“It does not have a spare tire - It does not provide for free service - On-star is not very useful - The gate in the cargo compartment is not very useful - need a net which is unavailable. The parking brake sets itself - Shift control is confusing.”
2021 Cadillac XT5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Cadillac XT5 is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto on every trim. This is a light technology update, not a redesign, and the trim lineup, engines, and exterior styling otherwise carry over from 2020.
About the 2021 Cadillac XT5
1st generation XT5 (2017-2024 U.S. market), second year after the 2020 refresh.
The XT5 is Cadillac’s two-row midsize luxury SUV for shoppers who want a roomy cabin, easy day-to-day comfort, flexible cargo space, and a more relaxed driving character than a sport-first luxury crossover. Cadillac pitches it around confident styling, useful technology, and a clear three-step trim walk: core luxury, added comfort and amenities, or a darker, more athletic Sport version. It stands out more for comfort, space, and ease of use than for sharp handling.
The 2021 XT5 comes in three versions with different priorities. Luxury covers the essentials with a turbo four-cylinder engine, Bose audio, heated front seats, and a power liftgate, while Premium Luxury emphasizes comfort with leather, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and wireless phone charging. Sport is the performance-themed model, pairing a standard V6 and all-wheel drive with adaptive suspension and black exterior accents.
What changed, by category
Tech
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto became standard on Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport.
Safety
Rear Pedestrian Alert and an improved automatic parking assist system were newly offered for 2021.
2021 Cadillac XT5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 22 mpg | 19–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 29 mpg | 26–29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 235 hp | 235–310 hp |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258–271 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63 cu-ft | 63 cu-ft | 63 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39 in | 39 in | 39 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Night Vision System | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
The biggest change is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto across all three trims. Drivers no longer need to plug in a compatible phone to use either system.
Was the 2021 Cadillac XT5 redesigned?
No, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 was not redesigned. It retains the styling introduced by the 2020 refresh, along with the same three-trim structure and turbo-four and V6 engine split.
Does every 2021 Cadillac XT5 have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on the 2021 XT5 Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport.
Which 2021 Cadillac XT5 trim has the V6 engine?
The 2021 XT5 Sport has a standard 3.6-liter V6. It also has all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, and black exterior accents that distinguish it from the comfort-focused Luxury models.
Is the 2021 Cadillac XT5 meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
Only slightly. The 2021 model's main practical advantage is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with newly offered driver-assistance features; its design, trim structure, and core engine lineup otherwise remain much the same.
2021 Cadillac XT5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Cadillac XT5.
4.2
2021 Cadillac XT5
(100 reviews)
“This is a quality vehicle that will provide comfortable and safe transportation while having excellent aesthetics both inside and out.”
“Excellent overall, wish it had slightly more power to tow and slightly more cargo room but overall really well put together and I enjoy it.”