2020 Cadillac XT5 Delivers Slightly Worse Fuel Economy Than Before

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.

• 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.

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