Although the 2027 Cadillac XT5 has been unofficially confirmed for the U.S. market, details on the second-generation model are still sparse. We know that it’ll still ride on an iterated version of the C1 platform as the first-get model, and that it’ll carry over quite a bit of hardware as well.
While the vehicle and its powertrain have not yet been announced, we believe there are three possibilities for the latter:
- The same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (production code LSY) found under the hood of the outgoing model,
- A mild hybrid variant of the aforementioned turbo-four, or
- A newer turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (production code LK0)
We wouldn’t be surprised to see the luxury marque simply carry over the same powertrain found in the current model. For reference, the 2025 XT5 offers 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque from the turbo four-cylinder engine. A naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter V6 (production code LGX) is optional, however, this engine is on its way of being phased out by Cadillac’s parent company, General Motors.
If Cadillac makes the switch to the mild hybrid variant of the 2.0-liter, the XT5 will certainly become more efficient on the gas. To clarify, this setup would pair the turbo 2.0-liter I-4 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
If it were up to us, we’d implement the third option and go with the 2.5-liter turbo-four. This new four-banger puts out an impressive 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque in vehicles that share the XT5’s C1 platform. Specifically, that’s 18 more ponies and 55 pound-feet more twist than the 3.6L V6.
We expect Cadillac to announce more details on the upcoming XT5 in the near future. Until then, which setup would you prefer? Let us know in the comment below.
Raymond J Ramirez
Having driven several V6 engines in GM vehicles, I prefer that 3.6 L V6 if I had the choice. I sant long term durability, not power or economy.