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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.6L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 26 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 405 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $38,039–$47,979 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Cadillac XT5 at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.9/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.1/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $38,039–$47,979, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Cadillac XT5 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Cadillac XT5 is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and value and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Cadillac XT5 ranks #1814 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,039 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Across the XT5 model years we've scored, the 2018 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.4/10 | $47,781 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.4/10 | $47,781 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.4/10 | $46,390 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $44,998 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $43,606 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $42,214 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $40,823 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $39,431 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $38,039 | |
| 2017 | 6.9/10 | $36,648 | Read review → |
We rate the 2018 Cadillac XT5's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #1814 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Cadillac XT5 starts at $38,039 and ranges up to $47,979 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Cadillac models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.