2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 represented a significant effort by Cadillac to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. Updated in 2020 with 40 enhancements, the XT5 showcased a snub-nosed exterior and distinct trim levels. Its LED lights and 20-inch wheels added to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale design than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with cut-and-sewn leather and natural wood accents, especially in the Premium Luxury trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a bold design with a blunt nose and floating roof effect. Its styling, while initially polarizing, aimed to remain distinctive over time. The Highlander Hybrid was available in various trims, with the Limited trim offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a surround-view camera system. Despite its modern design, some interior elements, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap, and the cabin's illumination was busy at night.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided smooth upshifts but clunky downshifts, with a Sport mode that made shifts jittery. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg with AWD, surpassing its EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid switched from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 243 horsepower. It achieved an EPA-rated 36 mpg combined with FWD and 35 mpg with AWD. The hybrid system used an "E-CVT" for transmission. While more efficient than its predecessor, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was less engaging, with a strained engine sound during acceleration and lifeless steering. It averaged 31.7 mpg in testing, slightly below expectations.

The Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably, though the rear seat offered limited headroom. It provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, with a deep but narrow rear area due to wheel bump-outs. The XT5's interior lacked small-item storage, and the front seats were less comfortable on long trips.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered spacious front seating with power adjustments and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow. The third row was uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. However, storage solutions were less practical than before.

The Cadillac XT5 featured an elegant infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rotary controller. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose sound system. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were available, enhancing nighttime driving.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and JBL audio system in higher trims. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but the sound system's quality varied. Driver Easy Speak projected the driver's voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror provided a clear view behind the vehicle.

The Cadillac XT5 included features like front automatic emergency braking and lane-change alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime visibility, and Teen Driver software allowed parental control over vehicle features.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the LE trim. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.