The 2023 Cadillac XT5 is a carryover model, and like previous versions of this luxury SUV, it’s still a good pick. Also like prior model years, the 2023 XT5 earned a Consumer Reports recommendation. However, it’s by no means a flawless compact crossover. Here’s a look at the 2023 Cadillac XT5, including good points and two big lingering problems. 

What Consumer Reports likes about the 2023 Cadillac XT5

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 ranks second among 35 luxury compact SUVs on Consumer Reports’ list, so it’s an excellent option. One of the main reasons why this model is so highly rated is its comfort features. The XT5’s interior lives up to what consumers expect from a luxury car. This is especially true in terms of the seats. 

The XT5 can seat five people, and Consumer Reports likes both rows of seats. The front row is supportive, while the rear seats are spacious. The XT5’s interior is also luxurious. This is thanks to the fact that Cadillac used premium materials like synthetic leather. On top of that, the Cadillac SUV has a quiet cabin, even compared to other luxury SUVs. 

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 still has 2 big issues

That said, the 2023 XT5 still has two issues that Cadillac hasn’t fixed yet. The big one has to do with its engine options. The standard model has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac offers one other engine option — a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

That V6 engine is powerful enough to allow the Caddy to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, which CR calls “decently quick.” However, that doesn’t change the fact that the V6 feels “lethargic” to drive. In fact, Consumer Reports wrote that the standard four-cylinder actually “feels more responsive” than the V6 during daily driving.

The XT5’s other big issue has to do with visibility. Due to its design, its outward visibility isn’t great because the driver’s view can be blocked by several things, such as the “thick windshield pillars” and “thick rear roof pillars,” according to Consumer Reports. However, the SUV comes with blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, so those features can help improve a driver’s visibility. 

Consumer Reports points out smaller issues too

Those were the two main issues the 2023 Cadillac XT5 has right now, but it has a few minor issues, too. Despite being a compact crossover, its fuel economy still isn’t great. The standard four-cylinder engine gets about 24 mpg combined, while the V6 engine gets about 20 mpg combined. Additionally, though the SUV can be decently fast in a straight line, its emergency handling isn’t great. 

And though the XT5 has an opulent interior, it’s not perfect. The reason for that is the ride quality, which is an improvement over previous model years. But despite that, the ride quality still isn’t great.

Another area where the XT5 is mediocre is cargo capacity. It has about 30.2 cubic feet of space in its cargo area behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, its max cargo capacity is 63 cubic feet. That’s a decent amount, but it’s not as much as what the best SUVs in the segment provide.