Cadillac has a lineup of attractive, luxurious, and fun-to-drive models. While cars from the American automotive brand have many positive attributes, one area of weakness is reliability — except for one vehicle. Only one new Cadillac model is recommended by Consumer Reports in 2023: the 2023 Cadillac XT5 compact luxury SUV. This is due in part to it faring well in the annual Auto Reliability Survey. 

2023 Cadillac XT5 is the only new Cadillac model recommended by Consumer Reports

The new 2023 Cadillac XT5 earned the highly coveted recommendation from Consumer Reports. The luxury brand offers many other luxury models, but none of them are recommended by CR in 2023. This includes the Escalade full-size SUV, the XT4 subcompact SUV, the XT6 midsize SUV, the CT4 compact sedan, and the CT5 midsize sedan. Also, there’s the all-new Cadillac LYRIQ electric SUV, which Consumer Reports hasn’t yet evaluated. However, for now, the XT5 is the only Cadillac car to make CR’s recommendation list. 

Consumer Reports is one the most trusted authorities for automotive evaluations, so its recommendations, including for the XT5, carry a great deal of weight. Automotive shoppers are more likely to buy a vehicle if it makes the list. With this in mind, the recommendation for the XT5 compact luxury SUV is an impactful achievement. 

CR recommendation for 2023 XT5 based on annual Automotive Reliability Survey

For its recommendations, Consumer Reports uses multiple criteria, but reliability is one of the most important. If a car isn’t reliable, the organization typically won’t recommend it. While other Cadillac models are strong in areas — such as performance and technologies, Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend them due to low reliability. However, the 2023 Cadillac XT5 luxury SUV is the lone exception.

And to determine whether a car is reliable — and makes the recommendation list, CR has an annual Auto Reliability Survey. For the Auto Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports evaluated 17 potential problem areas during the previous 12 months. It received owner surveys for over 300,000 vehicles, including ones for the XT5. Examples of problem areas include paint, leaks, engines, brakes, noises, and electrical systems. The XT5 was a recommended model for the previous model year — and following the results of the most recent Auto Reliability Survey, the recommendation holds in 2023.

What’s new for the 2023 XT5?

The 2023 XT5 is primarily a carryover model — with only minor changes. This includes three new paint color options: Argent Silver Metallic, Opulent Blue Metallic, and Radiant Red Tintcoat. Also, all trims now have a compact spare time. Additionally, the Premium Luxury and Sport trims have the newly standard Cadillac User Experience infotainment system with Embedded Navigation.

Plus, there’s a slight price increase for the 2023 model year. The starting price of the 2023 XT5 is $44,195 MSRP, compared to $43,995 MSRP for the 2022 version. Considering high inflation, that’s a minimal increase.

2023 Cadillac XT5: Reliable Consumer Reports recommended luxury SUV

For those that are fans of Cadillac and want a reliable luxury SUV, the 2023 Cadillac XT5 is a good choice. It’s the only new Cadillac model recommended by Consumer Reports in 2023.