2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury FWD Review: A Comprehensive Look

Introduction
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury FWD is a standout in the luxury midsize SUV segment, representing Cadillac’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with luxurious comfort and performance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury FWD, covering everything from its design and performance to its features and overall value proposition.

Design and Exterior
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 embodies the brand’s signature design language, characterized by bold lines, a commanding front grille, and sleek headlights. The exterior design is both modern and elegant, giving the XT5 a distinctive road presence. The sharp creases and aerodynamic profile not only contribute to its visual appeal but also enhance its fuel efficiency.

• Dimensions: The XT5 is well-proportioned, offering a balanced stance with an overall length of 189.5 inches, a width of 75 inches, and a height of 66.1 inches.
• Wheels: The Luxury trim comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels, which add to its refined look while providing a smooth ride.
• Lighting: Full LED lighting, including headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights, ensures optimal visibility and adds a modern touch to the vehicle’s design.
• Paint Options: Cadillac offers a range of premium paint options, such as Stellar Black Metallic, Red Passion Tintcoat, and Crystal White Tricoat, allowing buyers to customize the vehicle’s appearance to their preference.

Interior and Comfort
Step inside the 2017 Cadillac XT5, and you’ll find a cabin that exudes luxury and sophistication. The interior is thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and advanced technology.

• Seating: The XT5 Luxury FWD features leatherette seating surfaces that are both soft to the touch and durable. The front seats are power-adjustable and come with lumbar support, ensuring a comfortable driving experience on long journeys.
• Space: With a generous 104.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, the XT5 offers ample space for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats can be folded flat to increase the cargo capacity from 30 cubic feet to an impressive 63 cubic feet.
• Technology: Cadillac’s CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system is at the heart of the XT5’s technological offerings. The 8-inch touchscreen interface is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features include a premium Bose 8-speaker sound system, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports for connectivity.
• Climate Control: The dual-zone automatic climate control system ensures that both the driver and passengers can enjoy a comfortable cabin temperature, regardless of the weather outside.

Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury FWD is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers a robust 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive shifts.

• Acceleration: The V6 engine allows the XT5 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds, making it one of the quicker vehicles in its class.
• Fuel Efficiency: Despite its powerful engine, the XT5 is relatively fuel-efficient, offering an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
• Drive Modes: The XT5 comes with selectable drive modes, including Tour, Snow/Ice, and Sport, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to different driving conditions.
• Steering and Handling: The electric power steering system provides precise control, and the front-wheel-drive setup ensures a stable and predictable driving experience. The XT5’s suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up road imperfections while maintaining composure through corners.

Safety and Driver Assistance
Cadillac has equipped the 2017 XT5 Luxury FWD with a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies to provide peace of mind on the road.

• Airbags: The XT5 comes with a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
• Driver Assistance Features: Standard on the Luxury trim are features such as rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and lane departure warning. Additionally, the XT5 offers optional features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• Safety Ratings: The XT5 received favorable safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), earning a 5-star overall rating.

Ownership Costs and Value
When considering the overall value of the 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury FWD, it’s important to weigh its initial purchase price against its long-term ownership costs.

• Price: The starting MSRP for the 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury FWD was approximately $48,000, positioning it competitively within the luxury SUV market.
• Depreciation: Like most luxury vehicles, the XT5 experiences significant depreciation over the first few years of ownership. However, its strong brand reputation and desirable features help mitigate this to some extent.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Cadillac offers a standard 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Routine maintenance costs are in line with other luxury SUVs, though repair costs can be higher due to the premium components used in the vehicle.
• Fuel Costs: Based on the average fuel prices and the XT5’s fuel efficiency, owners can expect to spend approximately $1,800 annually on fuel, depending on driving habits and conditions.

Comparison with Competitors
To fully appreciate the 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury FWD, it’s useful to compare it with some of its main competitors in the luxury midsize SUV segment.

• Lexus RX 350: The Lexus RX 350 is a direct competitor to the XT5, offering a similarly powerful V6 engine and a reputation for reliability. However, the XT5 stands out with its more engaging driving experience and more advanced infotainment system.
• Audi Q5: The Audi Q5 is known for its sporty handling and high-quality interior. While the Q5 may have an edge in terms of driving dynamics, the XT5 offers more interior space and a smoother ride.
• BMW X5: The BMW X5 is often considered the benchmark in this segment, offering a combination of performance, luxury, and technology. The XT5 competes well with the X5, particularly in terms of interior comfort and technology features, though the X5 offers more powerful engine options.

Final Thoughts
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury FWD is a well-rounded luxury SUV that offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It’s a vehicle that appeals to those who value a refined driving experience and a luxurious interior. While it faces stiff competition from other luxury SUVs, the XT5 holds its own with its distinctive design, advanced features, and Cadillac’s renowned attention to detail.
For buyers seeking a stylish and capable luxury SUV with a strong emphasis on comfort and technology, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury FWD is certainly worth considering. Its combination of power, efficiency, and luxury make it a standout choice in a crowded market.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury FWD is a testament to Cadillac’s ability to craft a luxury vehicle that meets the demands of modern drivers. With its striking design, powerful V6 engine, and a host of advanced features, the XT5 offers a driving experience that is both enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you’re commuting in the city or embarking on a long road trip, the XT5 is equipped to handle it all with grace and style.