carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $42,214–$49,442 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Cadillac XT5 at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.3/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 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 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.8/10 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 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $42,214–$49,442, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Cadillac XT5 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 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 2021 Cadillac XT5 ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $42,214 starting price is about 17% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Cadillac XT5 scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.2 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| 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 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $42,214 | |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $40,823 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $39,431 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.1/10 | $38,039 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.9/10 | $36,648 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 03/06/2021 · 21V422000 | General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated. |
|---|---|
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 22/09/2022 · 22V709000 | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Cadillac models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.