There are so many SUV options to choose from that narrowing it down to just one model can be quite difficult, especially if you’re eyeing a luxury brand like Cadillac. If you’re looking for a specific kind of SUV that has certain features, is large enough for the family, offers some quality amenities, and has decent towing capabilities, then you’re going to want a decent-sized SUV to accommodate your needs.
You’re likely going to want to put your focus on the XT5 or XT6 since they’re both midsize models—but between searching for the right 2024 Cadillac XT5 for sale and finding a slightly larger XT6, you might be wondering what the major differences are. Knowing this can help you determine which one better fits your lifestyle. That’s where this breakdown can be helpful as we outline the key differences between these two excellent midsize Cadillac SUVs…
Differences in Seating Arrangements
One of the major differences between the 2024 Cadillac XT5 and the 2024 Cadillac XT6 is in how the seats are configured. The XT5 is a compact SUV with two rows, seating up to five people; you have two bucket seats up front and a bench in the rear that seats three people. The XT5 also has folding rear seats to reap additional cargo capacity.
The XT6, by comparison, is a three-row model with seating for between six and seven people: that’s two bucket seats up front, two captain’s chairs in the center, and two seats in the rear for the six-person configuration, or it’s two bucket seats up front, a split bench in the middle, and two seats in the back for the seven-person configuration. This changes how much space you have in terms of cargo capacity, as well as passenger dimensions, depending on how many people you’re carrying.
Now, if you don’t need a three-row SUV, the XT5 provides ample space within its segment. You do get more open cargo capacity behind the rear seats at up to 30.0 cu.ft. of cargo volume with the XT5, compared to the three-row configuration of the XT6 that has a more limited initial 12.6 cu.ft. of cargo volume behind the third row. You can fold the third row to gain more space for the XT6, but if you don’t absolutely need the third row, then the XT5 may be more suitable for the job. That’s not to mention that smaller vehicles are easier to handle on the road, which is something to consider if you’re buying an SUV and maneuverability is a concern.
Differences in Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is one of the big differences between these models, and such a difference usually boils down to size and powertrain. What’s interesting here with the XT5 and XT6 is that they both share the same powertrain options, but how they’re utilized gives you very different outcomes in fuel efficiency. The XT5 offers you slightly better figures because the XT6 is slightly larger, so what you gain with the XT6 in terms of its size with the three rows, you lose in the fuel economy department.
The XT5 and XT6 are both powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The four-cylinder makes 235 or 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and the V6 makes 310 hp at 271 lb-ft of torque. While the engines are the same, the estimated fuel economy range is quite different. With the XT5’s turbocharged four-cylinder, you have up to 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway in front-wheel drive. For the all-wheel drive configuration, you have up to 21 MPG in the city and up to 27 MPG on the highway.
For the XT6, the four-cylinder provides up to 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway in front-wheel drive, while in all-wheel drive, it delivers 21 MPG in the city and up to 26 MPG on the highway. The V6 provides a comparable range for the XT5 and XT6, with the XT6 topping out at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway in front-wheel drive, or 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway in all-wheel drive; the V6 on the XT5 tops out slightly higher in all-wheel drive with 26 MPG on the highway. So you aren’t seeing much in the difference between the two SUVs if you get the V6.
The big difference is with the four-cylinder and how you get more out of the XT5 than the XT6. So, if the extra range is important to you, the XT5 can make a difference over long-term travel. The reason for the discrepancy in fuel economy between the two vehicles—even though they’re both using the same powertrain configurations—is that the XT6 is bigger and heavier, so it takes a bit more power to move than the XT5.
Differences in Towing Capacity
SUVs can be useful for light towing and traversing tricky terrain. They can be a good solution for those who not only want a good luxury-themed SUV for travel but also a vehicle that can be used for recreation where some modest towing is required. In the case of the XT5 and XT6, both vehicles can tow up to several thousand pounds worth of cargo. There are different towing ratings for different powertrains, and despite the powertrains being the same between the models, the XT6’s top-end towing capacity just barely beats out the XT5 when both have the V6, with the XT6 managing 4,000 lbs compared to the XT5’s 3,500 lbs.
However, both vehicles have the exact same base level towing when it comes to the inline four-cylinder: a max towing capacity that tops out at 1,000 lbs. So regardless of whether you get an XT5 or an XT6, if you get one with the four-cylinder powertrain, you will always have a base towing capacity of 1,000 lbs; this makes the XT5 a bit more viable if you opt for the four-cylinder as you get the exact same towing capacity as the XT6, but also with slightly better fuel economy as well.
Differences in Price
One of the major differences between these two Cadillac SUVs boils down to pricing. Now, if price isn’t a big deal to you, then it won’t really matter that the XT6 has a higher price tag than the XT5. However, if price is a major consideration and you’re looking for a great luxury SUV that offers enough space for a small family and a good range with enough power under the hood, then you may find the 2024 XT6 moves into pricier territory. Even though both SUVs are available in the same trims—the Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport—the starting MSRP for the XT6 is nearly $5k more than the XT5.
As you go up the trim line, the pricing continues to stay distinct between the two, with the XT6 being the more expensive of the two SUVs, and this is mostly to do with both size and features, such as the semi-autonomous driving system Super Cruise being present on the upper-end trim of the XT6. Regardless of trim, the XT5 is still several thousand dollars cheaper than the XT6. This can obviously impact what you expect of a Cadillac SUV.
Shopping for the Right Cadillac SUV
If you’re still stuck deciding between a 2024 Cadillac XT5 and a 2024 Cadillac XT6, we can definitely help you make the right choice at LaFontaine Cadillac. Whether you’re looking for a three-row model or you’re more inclined toward a smaller model, we can help you find the right fit for you. Either the XT5 or XT6 will be moderately priced with good towing, solid fuel economy, and room for at least five passengers.
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