If you’re looking for an American luxury SUV, you might be tempted to get the Cadillac XT5. The 2018 XT5  particularly stands out because of its safety and reliability ratings. But is it brilliant enough to buy used?

Driving a used 2018 XT5

Those wanting a sporty driving experience should look past the XT5. The XT5 gets its power from a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Even though it’s not extremely quick, the XT5 is a confident and gentle ride. 

When it was new, Consumer Reports recognized the XT5 for its responsive handling but noted that its steering wasn’t sharp. CR also warned that drivers shouldn’t push the XT5 too hard to accelerate. Some might also find the XT5 to be too stiff, especially for a Caddy. One bright spot performance-wise is that XT5 brakes well in both wet and dry conditions. The XT5 came standard with front-wheel-drive, but those looking for more control should shop for models with all-wheel-drive. 

On the inside 

The XT5 is more impressive on the inside; it looks and feels like a luxury model should. Most panels are soft to the touch, and real wood and chrome finishings elevate the cabin. The 2018 XT5 came with realistic faux-leather, but some models will have semi-aniline leather or leather upholstery. There’s plenty of room for five passengers inside the XT5, although it’s more generous on legroom than headspace.

What makes the XT5’s car cabin even better is its modern infotainment system. Standard infotainment features on this SUV include an 8-inch touchscreen, a wifi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. An eight-speaker Bose system and wireless charging is standard too, and some models might have a navigation system. 

Safety and reliability

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2018 XT5 a five-star crash test safety rating. Regarding advanced safety equipment, the XT5 came with a rearview camera and rear parking sensors, but other features, including blind-spot monitoring, were available. 

 And according to Consumer Reports extensive research, the 2018 XT5 is the most reliable version to buy. As far as owner satisfaction goes, XT5 owners are happiest with their SUV’s driving experience, comfort, and style. Furthermore, 62 percent of owners said they would repurchase the XT5.

So, is the 2018 XT5 worth buying?

As with any other buying decision, the 2018 XT5 is a personal choice based on your unique wants and desires. Is the XT5 a brilliant SUV? Not quite. If you’re looking for a used luxury SUV with livelier driving dynamics, you’ll probably want to consider buying a used BMW X5 or even a used Lexus RX. But if comfort is your main priority, the XT5 might be the right SUV for you.

In addition to comfort, the XT5 has other strengths. It has below-average ownership costs for its class, according to U.S. News. Plus, the XT5’s high depreciation rate makes it a more compelling used-car purchase. 

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