Home » Spy Pictures: 2020 Cadillac XT5 Refresh Caught Testing

Spy Pictures: 2020 Cadillac XT5 Refresh Caught Testing

Spy Pictures: 2020 Cadillac XT5 Refresh Caught Testing

Only a few years after its launch, the Cadillac XT5 is in for a refresh – and today’s spy shots give us our first look at the updated model. 

It looks like the front end will receive the most attention for this Cadillac XT5 refresh. Though we can’t quite make out exactly how the changes will look thanks to the vast amount of camouflage covering the front end, we can definitely see Cadillac’s new shield-like grille hiding behind the camo. Updated headlights with LED tech flank the new grille, but we can’t tell whether they will be getting the horizontal elements seen on the 2019 Cadillac XT4 and 2019 Cadillac CT6. That said, it’s possible that tester’s camo is playing tricks on us, meaning that the horizontal elements might actually be present after all.

Out back, the camouflage is only applied to the bottom portion of the tailgate and bumper, leading us to believe that the rear end will see very few changes that are limited to the rear bumper cover. But the situation with the taillamps is quite clear: the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh won’t get the “vertical then horizontal” lighting elements of the XT4, instead sticking with the design of the current model.

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh might gain have the “vertical then horizontal” front headlmap design introduced by the 2019 Cadillac XT4 (pictured)

It doesn’t seem that the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh will adopt the “vertical then horizontal” rear light design of the 2019 Cadillac XT4 (pictured)

Currently, the Cadillac XT5 is powered by a 3.6L V-6 engine making 310 horsepower. In China, the XT5 also offers a 2.0L Turbo engine – with the 3.6L V6 being an available option. The current model shifts via an 8-speed automatic transmission, but the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh  will likely receive a new 9-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, some believe that the same 2.0L Turbo engine offered in China will begin to be offered in North American markets, though we don’t believe that this will be the case.

The current XT5 was introduced for the 2017 model year. The vehicle offers two rows of seating and slots between the recently-revealed compact XT4 and the upcoming full-size or “midsize plus” Cadillac XT6. Expect the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh to launch in the fist half of 2019.

Stay tuned to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac XT5 news coverage.

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Written by
Alex is the founder of Cadillac Society. He has a deep passion for automotive business strategy and enjoys driving his ATS sedan on twisty mountain roads.

11 Comments

  1. Went to trade in my SRX 2014 and drove a NEW “5”
    What’s up with the “auto stop”….I don’t like it and will not buy another CADILLAC unless I can turn it off! I understand the ESCALADE is the only model that doesn’t have that feature….yikes, the least fuel efficient car doesn’t have “aut stop” WHAT GENIUS MADE THAT DECISION?
    Any plans

    Reply
    • Auto stop/start is a fuel-saving feature and it works quite well. Soon enough, you won’t be able to buy a new car without this feature, regardless of automaker… so it’s really a matter of Cadillac being ahead of the curve. Might as well get used to it.

      As for the Escalade: it’s an older model, older than the XT5 by two years… so it hasn’t gained it yet. But the next-gen Escalade will undoubtedly have it.

      Reply
  2. Just looked at a nice MDX…..it doesn’t have the “auto-stop”. Think I will buy that since it rides as nice as the Caddy! Let me know when
    Cadillac changes that feature. Thanks.

    Reply
    • The MDX doesn’t have auto stop/start because the current model is a fairly old vehicle. I’d bet that the next-generation model will have it, though.

      Regarding the Acura: the MDX leaves a lot to be desired from a driving and handling standpoint. It definitely doesn’t hold a candle to the XT5 in that department.

      And outside of that, I’m really surprised that one would avoid purchasing a vehicle based on the fact that the vehicle in question has a forward-thinking fuel-saving feature that:
      1. Works very well, and that
      2. Will be introduced on every gasoline-powered vehicle in the near future

      … but to each his own, I guess.

      Reply
  3. I read you can get a $200 thingie so you can switch off the start/stop. The XT5 is the only Cadillac that doesn’t have an off switch standard, so I understand. You have to hit the switch every time you start the car on the others.

    Reply
  4. I want to buy a new cadillac suv…..will not until they either discontinue start stop or give you a “off” switch……will go to Lincoln or Accura recently viewed without this feature!

    Reply
  5. Bought Wife a new 17 XT5. She loves it. I do too, with 1 exception. There’s no way to turn off the auto stop start. We bought the car in the hot summer, & auto stop start will not work when air conditioning is working. So we really didn’t even notice it until October or so. Anyway, I hate it. Our Family is growing, Grandchildren are coming, will need a third row soon. We are both Caddy People, and are excited about 2020 XT6., although will not even consider if the new crossover does not have an auto stop stat disable button. It probably will not have one, as it’s platform siblings (Enclave and Traverse) cannot be defeated. Kind of sad, if not. We have always bought Cadillac’s., but will be looking at Lexus, or Lincoln if so.

    Reply
    • Cadillac. No way to defeat Auto Stop Start

      Reply
      • Something the 2020 model should address.

        Reply
  6. Auto stop may be a fuel efficient “thingie” but how many starters are you going to go through??? With sales down 9% in Canada and 11-12% here in the US….maybe Cadillac ought to start asking why? Did you ever think “auto stop” might be a reason like it was for me? Best

    Reply

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