The 2020 Cadillac XT5 has received mixed reviews from automobile critics. In spite of the fact that many suggest that you can do a lot better than the XT5 for a midsize luxury SUV, sales of the 2020 XT5 have remained steady. These statistics could reflect the exterior improvements and selection of quality engine choices, but it makes you wonder if Cadillac managed to fool consumers into buying an inferior product or if the critics are the ones who have been fooled.

MotorTrend breaks down the improvements made to the 2020 Cadillac XT5

MotorTrend critics had the opportunity to spend a week with the 2020 XT5, and they provide some answers about what is attracting buyers to this Cadillac SUV. In its fourth year of production, the XT5 was expected to include some significant upgrades in 2020. The upgrades added by the luxury carmaker, according to MT critics, were welcome improvements. However, were they enough to justify the price as well as the steady sales trend?

Listed among the most notable improvements were the addition of a new engine option, a refreshed exterior, and a revised center console. The new engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged, 16-valve, inline-four capable of producing 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Its exterior upgrade is in keeping with a trend toward a more aggressive, sportier look. In an attempt to keep up with German competitors, the center console in the 2020 XT5 has the soft touches of quality materials.

Technology is where Cadillac really picked up its game in the XT5 in 2020. The CUE system adds modern graphics and a user-friendly interface with an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The system loads quickly and standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a Bose premium eight-speaker audio system.

For greater convenience and safety, the XT5’s infotainment system can be controlled by a knob behind the shifter. Additional technology upgrades include the addition of two more Type-C USB ports, bringing the total to four.

The XT5 has major shortcomings in its interior

Let’s face it, when you pay for luxury, you expect to receive luxury. In spite of the improvements to the 2020 XT5, MotorTrend critics say they just weren’t enough to justify the price, repeating the concerns of others about the quality of XT5’s interior finishes.

There are “a dizzying array of materials” used in the upper door panels, including various kinds of leather, distinctive types of brushed aluminum trims, and suede, making up a total of eight finishes. Simply put the trim is too busy. The quality of materials used on interior finishes is not up to luxury car standards across the board in Cadillac’s midsize SUV.

Recommending Cadillac’s 2020 XT5 is difficult

Cadillac made some noteworthy improvements to the 2020 XT5. Many of the applied upgrades are enough to draw the buyer’s eyes to this attractive model. However, recommending this midsize class luxury SUV over various comparably priced competitors is difficult. With the competitors, you will get simpler, cleaner finishes of higher quality materials while receiving the same level or higher performance, but many of them at a lower price.

Competitors with a higher price tag provide the added value of performance or material quality to justify their price. When it comes to the 2020 XT5, it appears that Cadillac is doing the exact opposite, which is probably what is behind the “dizzying array of materials” used in its interior finish.

Buyer beware when considering the 2020 Cadillac XT5

Sales of the 2020 Cadillac XT5 have remained steady in spite of the business and cheapness of the SUV’s interior. No doubt loyalty to the carmaker, its attractive exterior, and a quality selection of engine options are behind the success of the XT5. However, auto critics warn buyers to be careful when considering the 2020 XT5.