Buyers seeking a midsized luxury SUV are hardly left wanting more options. There are the stalwarts of the segment, like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, and Lexus RX. Also available is a newcomer to the fray, the Genesis GV80, and niche options like the Maserati Levante, Porsche Cayenne, and Land Rover Defender. Against such stiff competition, it’s vital that models have characteristics that allow them to stand out. And according to Edmunds, the 2023 Cadillac XT5 doesn’t.

The XT5 is mired in mediocrity

Edmunds’ review of the 2023 XT5 doesn’t lambast Cadillac’s midsize luxury crossover, but the publication doesn’t exactly heap praise onto it either. Though it doesn’t have a bevy of downsides, it lacks any aspects that could help its overall appeal — the publication’s review notes the XT5 “isn’t a standout in any particular area.” A dozen models seemingly competing for the same prospective buyers leave the Cadillac at the back of the pack. The XT5 is rated 10th out of 11 models in Edmunds’ midsize luxury SUV ranking.

Its below-average score is unsurprising, given the XT5 is, at best, average in most categories.

Its V6 powertrain pumps out 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and it will run from 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds, figures that are decidedly run-of-the-mill in its segment. Edmunds said the XT5’s ride quality is comfortable, but so are the road manners of its competition. The Cadillac model’s tech features also fail to stand out, with Edmunds noting they are “competitive in its class.”

The XT5’s spacious cargo area brings plenty of praise, which offers more storage than some of its competition, but a high lift-over height and limited in-cabin storage space dampen its overall pragmaticism.  

The V6-powered XT5 has a combined EPA rating of 21 mpg, below average for its segment. Its max tow rating of 3,500 pounds also trails much of the competition.

Value prospects of the 2023 Cadillac XT5

The 2023 Cadillac XT5’s starting price of under $46,000 is appealing, given its rivals from Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, and Volvo all command over $55,000 to start. However, Edmunds notes your dollar doesn’t go as far in the 2023 XT5 as a base model is “sparsely equipped for a typical luxury buyer.”

The review notes there “is some value in the XT5,” given the price point offered, but it doesn’t particularly stand out. Its value prospect also drops when choosing Edmunds’ recommended model, the $51,390 Premium Luxury trim. The publication prefers this trim over the base version because it offers traditional luxury features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, a Bose audio system, and a hands-free liftgate. For its price point, its suggested prospective XT5 buyers also consider the smaller but sportier and more upscale BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, or Genesis GV70.

The XT5 is also due for a refresh, as its current generation has been around without any major overhauls since 2017. Edmunds appreciates the XT5’s handsome appearance but says the SUV is “behind the times.” The Lexus RX attracts the same prospective buyers, the review notes, but it is far more modern.

To make the Cadillac XT5 stand out in its flooded segment, its refreshed or revamped midsize SUV will need some characteristics or specs that aren’t middle-of-the-road.