Cadillac is preparing to update its XT5 midsize crossover for the 2020 model year, and our spy photographer has just caught a prototype of the vehicle undergoing testing in the heat of Arizona.
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 spied here appears to be wearing the same camouflage as the XT5 tester seen three more ago. In fact, it could very well be the same developmental prototype seen back in April. Even so, these new close-up shots reveal some more details about what’s coming for the facelift.
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 will wear a new grille with a mesh-style pattern introduced on the 2019 XT4 and 2019 CT6. That much is clear, despite the vast amount of camouflage on the tester’s front end.
But that same camo also makes it difficult to see what else is lurking beneath the covers. As such, we remain uncertain whether the facelifted XT5 will receive the same kind of front fascia and lighting treatment as the new XT4, or if it will continue with the face of the pre-facelift model. Notably, the headlights on the facelift prototype appear identical to those seen on the current version, but that could be the clever camo fooling us.
Here’s to hoping that Cadillac will go the extra mile and give the facelifted XT5 a whole new face consistent with the brand’s new design direction.
It’s unclear whether the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh will adopt the front fascia styling of the all-new XT4 (pictured)
The side profile appears exactly the same as the current, pre-facelift model. The only thing we’ve been able to notice that might be worthy of a mention is the masking tape on the side mirror caps. The placement of the tape is peculiar given that it could indicate the presence of turn signal indicators in that area. Notably, the current, pre-facelift model does offer integrated turn signals in the mirror caps.
We can’t quite figure out what this 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh is hiding out back. Though the camouflage covers up half of the prototype’s liftgate and most of its rear fascia, there don’t appear to be any changes present to the rear end. In other words, every element seems to be in the same place as it is on the current, pre-refresh XT5.
Though we haven’t looked under the hood, we have reason to believe that 2020 Cadillac XT5 will continue to be powered by the same engines as the current, 2017-2019 model. In North America, the powertrain lineup consists of the ubiquitous naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 LGX engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In China, the familiar turbo-charged 2.0L I-4 LTG engine powers the XT5 remain, though it could be replaced with Cadillac’s all-new 2.0L I-4 LFY introduced by the 2019 Cadillac XT4 . The XT5 hybrid will remain in China. We also expect the current 8-speed automatic transmission to be replaced by a new and advanced 9-speed automatic gearbox across all XT5 trims and in all markets.
Expect the 2020 Cadillac XT5 to be unveiled before the end of the 2018 calendar year and launch in the summer-spring time frame as a 2019 model year vehicle.
Joseph Torregrossa
I have been a GM buyer since 1983 and now that I want to purchase a GM PHEV vehicle. GM is not providing one. This is so sad.