There are two very impressive models returning for 2023 and frankly, we’re having trouble deciding which one we like best. Checking out the 2023 Cadillac XT5 vs 2023 Audi Q5, both are from high luxury brands that offer drivers only the latest and greatest when it comes to tech, performance, and all the creature comforts you would expect from such high-street brands.
If you’re in the market for a luxury SUV, we think you might have trouble deciding between these two. It’s love at first sight, twice. First we look at the 2023 Cadillac XT5, and we love the classic wide Cadillac grille that not-so-subtly tells everyone what you’re driving. The almost cat-like headlamps and modern, sophisticated curves are eye-catching and head-turning, to say the least. While glancing at the 2023 Audi Q5 you might sigh, wondering why is life so hard? Its sporty, but elegant exterior is just a preview of what a driver can expect from such a refined brand. It’s a tough choice between the two.
What Does It Cost?
Let’s try to be practical, and look at the numbers. The 2023 Cadillac XT5 starts at $44,195 and boasts high-end furnishings in the cabin, as well as a peppy V6 engine option. The dynamic compact SUV may be facing some steep competition when it comes to other SUVs in its class, but we think it’s holding its own pretty well. We love the XT5’s quiet cabin and expansive cargo space, making it flexible enough for everyday drivers and weekend getaways. If a driver is looking for luxury and convenience, the 2023 Cadillac XT5 does a good job delivering.
And the 2023 Audi Q5? It begins at $44,200. So it’s a tad more expensive, but not enough to tip the scales in one direction or the other. What we like is that the Audi is available with several powertrains, giving drivers the choice of power and performance. It also has eye-catching curves and a modern feel about it that is high-end without feeling stuffy. What don’t we like? The 2023 Audi Q5 has less cargo room, and is just a little bit basic for the price.
The two models are so close in price and appearance, however, it would be wise to look closer. If we’re going to choose a favorite, we have no choice but to learn more about these two beauties and see how they compare.
How Does It Drive?
How a vehicle drives is very important. While we want an SUV that looks beautiful and offers us tons of great safety and tech features, it also has to excel at the most important job a vehicle has, and that is to drive well. It has to deal not only with open roads, but also commuter traffic, everyday errands, stop-and-go traffic, and long road trips. It also has to get great fuel economy and inject a little zip and pep into our daily ride.
The 2023 Cadillac XT5 is offered two powerful engine choices. Drivers can go for the standard four-cylinder 2.0L Turbo engine that delivers 235 horsepower combined with 258 lb-ft of torque. For more performance , drivers can upgrade their trim level to unlock the impressive 3.6L V6 engine that has an output of 310 horsepower with a torque of 271lb-ft. Whichever engine your choose, drivers can expect the latest technology thanks to Cadillac’s innovative advanced Active Fuel Management, which both engines have to make your ride more fuel efficient than ever before. Drivers can decide between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive depending on their needs. If you opt for front-wheel drive with the four-cylinder engine, you can expect a fuel economy of 24 mpg combined. Going for the V6 drops this to around 21 mpg.
Drivers can expect three different powertrains in the Audi Q5. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Drivers can also opt for a beefer 2.0L four-cylinder with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft, or a hybrid engine with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft.. All versions of the Audi Q5 come standard with all-wheel drive. When it comes to fuel economy, it offers a combined 25 mpg, just a hair better than the Cadillac XT5.
Looking at these specs doesn’t make our choice any easier. While we love the versatility that the Cadillac offers, the Audi is pretty close and offers standard all-wheel drive. However, drivers can get increased confidence behind the wheel of a front-wheel drive XT5 with its Snow/Ice Mode. Drivers can easily increase their vehicle’s performance and traction with just the press of a button. Touring and Sport modes are also available for drivers looking for a peppier ride or a more economy-conscious one.
Do We Love The Interior?
At first glance, we love the interior of the Cadillac XT5. The interior design is modern and uncluttered. As one would expect from Cadillac, drivers will enjoy high-end materials like leather, real wood, and carbon fiber trim. The vehicle boasts supportive seating and user-friendly tech that is delivered to your fingertips. The airy cabin is designed to make driving feel like like an experience and not just another mundane chore.
Just because the XT5 looks posh doesn’t mean it can’t stand up to everyday use, either. The Cadillac excels when it comes to practicality. The five-seater compact SUV offers better than average cargo space. Drivers can fold the rear seats flat to take advantage of the vehicle’s maximum cargo space of 63 cu ft while the split 60/40 second row makes it easy to have a place for everything and everyone. The XT5 offers plenty of additional storage, so drivers can stay organized and keep daily essentials or extras on hand when needed.
Checking out the Audi Q5, we see the cabin offers plenty of comfortable seating along with high-quality materials you would expect from Audi. Yet the cabin isn’t as spacious and the SUV lacks the cargo space and airy feeling that XT5 has. While the Cadillac boasted 63 cu ft of storage space, the Q5 manages just 54 cu ft with all seats folded flat. The Audi offers small extras, like a temperature-controlled cup holder and user friendly-tech to make your daily drive a little more fun.
We love the interior of the Cadillac XT5. We love its design, ample passenger space, and roomy cargo hold. It offers plenty of high-end materials but doesn’t feel stuffy. When it comes to the Audi Q5, we expected a little more for the price point. While the cabin isn’t cheap or ugly, it’s rather basic, and doesn’t blow us away or remind us that we’re riding in a luxury brand. We think that Cadillac XT5 wins this category.
Let’s Not Forget About Tech
One last aspect we want to look at is technology. The Cadillac XT5 makes it clear that it is a vehicle built to be used and to make your day flow a little bit smoother. The XT5 lets you seamlessly sync your smartphone wirelessly with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Bring along all of your favorite music and podcasts, get directions, and send and receive messages for a completely personalized driving experience.
The XT5 makes it easy to just get in and go, thanks to its Cadillac User Experience that helps you stay connected. An available built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot supports up to seven devices from up to 50 feet away. Drivers also get easy access to a whole host of apps. It’s never been easier to go hands-free and stay connected. The XT5’s foiur USB ports and two 12-volt power outlets help everyone stay charged and supported ,no matter where they are seated.
With the Audi Q5, drivers can completely personalize the SUV’s MMI touch display. Drivers can easily send messages to contacts, customize the screen, access apps and playlists, or get navigation. The screen was designed to work much like a smartphone, so drivers can simply swipe or scroll for what they need. But once again, the XT5 seems to be bursting with great features that remind drivers where their money went, while the Q5 leaves us feeling a little underwhelmed.
There Can Only Be One
After learning all that we have about both the 2023 Cadillac XT5 and the Audi Q5, we think our decision just got a whole lot easier. The Cadillac XT5 is available at a slightly lower price, but still delivers more than our money’s worth when it comes to design, comfort, convenience, and tech. We love its airy modern interior and wireless tech that makes it easy to just get in and go.
While the Audi Q5 does come standard with all-wheel drive, which is great for slippery or wet conditions, it needs more. The XT5 might come standard with front-wheel drive, but drivers can access Snow/Ice mode for increased control, or they can choose to upgrade to all-wheel drive if needed.
That’s what we love about the XT5: the choices. The Cadillac just has more choices, allowing us to custom-tailor our daily driver, taking it to a whole new level. The Audi just leaves us wondering, waiting, and to be frank, we’re not impressed.
In the highly competitive compact SUV market, you can only choose one, so make sure you make the right choice. They say don’t judge a book, or in this case car, by its cover, and we couldn’t agree more. If we were just going on looks it would be impossible to decide, but the devil is in the details, and it’s the Cadillac XT5 for us.
