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Cadillac XT5
The Cadillac XT5 is a compact luxury crossover that replaced the SRX starting with the 2016 model year, now in its second generation from 2024 with a plug-in hybrid. Federal data shows the 2017 with the most complaints (122) despite only 1 recall, the 2020 with the most recalls (5), and Motor & Wheels names the 2020 the year to avoid. The 2026 XT5 starts at $46,595 for the Luxury.
What the Cadillac XT5 is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the XT5, short for Crossover Touring 5, as a compact luxury crossover SUV made by General Motors, introduced at the Dubai Motor Show and LA Auto Show in November 2015 to replace the Cadillac SRX, with a 2020 update and a second generation from 2024 that adds a plug-in hybrid. The 2026 XT5 is offered with a 2.0L four-cylinder or a 3.6L V6, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, rated 21 to 24 mpg combined by the EPA, about $2,950 to $3,350 a year in fuel. Kelley Blue Book base prices are $46,595 for the Luxury, $55,295 for the Premium Luxury and $64,595 for the Sport.
Best and worst XT5 model years
Federal counts run low through the first generation, with a jump at the 2020 update. The 2015 and 2016 have no recalls, the 2017 has 1 recall and 122 complaints, the most of any year, the 2018 and 2019 have no recalls and 66 and 32 complaints. The 2020 has 5 recalls, the most, covering tires, the fuel system, air bags and the backup camera, with 22 complaints. The 2021 has 2, the 2022 has 3, the 2023 has 4, the 2024 has 3, and the 2025 has 1. Open the 2017 XT5, 2020 XT5 and 2024 XT5 pages.
Motor & Wheels (opens in a new tab) says one year to avoid in the XT5 family is the 2020 model, and that identifying the most reliable years helps buyers make more informed decisions, noting not all XT5 years met consumer expectations. CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) publishes its own year-by-year list.
Choosing a year
The 2017's high complaint count with only 1 recall suggests a specific brake issue rather than a broad pattern, while the 2020's 5 recalls are the ones to check by VIN. The second-generation 2024 model has 3 recalls so far.
Questions buyers ask
Which Cadillac XT5 year should I avoid?
Motor & Wheels (opens in a new tab) names the 2020 model as one year to avoid in the XT5 family.
Is there a plug-in hybrid XT5?
Wikipedia says the second generation, from 2024, adds a plug-in hybrid.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Cadillac XT5 is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or V6 (Sport), rated at 235 / V6 horsepower across its midsize luxury SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2025 XT5 seats 5 and is a Midsize luxury SUV.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 5 owner complaints for the 2025 XT5.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Cadillac XT5
Luxury and Premium Luxury share the 2.0L turbo engine; Sport is the only trim with the standard V6 and its own sport-tuned brakes and drivetrain.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Cadillac XT5 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Cadillac XT5 | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Cadillac XT5 | 2025 record → | |
| 2019 Cadillac XT5 | 2019 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Cadillac XT5.
The Cadillac XT5 (short for Crossover Touring 5) is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors. It was introduced at both the Dubai Motor Show and LA Auto Show in November 2015. The XT5 replaced the Cadillac SRX crossover when it was launched in early 2016.
Source: Cadillac XT5 (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Cadillac XT5 at a glance
- Production
- January 2016 – present
- Model years
- 2016–present
- Class
- Compact luxury crossover SUV (D)
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
- Predecessor
- Cadillac SRX
Cadillac XT5 generations
The Cadillac XT5 has been redesigned in 2024, gaps of 8 years, an average of 8.0 years between generations. The current generation (second generation) began in 2024.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | n/a | 2016–2024 | The XT5 features technology such as a streaming video rear-view mirror, 360° view backup camera, and the first application in a Cadillac of GM’s Electronic Precision Shift, which replaces the standard hydraulic shifter with an electronic controller. |
| Second generation | n/a | 2024–present | The second generation Cadillac XT5 was unveiled in China in August 2024. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Cadillac XT5 overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (3 campaigns across the latest model years)
- June 2024, Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Cadillac XT5 and 2024-2025 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The instrument panel may not illuminate when the hazard warning lights, high beams, or turn signals are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the… Consequence: Without the illuminated reminder, the driver could fail to turn off the lights when no longer needed. Hazard warning lights, high beams, or turn signals that remain activated unintentionally can…
- May 2024, Air Bags:Frontal. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The driver's front air bag cushion may tear during deployment, resulting in the air bag not deploying as intended. Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
- October 2023, Visibility:Windshield. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles. The windshield may have been assembled without the proper urethane sealant required to bond the windshield to the vehicle body. Consequence: A windshield that is not properly bonded may detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury.
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Cadillac XT5, most often about forward collision avoidance (3), engine (2), power train (2).
