2022 Cadillac XT5
Let’s dive into the 2022 Cadillac XT5! It’s Cadillac’s 5-passenger car, so I’m going to load it up with some car seats, a stroller, and cups and see how it holds up for a family.
Exterior
This thing got totally redesigned in 2017 and a facelift in 2022—so, let’s start by talking about the exterior of the latest edition of the XT5. Looking at the front, honestly the headlights are pretty boring. I’m just over this look and would’ve loved something more square (think: Escalade). I do like the chrome detailing on the front, which carries over to the side as well. The taillights are kind of boomerang-shaped (don’t hate it) and overall the back has a really clean look. And thank you, Cadillac, for tucking away the back wipers up high. Love that. The other thing I love? The bronzy gold color! I really think this color is about to make a comeback.
Interior
Front
Moving on to the interior—let’s talk about the driver’s seat. Cadillac is like really obsessed with this peanut butter-colored leather (on the door panels). Maybe some of you guys love it, but I’m not sure… and I definitely hate it with the wood paneling. Anyway, there’s a side cubby in the door that works fine for a cup but it’s not great.
The seats are a little firm, but overall they’re pretty comfy. The head clearance and general space up there is good, as well. From a safety perspective, this car comes with everything I’d want (think: collision warning, backup camera, etc.). There’s no digital dash, but there is a nice touchscreen for the infotainment center. I do wish the screen was angled a bit more toward the driver, but maybe I’m just being picky. It’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible (a must for me).
There’s a great storage space between the two front seats, two small cupholders, a USB, USB-C, and a wireless charger. The center console is a little bit tiny, though.
Second Row
Back in the second row, there’s good knee and head clearance and a really nice leatherback pocket, which gives it an elevated, luxury vibe. The doors are the same as up front—a side cubby and the weird peanut butter and wood color combo. Your second-row passengers have vents (although I wish they were bigger), a USB, and a USB-C.
As far as car seats go, there are lower anchors on the two outboard seats and tether anchors across the bench. I installed a rear-facing Graco infant seat and that had plenty of good clearance.
All-in-all, it’s a pretty basic back seat… but I’m liking it.
Trunk
I was able to pretty easily put a single Bob stroller back there (one of the bigger strollers). It also comes with this little guard rail that can pop up so you can live worry free that your groceries aren’t going to come flying out of your trunk and go rolling down the hill (definitely not speaking from experience…). There’s a tiny bit of storage underneath the floor, but not much. The power tailgate and chrome detailing are nice, too.
I’d say this is a fine five-passenger option! Plenty of space for a two-car seat situation or two passengers in the back.
