items.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had limited storage for smaller items. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. While the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, its cargo capacity fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 featured the CUE infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for climate and steering wheel functions. A Bose premium audio system and wireless charging were available.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's infotainment system ran on Google OS, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen with integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system offered natural-language recognition and could be controlled via Google Home devices. However, many functions were embedded in the touchscreen, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's last full crash test was in 2021, where it earned top "Good" scores in most areas but missed a Top Safety Pick award due to "Marginal" headlight ratings. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a vibrating safety alert seat. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS in 2022. Standard safety tech included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90's lane-keeping assist and Pilot Assist technology provided comprehensive driver support.