7 Best & Worst Cadillac XT5 Years (Stats & Examples)

The Cadillac XT5 features among the top midsize SUVs that guarantee performance and reliability on the road. It has a reliability score of up to 89/100, ranking second highest among units in its class.

It would help to note that not all Cadillac XT5 years met consumer expectations.

Model years like the 2017 and 2020 XT5 had dozens of malfunctions, and you should avoid them. Here are the best and worst Cadillac XT5 years and some of the unit’s common problems.

The Best and Worst Years for Cadillac XT5

The best XT5 models you can buy are 208, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. It would be wise to avoid the 2017 and 2020 models as they face problems with transmission shifting, brake fluid leaks, and electrical problems.

What Cadillac XT5 Years are the Most Reliable?

The XT5 isn’t among the Cadillac models with the most recalls.

Identifying the most reliable years of the Cadillac XT5 helps you make more informed decisions when buying one.

The different Cadillac XT5 models vary in performance delivery.

Here are some of the years you should consider:

2022 Cadillac XT5

Those interested in a reliable, robust, good-looking crossover SUV should consider getting the 2022 XT5. It is a five-seat luxury midsize SUV with high-tech features and enough cargo space to accommodate your family’s bags.

The engine choice significantly contributes to the XT5’s popularity.

You get two engine options and a 2022 sports model with Brembo front brakes. The engine options are a 310hp V6 with refined acceleration or a 237hp turbo-4 engine.

Riding and handling are premium, but the SUV might feel stiff if driving on 20-inch wheels.

According to NHTSA reviews, the Cadillac XT5 has an overall five-star rating.

This vehicle also includes standard security features like automatic emergency braking and advanced systems like pedestrian detection.

2023 Cadillac XT5

The 2023 XT5 is the latest model in the Cadillac midsize SUV catalog. It is a luxury SUV that guarantees to satisfy your definition of vehicle luxury with advanced features and even better driving.

You also get a four-year limited warranty and a 70,000-mile/ six-year powertrain warranty.

The XT5 has a spacious cabin and provides a smooth and quiet ride for the driver and occupants. Its interior slightly compromises comfort and aesthetics. The interior styling has excess cheap-feeling plastic, and the tech installed is not as dazzling as in competitor releases.

There are two engine options offered with the 2023 XT5.

The engines include:

1. a 2.0L turbocharged base option producing 235hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
2. and a 3.6L V6 engine making 310hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.

You should expect a nice drive in the 2023 Cadillac XT5 because of its poised chassis and accurate steering.

The best trim to get is the Sport trim, which comes with:

• an AWD,
• V6 engine,
• adaptive performance suspension,
• and Brembo brakes.

2021 Cadillac XT5

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 sets the bar high for all two-row crossovers.

It is among the most popular units in its segment and promises to deliver value for the money spent. If you are on a budget but want a dependable car, you should take advantage of the 2021 XT5’s relatively lower prices.

There is much left to desire in the 2021 Cadillac XT5 design, but it still has compelling aesthetics.

The car comes with two new exterior colors;

1. Infrared Tintcoat
2. and Drak Moon Blue Metallic.

Choosing the sports model provides you access to optional 20-inch dark-painted wheels.

You also get several configuration options, from the engine to the powertrain. Engine options include a refined but less powerful four-cylinder and a standard V6 with minimal performance upgrades.

The front-wheel drivetrain provides 235hp at 5000 rpm, configured with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 XT5 also comes with upgraded tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay. Regardless of the trim selected, you can never go wrong with the 2021 Cadillac XT5.

2019 Cadillac XT5

The changes the 2019 XT5 faced were minor despite the model performing exceptionally in the industry.

They included:

• three additional color options,
• minor improvements on the trims,
• and a next-gen 15-watt wireless smartphone charger.

The trims available for the 2019 Cadillac XT5 are:

• Base,
• Luxury,
• Premium,
• and Platinum.

The SUV runs on a 3.6L V6 engine producing 310hp and 271 pound-feet of torque.

An 8-speed automatic transmission complements the powerful engine, while a dual-clutch all-wheel drive option is available in the Platinum trim.

Premium luxury and Platinum trim levels come with standard low-speed automatic braking. This feature is optional on the Luxury and Platinum trims and unavailable on the base XT5.

The Driver Assist Package includes automatic emergency braking in reverse and adaptive cruise control and is also optional on the top trim levels.

The best XT5 model to buy is the 2019 model, which has a five-star rating from NHTSA.

You are guaranteed value by purchasing this model since the models that followed observed a mid-cycle refresh affecting the depreciation rate.

2018 Cadillac XT5

The 2018 XT5 is also a Cadillac model worth mentioning despite not having significant changes from previous models.

The model sits five and competes with the top compact and midsize SUVs.

You can get the 2018 xt5 in four trims;

1. base,
2. luxury,
3. platinum,
4. and premium luxury.

Each trim has specific features, with platinum having the most advanced elements.

They share the same powertrain and provide a hands-free power liftgate with a rearview mirror display option.

