2019 Cadillac XT5 Platinum AWD

Journey anywhere!
By Durhl Caussey
Durhl Caussey
Durhl Caussey
October 9, 2018Updated: October 9, 2018

The 2019 Cadillac XT5, a dynamically designed crossover, is both splendidly beautiful and powerful. Its outside curves and lines are brought together to create a systematic style that satisfies your emotions. At the same time, you will never have to worry about performance.

The 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 engine delivers 310 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque with automatic stop/start. It’s coupled to an eight-speed twin-clutch all-wheel drive automatic transmission. The twin-clutch system allows the AWD system to send up to 100 percent of the torque to either the front or the back wheels.

This Cadillac AWD crossover achieves a fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, for a combined 21 mpg.

Style comes full circle in the welcoming interior, with beautifully designed festive items like semi-aniline leather seating surfaces and heated/ventilated front seats. Also featured are a heated steering wheel, Head-Up Display (HUD), and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation capability supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

The UltraView sunroof with a power sunshade opens to the outside air while keeping you cool inside the vehicle. An the Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers and SiriusXM will keep your toes tapping and mind humming to your favorite songs.

The inside environment is further crafted by a keyless open and start system and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column. A vehicle that is beautiful and comfortable must also provide safety and security. The XT5 certainly meets that criteria by offering items like forward-collision alert, rear-cross traffic alert, blind-zone alert, rear camera mirror, and lane-change alert, to name a few.

Epoch Times Photo
The interior of the XT5 Platinum. (Courtesy of Cadillac)

The government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the XT5 five stars for overall safety rating in its 5-Star Safety Ratings system. This includes a 5-star driver-side rating and a 4-star passenger-side rating in the frontal-crash category. The vehicle aced the side-crash category, winning 5 stars in all tests. In the rollover category, the XT5 has a 4-stars rating.

Of course, beyond these advanced safety features, the fundamental last-line protection is not lacking, with numerous air bags for the knees, head, side, and front to thwart any impact.

The XT5 is no ordinary crossover. When you step inside, you’ll witness a display of cutting-edge technologies and craftsmanship. Leather, wood, and other materials all work together to make this Cadillac the perfect assembly.

Being an SUV, this beauty must be backed by utility. The second-row seating will slide and recline with cargo area fold-down release, and 40/20/40 folding provides convenient flexibility. The cargo management system has an adjustable cargo fence and retractable cargo shade, keeping items in the storage space from moving around.

Let’s say you are out for a nice Sunday afternoon drive, or maybe rushing to meet an appointment on a typical workday. The XT5 handles smoothly and comfortably as it maneuvers around corners wisely. And don’t worry about the dark clouds in the distance. You’ll have checked the weather app and been alerted to the location of incoming storms. Enjoy your time spent in the Cadillac XT5.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $65,895 for the Platinum AWD model.

Cadillac Owner’s Benefits:
4-Year/50.000-Mile Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
6-Year/70,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty
6-Year/70,000-Mile Roadside Assistance Program

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or at [email protected]