We’ve already told you about the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh over the past few months, it’s now officially official. The update to Cadillac’s global best-selling model receives a new trim level structure, an updated exterior, enhancements in technology, improvements to the interior, and an updated powertrain lineup.
New Trim Level Structure
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh delivers a revised trim level structure that follows the luxury brand’s new Y trim level strategy. The base model is called Luxury. From there, customers can opt for one of two up-level trims: Premium Luxury or Sport.
2020 Cadillac XT5 Sport
2020 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury
Like on other Cadillac models, Premium Luxury is tailored more toward a traditional luxurious driving experience and styling aesthetic, while Sport delivers a sporty driving experience with more modern and aggressive styling.
A Platinum package is optional on Premium Luxury and Sport models delivers the pinnacle of technology and most interior sophistication, including Semi-Aniline leather seating on all rows, a leather wrapped instrument panel, console and door trim, microfiber sueded headliner, illuminated front door sill plates, as well as front and rear premium carpeted floor mats. A real-time damping suspension chassis and performance suspension is part of the package on Premium Luxury models, while Sport models get these features as part of the Sport trim level.
Driving Experience Follows New Trim Structure
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh delivers two distinctive driving experiences that follow the model’s trim level structure.
Luxury and Premium Luxury models are tailored for confidence-inspiring control that keeps the driver connected to the road while providing a retreat from road disturbances. By comparison, Sport model – as the name suggests – is tuned for a more performance-oriented experience, with quick steering and more aggressive chassis tuning that provides better body control without sacrificing ride isolation.
Exterior Updates
Outside the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh features the luxury brand’s new grille expressed in two personas, depending on trim level.
The XT5 features a new, bolder grille design, offered in two textures that reflect the new personas, with bright accents within the grille adorning the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, and glossy black accents adorning the Sport grille. That pattern continues well into the rest of the vehicle’s exterior decor: Premium Luxury models emphasize bright trim and contemporary decor, while Sport models feature a darker, more aggressive appearance.
Other changes to the exterior design include new lower front and rear fascias and standard LED headlamps with IntelliBeam on all models. There’s also a new 18-inch wheel design that’s standard on Luxury and Premium Luxury models, with a new 20-inch wheel design being available. XT5 Sport features new 20-inch wheels standard.
Sport models feature clear (neutral density) tail light lenses, and two new exterior colors join the entire lineup – Satin Steel Metallic and Garnet Metallic.
Interior Improvements
The distinct personas introduced by the Y trim level strategy permeate to the interior, with various refinements that amplify the crossover’s comfort, convenience and utility.
The cabin of the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh features new interior color and trim elements, with greater differentiation among the trim levels. Each incorporates a richer selection of authentic materials and coordinating decor. New interior color combinations include:
- Sedona Sauvage with Jet Black accents, replacing Sahara Beige with Jet Black accents
- Cirrus with Jet Black accents replacing Cirrus with Dark Titanium accents
Meanwhile, the Cirrus with Dark Titanium accents features new accents (previously Black).
| 2020 XT5: | Jet Black | Cirrus with Dark Titanium accents | Kona Brown Sauvage with Jet Black accents | Maple Sugar with Jet Black accents | Sedona Sauvage with Jet Black accents | Cirrus with Jet Black accents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 XT5: | Jet Black | Cirrus with Jet Black accents | Kona Brown Sauvage with Jet Black accents | Maple Sugar with Jet Black accents | Sahara Beige with Jet Black accents | Cirrus with Dark Titanium accents |
A new center console design delivers enhanced storage solutions, redesigned cupholders and a wrapped bin at the front of the center console that conveys a more refined appearance. Heated front seats are now standard, while revised 60/40-split rear seats enhance convenience and utility.
Newly-available Bose Performance Series sound system complemented by new metal speaker grilles. Finally, Cadillac’s updated midsize luxury crossover features acoustical treatments designed to improve quietness, while also adding a cabin air ionizer to deliver cleaner air through the HVAC system.
