The Cadillac XT5 launched for the 2017 model year as a replacement for the SRX. After three years on the market, Cadillac introduced a much-needed refresh for the 2020 model year that delivered a few minor yet notable changes, including a few minor exterior changes, the implementation of Cadillac’s Y trim level strategy, the new turbo-charged 2.0L engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, along with new Active Aero Shutters and updated in-cabin technology. But something interesting took place with the 2020 Cadillac XT5 – it saw a slight decrease in fuel economy.
According to official fuel economy figures presented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2020 XT5 with the 3.6L V6 engine (production code LGX) delivers 18 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the highway and 21 MPG combined in front-wheel-drive form, as well as 18 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and 20 MPG combined for AWD models. Those keeping track will notice that that’s 1 MPG less in the city, resulting in 1 MPG fewer combined.
| 2019 | 2020 | +/- 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| XT5 2.0L Turbo FWD | N/A | 21/28/24 | N/A |
| XT5 2.0L Turbo AWD | N/A | 21/26/23 | N/A |
| XT5 3.6L FWD | 19/26/22 | 18/26/21 | -1 / – / -1 |
| XT5 3.6L AWD | 18/25/21 | 18/25/20 | - / – / -1 |
- Fuel economy figures listed are as follows – City / Highway / Combined
We found this minor decrease in fuel economy peculiar, and we wondered whether the different gearing associated with the new nine-speed gearbox was the culprit. After all, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 replaces the eight-speed automatic in the 2017-2019 model with the all-new nine-speed gearbox. But that’s not the case.
As it turns out, Cadillac made some tuning and calibration changes to all XT5 models that caused the 1 MPG difference in city and combined ratings, Cadillac’s Katie Minter explained. In addition, Minter added that the “Premium and Premium Luxury models get revised front struts and driveline enhancements designed to improve ride comfort and road isolation.”
To note, the 2020 Cadillac XT5 adds the turbo-charged 2.0L I-4 engine (production code LSY) to the XT5 lineup, where it joins the atmospheric 3.6L V6 (LGX). The boosted four is standard on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trim levels, while the six is standard on the new Sport trim. The Premium Luxury trim can be equipped with the six cylinder as an option. All engines are mated to the new nine-speed gearbox. Luxury and Premium Luxury models are available with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive, while the Sport model comes standard with the twin-clutch, Sport Control AWD system.
| Engine: | Turbo 2.0L I-4 LSY | 3.6L V-6 LGX |
|---|---|---|
| Power (hp / kW @ RPM): | 237 / 177 @ 5000 | 310 / 231 @ 6600 |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ RPM): | 258 / 350 @ 1500-4000 | 271 / 366 @ 5000 |
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Ronald Olson
I’ve had the ats-v for three and a half years it is an absolute great car but we have to start taking people around so we went to ct6 V the black wing is a great motor and the car is a great car I love the torque the power is down there’s something I don’t quite understand it has so much capability but we do love the car if they up the car which I know it can be done with those computers it would be awesome
Raymond Ramirez
A tiny MPG loss is negligible for actual XT5 owners and for new buyers, as long as the luxury and comfort satisfies their purpose for the purchase. A good driver can get better MPG as long as they drive safely and below speed limits.