2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling, positioned between the angularity of the Lexus NX and the traditional aesthetics of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It featured Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille and distinctive vertical taillights. However, its compact footprint and tall profile created an awkward mix, making it unmistakably a Cadillac, yet somewhat ungainly. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a strong design theme and brand-specific markers, leaving little to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota’s Tacoma pickup, giving it a rugged appearance popular among midsized SUVs. Its design included a trapezoidal grille and an upright fascia, with a character line adding softness from the side. However, this design choice added unnecessary visual weight, making the Highlander appear bloated. The interior was unconventional yet less jarring, featuring an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high for reduced distraction, and the Bronze Edition test vehicle had light grey fabric upholstery with a questionable pattern. While the materials trailed other SUVs in quality, the Highlander Hybrid remained a practical choice for those seeking a hybrid option.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, offering a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without requiring constant corrections. The cabin remained impressively quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It featured standard front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, with the gasoline engine supplying adequate power. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over road imperfections. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise, contributing to a quiet driving experience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered favorable interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It provided ample legroom in both rows but trailed in rear headroom. The seats were comfortable but could have used more padding. Cargo space measured 30 cubic feet with rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing competitors like the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf, and a large center armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining capabilities, and offered built-in window shades and USB ports. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and 84.3 cubic feet at maximum capacity.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and head-up display. While usability improved, the tech remained adequate, lacking the sophistication of competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, with wireless charging on XLE trims and above. Limited and Platinum trims included navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. An optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star NHTSA rating, though it had a “Marginal” headlight rating.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star NHTSA rating and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally performed well, though some required fine-tuning.