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Cadillac has a lineup of attractive, luxurious, and fun-to-drive models. While cars from the American automotive brand have many positive attributes, one 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 partly due to it faring well in the annual Auto Reliability Survey. 

Front angle view of white 2023 Cadillac XT5 luxury SUV, only new Cadillac model recommended by Consumer Reports in 2023
2023 Cadillac XT5 | Cadillac

The new 2023 Cadillac XT5 earned a 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 2023 Cadillac 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. For now, the XT5 is the only Cadillac car to make CR’s recommendation list for now. 

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

The recommendation for the is 2023 XT5 based on the annual Automotive Reliability Survey

Steering wheel in 2023 Cadillac XT5 luxury SUV, only new Cadillac model recommended by Consumer Reports in 2023
2023 Cadillac XT5 | Cadillac

Consumer Reports uses multiple criteria for its recommendations, 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 technology, 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. Consumer Reports evaluated 17 potential problem areas for the Auto Reliability Survey during the previous 12 months. It received owner surveys for over 300,000 vehicles, including ones for the XT5. Problem areas include leaks, engines, brakes, 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 Cadillac 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 tire. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims also 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.

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.

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