The engine fitted is a 3.6L V6 engine producing 310hp and 271 pound-feet of torque, complemented by an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The lower trims of the XT5 feature standard front-wheel drive, while 4WD is optional in the top trim levels.

It would help to note that the XT5 is not an off-road vehicle, although robust and sturdy enough.

One main reason for the 2018 Cadillac XT5’s popularity is its outstanding handling.

The cabin also looks luxurious, with advanced safety features on the upper trims.

What Cadillac XT5 Years Should You Avoid?

The Cadillac XT5 is not the most troublesome midsize SUV on the market. However, some model years have several recalls and hundreds of negative reviews from owners.

We also have a full overview here of what Cadillac ATS years to avoid.

The 2017 and 2020 models are the XT5 years to avoid, and here is why:

2020 Cadillac XT5

One year to avoid in the Cadillac XT5 family is the 2020 model.

The model performed exceptionally but had several issues with its engine and transmission. Despite these issues, 2020 XT5 remains the best-selling unit in Cadillac’s catalog.

Several engine options come with the 2020 Cadillac XT5, with a more refined cabin and a bolder appearance.

However, the new design resulted in several problems. Numerous drivers complained of excessive road noise, while others observed loose and lifted door molding.

The 2020 XT5 also struggled with basic engine operations in several units.

The engine often failed to start, misfired, or extended cranking because of excess carbon within the intake valves. If you remove these issues, you remain with a reliable and powerful SUV.

2017 Cadillac XT5

The XT5 entered the SUV market with the 2017 model. Vehicle critics argue that since it was the first, it is reasonable to expect some complications.

It came in three trims, each with a high level of sophistication and performance scores.

The most common complaint with the 2017 XT5 is problems with the transmission. Drivers observed the transmission shuddering when decelerating after around 4,250 miles.

Traction control was also a concern with most XT5 owners, as the light came on for no reason.

Other problems with the unit include:

• powertrain complaints,
• premature tire wear,
• and an electrical system shutdown.

General Motors issued a recall because faulty front brake calipers caused brake fluid leaks.

Check also the issues across the SRX models from Cadillac.

What Are Some Typical Problems with the Cadillac XT5 Models?

One thing most XT5 drivers can confirm is they are reliable. Here are some common problems you should expect from your unit:

Problematic Shifting

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 came featuring an all-new GM transmission, the AF50-8.

It was an 8-speed automatic transmission that provided a rough ride, resulting in several complaints on the NHTSA website.

Some complained of the transmission failing prematurely, while others claimed the car’s stop-and-go system malfunctioned.

The transmission issues resulted in a recall affecting over 1,700 XT5’s sold between 2017 and 2018.

Luckily, newer models came with a problem-free transmission.

Electrical Problems

There were several complaints of random electrical issues in the Cadillac XT5, especially the 2017 model.

Drivers reported complete power failure while driving, infotainment system malfunction, and doors locking or unlocking by themselves.

Although these problems did not result in a recall, they caused a lot of inconvenience.

There lacks a standard solution for all units with this problem, and each owner should navigate their situation solo. You can start by confirming battery power is not the problem before confirming the fuse and alternator are clean and have power.

Engine Stalls

2020 Cadillac XT5 owners complained about a stalling engine in their units.

The root of the issue was insufficient fuel supply to the engine. According to a report by Cadillac, one of the fuel pump jet nozzles had leftover plastic blocking the nozzle, resulting in an insufficient fuel supply.

There was a recall by Cadillac, which fixed the issue by replacing the fuel pump model in the affected cars.

Brake Fluid Leak

One of the recalls for the 2017 Cadillac XT5 involved the front brake calipers.

The calipers installed had a misaligned piston seal, causing the brake fluid to leak. You are at more risk of losing braking power unexpectedly if your car leaks brake fluid.

The recall issued for this problem involved replacing the brake calipers.

Not Working Liftgate

Newer models of the XT5 featured an automated liftgate.

In some units, the liftgate failed to open randomly. Opening the tailgate manually is slightly complicated and might require you to lift it forcefully.

The root of the problem was a flooded liftgate control module.

Fixing it will require you to replace the module positioned under the spare tire in the trunk or inside the bumper. It would be best to consider drilling some holes to avoid flooding the module again.

Is The Cadillac XT5 Reliable?

The Cadillac XT5 is among the newest SUV lines in the industry. Although in the early stages of its lifecycle, there are hundreds of positive reviews of the XT5 from several owners.

The XT5 ideally merged refined power and speed with confident handling when configuring this piece of art.

Consumer Reports data also place the XT5 among the most reliable midsize SUVs today.

Some of the most enticing attributes of this vehicle include:

• improved control,
• a powerful engine,
• chassis damping,
• precision shift,
• and advanced electronic equipment.

The complications reported are nothing significant or consistent to cause alarm.

It would help to be more cautious when buying any used XT5. Ensure you get the vehicle’s full-service history before completing the transaction.

Maintaining the car is also relatively cheaper and might cost around $80 to $1,554. 

Go back to select best and worst year for every Cadillac model.