Cadillac originally launched the XT5 as a replacement for the Cadillac SRX for the 2017 model year. The 2021 model year will represent the fifth model year of the popular luxury crossover, for which the vehicle will receive a handful of changes and updates. So we’ve compiled all the updates, changes and new features for the 2021 Cadillac XT5, to share them with you here.
Exterior
The 2021 Cadillac XT5 loses four exterior colors while gaining two new ones:
Deleted colors:
- Radiant Silver Metallic
- Manhattan Noir Metallic
- Red Horizon Tintcoat
- Dark Mocha Metallic
New colors:
- Dark Moon Blue Metallic
- Infrared Tintcoat
Additionally, Satin Steel Metallic is no longer an extra-charge color option. Instead, it will now be now included in the base price of the vehicle.
The remaining exterior changes are to the wheel options. The 20-inch, 12-spoke Diamond Cut alloy wheels with Dark Alloy Satin finish pockets are added to the lineup, and will only be available on Sport models. Meanwhile, four dealer-installed wheel options will be deleted:
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- 20-inch 6-Spoke Dual-Split alloy wheels with Diamond Cut and Midnight Silver finish (SLV)
- 20-inch Polished alloy wheels (S1R)
- 20-inch Ultra Bright machined alloy wheels with Pearl Nickel finish (S1S)
- 20-inch Midnight Grey alloy wheels (SEE)
Interior
Inside, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 gains the addition of Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto as a standard feature on all trim levels, as Cadillac Society was first to report in August. Wired functionality remains for those who prefer it.
However, the base Luxury trim level loses the power tilt and telescoping steering column. In its place is the manual tilt and telescoping steering column. By comparison, the 2020 model year featured the tilt and telescoping steering column as standard on all XT5 models. Premium Luxury and Sport models continue with the power tilt and telescoping column as standard.
Finally, the universal tablet holder accessory will no longer be offered.
Mechanical
From a mechanical standpoint, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 continues to be offered with two gasoline engines.
| Engine | Fuel | Aspiration | Transmission | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L I-4 LSY | Gasoline | Turbo | 9-speed automatic M3T | 230 @ 5000 | 258 @ 1500-4000 | 3.47 |
| 3.6L V-6 LGX | Gasoline | Atmospheric | 9-speed automatic M3V | 308 @ 6600 | 270 @ 5000 | 3.49 |
Both engines are mated to the 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive is standard on Luxury and Premium Luxury, and all-wheel-drive is optional on both. Meanwhile, all-wheel-drive is standard on the Sport trim.
Like all iterations of the first-gen XT5, the 2021 model continues to ride on the C1 platform.
Looking Ahead
The first-generation Cadillac XT5 has been around since the 2017 model year. The current model will be around for at least the 2021 and 2022 model years before being replaced with an all-new model thereafter, and we’ll be here to update you on the current and future versions every step of the way. So be sure to subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac XT5 news as well as around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
Note that the changes described herein apply only to the U.S. market. Changes for other markets may differ.
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Frank Ricciardi
I just ordered my 2021 XT5 with the Platinum Package to replace my 2017 XT5 Platinum…Glad to hear that they haven’t screwed it up. I just wish I could have ordered a deep red interior to go with the Crystal White exterior. Maple sugar is nice, but I love a red interior.