Year by year
The Cadillac XT5 across 10 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Cadillac XT5 | 21–24 | $3,100–$3,450 | 4 | 5 stars | ||
| 2025 Cadillac XT5 | 21–24 | $2,950–$3,350 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Cadillac XT5 | 21–24 | $2,950–$3,700 | 8 | 3 | 10 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Cadillac XT5 | 21–24 | $2,950–$3,700 | 8 | 4 | 15 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Cadillac XT5 | 21–24 | $2,950–$3,700 | 8 | 3 | 10 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Cadillac XT5 | 21–24 | $2,950–$3,700 | 8 | 2 | 14 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Cadillac XT5 | 20–24 | $2,950–$3,350 | 4 | 5 | 22 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Cadillac XT5 | 21–22 | $2,850–$2,950 | 2 | 32 | 5 stars | |
| 2018 Cadillac XT5 | 21–22 | $2,850–$2,950 | 2 | 66 | 5 stars | |
| 2017 Cadillac XT5 | 21–22 | $2,850–$2,950 | 2 | 1 | 122 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Cadillac XT5, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 to 2025 | 8 to 4 | Labels: XT5 Hearse AWD, XT5 Hearse FWD, XT5 Limo AWD, XT5 Limo FWD; Size classes: Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD, Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD | ||
| 2020 to 2021 | 4 to 8 | 22.0 to 22.5 | Labels: XT5 Hearse AWD, XT5 Hearse FWD, XT5 Limo AWD, XT5 Limo FWD; Size classes: Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD, Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD | |
| 2019 to 2020 | 2 to 4 | 21.5 to 22.0 | Labels: XT5 FWD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S9); Fuels: Premium | Labels: XT5; Transmissions: Automatic (S8) |
Buying used
What the Cadillac XT5 recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel) | None |
| 2024 | 3 | visibility (windshield); air bags (frontal); electrical system (instrument cluster/panel) | None |
| 2023 | 4 | equipment (other); power train (driveline); power train (automatic transmission); 1 more | None |
| 2022 | 3 | suspension (rear); fuel system, gasoline (storage); power train (automatic transmission) | None |
| 2021 | 2 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2020 | 5 | air bags (side/window); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); tires; 1 more | None |
| 2017 | 1 | service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| power train | 59 | 20% | 2017 (25) |
| engine | 59 | 20% | 2017 (24) |
| unknown or other | 58 | 20% | 2017 (26) |
| electrical system | 50 | 17% | 2017 (21) |
| steering | 42 | 14% | 2017 (15) |
| service brakes | 33 | 11% | 2017 (15) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Cadillac XT5 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 235 | 258 | 4,127 | 1,000 | 23 | $46,595 |
| Premium Luxury | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 235 | 258 | 4,206 | 3,500 | 23 | $55,295 |
| Sport | AWD | 3.6-liter V6 | 310 | 271 | 4,338 | 3,500 | 21 | $64,595 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Cadillac XT5 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.6-liter V6 | 235–310 | 4,127–4,338 | 1,000–3,500 | 22 |
| 2025 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.6-liter V6 | 235–310 | 4,127–4,338 | 1,000–3,500 | 22 |
| 2024 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.6-liter V6 | 235–310 | 3,915–4,338 | 1,000–3,500 | 19–22 |
| 2023 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.6-liter V6 | 235–310 | 3,915–4,338 | 1,000–3,500 | 19–22 |
| 2022 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.6-liter V6 | 235–310 | 3,915–4,338 | 1,000–3,500 | 19–22 |
| 2021 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.6-liter V6 | 235–310 | 3,915–4,338 | 1,000–3,500 | 19–22 |
| 2020 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 3.6-liter V6 | 237–310 | 3,915–4,338 | 1,000–3,500 | 19–22 |
| 2019 | 4 | 3.6-liter V6 | 310 | 3,985–4,356 | 3,500 | 19.4–21.7 |
| 2018 | 4 | 3.6-liter V6 | 310 | 3,985–4,356 | 3,500 | 19.4–21.7 |
| 2017 | 4 | 3.6-liter V6 | 310 | 3,985–4,356 | 3,500 | 19.4–21.7 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Cadillac XT5.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | (5.3 qt) 2.0L L4 Engine; (6.0 qt) 3.6L V6 Engine | DOT 4 | 140 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2025 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2024 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2023 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2022 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2021 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2020 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2019 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2018 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2017 | – | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Cadillac XT5: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2020 Cadillac XT5 : 5 recalls on file, most commonly affecting tires and fuel system.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 1 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2024 | 3 | 10 | visibility/wipers, airbags, electrical system |
| 2023 | 4 | 15 | powertrain, equipment, electrical system |
| 2022 | 3 | 10 | suspension, fuel system, powertrain |
| 2021 | 2 | 14 | fuel system, backup camera |
| 2020 | 5 | 22 | tires, fuel system, airbags, backup camera |
| 2019 | 32 | ||
| 2018 | 66 | ||
| 2017 | 1 | 122 | brakes |
| 2016 | 0 | ||
| 2015 | 0 |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Cadillac XT5?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2020 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Cadillac XT5 model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 has 5 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting tires, fuel system, airbags. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Cadillac XT5 by model year?
2025: electrical system. 2024: visibility/wipers, airbags, electrical system. 2023: powertrain, equipment, electrical system. 2022: suspension, fuel system, powertrain. 2021: fuel system, backup camera. 2020: tires, fuel system, airbags, backup camera.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Brakes, tires and steering, Engine and cooling, Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical, Transmission and drivetrain.
2020 Cadillac XT5 owners specifically: see Brakes, tires and steering and Engine and cooling and Buying, records and recalls and Climate and electrical.
Compared with
Models this Cadillac XT5 is most often compared with.
Nearest Cadillac models
Other Cadillac models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 XT5 come in?
The 2025 Cadillac XT5 (midsize luxury SUV) comes in 3 trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport.
Q02What are the 2025 XT5 trims?
The 2025 Cadillac XT5 trims are Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, listed from the entry Luxury up to the top Sport.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 XT5 use?
The 2025 Cadillac XT5 is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or V6 (Sport), rated at 235 / V6 horsepower across its midsize luxury SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 XT5 have?
The 2025 Cadillac XT5 is rated at 235 / V6 horsepower (2.0L turbo four-cylinder or V6 (Sport)).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 XT5?
The 2025 Cadillac XT5 is offered with FWD / AWD.