Technology Enhancements
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh also delivers updated infotainment and driver assistance technologies.
On the infotainment side, the XT5 now features over 20 available safety and driver assistance technologies, including the latest Cadillac User Experience interface with enhanced connectivity and personalization. The standard infotainment system features an eight-inch diagonal color touchscreen and available embedded navigation system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Cadillac Connected Apps are all standard, while Cadillac 4G LTE (previously known as OnStar 4G LTE) is available and comes with a 3GB/3-month data trail.
There’s also a new controller for the infotainment system that consists of the next-generation rotary controller with new job functionality. This complements the conventional buttons and touchscreen controls. One-touch phone pairing with Near Field Communication technology also makes its way to the 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh; this only works for Android phones, and not iPhones.
Other updates to the cockpit technology include:
- Next-generation 15-watt wireless charging and revised USB ports, including the latest USB-C type, which offer fasting charging and enhanced usability.
- Two new high-definition instrument cluster display options that provide crisp, vibrant graphics for easy, at-a-glance views.
- Higher-resolution display for the HD Rear Vision Camera and HD Surround Vision
On the active safety front, the 2020 XT5 now has over 20 technologies, including Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist with Braking, New Rear Pedestrian Alert, and Available Night Vision.
Updated Powertrain Lineup
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh adds a new engine to the lineup in the form of the turbo-charged 2.0L I-4 engine (production code LSY). The boosted four-banger makes 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and becomes the standard motor in the Luxury and Premium Luxury trim levels; this engine is denoted by the 350T badge on the liftgate.
The naturally-aspirated 3.6L V6 engine (production code LGX) carries over from the 2017-2019 model years, but now as an option on the Premium Luxury and standard on the Sport trim. The atmospheric six makes 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet torque and is identified by the 400 badge on the liftgate.
Each engine employs technologies such as direct injection, camshaft phasing, Active Fuel Management (cylinder
deactivation) and automatic stop/start to optimize efficiency. Both motors are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission controlled via the next generation of the Electronic Precision Shift gear selector.
Other Mechanical Updates
Luxury and Premium Luxury models feature revised front struts and driveline enhancements designed to improve ride comfort and road isolation. Distinguishing elements of the Sport model include standard dual-clutch Sport Control AWD with Active Yaw Control, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) adaptive suspension, quicker steering ratio and 20-inch wheels.
In addition, models with the turbo-charged 2.0L I-4 LSY engine feature a new, electronically-controlled braking system that replaces the
conventional vacuum-assisted system. With it, a compact electric motor provides power braking assistance and enhances overall efficiency by reducing the parasitic engine drag incurred with a traditional vacuum booster. It also provides braking excellent response and feedback.
Availability
The 2020 Cadillac XT5 refresh will be available late summer 2019. Production takes place at the Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly facility for North America, and at the Cadillac Jinqiao facility for China.
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Earl Dums
I like what I see so far.
Greg
Cadillac has done a good job in applying their new “face” to the line up fairly quickly. By early next year with the CT4 and the new Escalade the job will be done……until the next time.
Keith
Check into problems with the LSY engine
Other than that, great improvements for Cadillac’s best selling model
Rich Galinovsky
Ok…. I’m confused!!! What was a standard engine in 2019. Is now an option. And as standard you are going to give me an engine that has 73 HP less and less torque??? Yet I hear the XT4 us GOING to have the 2.0L standard and is getting a 2.7L 4 cyl 320HP as an option!!! Also read on CADILLAC SOCIETY the XT5 will be STARTING at $45,000+ and giving me a smaller engine!! You guys are driving me to LINCOLN. I like the XT5 better, but there is a limit!!!
TELL ME IM WRONG???
Sherry Hyson
Like what I see. Will there be any new exterior colors for the XT5?
Frank Ricciardi
The lease is up on my 2017 XT5 Platinum in September 2020 so I’ll be getting another very similar one. I guess this time I’ll have to pay extra for the V6 unless its included in the platinum package. One can only hope!!