Even as the automotive industry evolves at a rapid pace, Cadillac continues to set the bar high with its luxurious SUV lineup that includes the XT5 and XT6 models. Both Cadillacs manage to stand out in the midsize SUV market, each offering its own sophisticated blend of performance paired with Cadillac’s iconic style.
Drivers beginning to navigate this ever-changing landscape can check out both models here at your Cadillac dealer near Minneapolis. Yet, even in person, it can feel like a daunting task trying to decide between the two sleek SUVs. We aim to unravel the similarities and differences between these two driver favorites so you can feel empowered when you finally decide to sign on the dotted line and get behind the wheel.
What’s Your Budget?
For many drivers, the price tag is often one of the first things they consider when they’re shopping for a new ride. So, how do the XT5 and XT6 compare? The 2024 XT5 is a high-end midsize SUV that seats five and has a starting price of $43,895.[a] It is offered in three different trim levels––Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport––with the high-end Sport topping out at $56,795.[a]
The 2024 XT6 is a larger three-row SUV that is capable of seating up to seven passengers. It is also offered in the same three trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The Luxury trim begins at $48,795, and the model runs upwards of $60,295 for the Sport trim.[a] Prices can climb higher for additional features and add-ons.

Powering Up Your Drive
Aside from price, the average customer tends to think about the performance potential of their vehicle. Can it handle a road trip? Can it handle the slippery roads and winter weather of the upper Midwest? What about stop-and-go traffic on I-494 during rush hour?
For 2024, the midsize XT5 has two engine options for drivers. A 235 hp 2.0L turbocharged engine with 258 lb-ft of torque is standard on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims. Most will find this is plenty of power for your average daily drive to grab groceries at Whole Foods or tackle the traffic between St. Paul and Minneapolis. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but upgrading to all-wheel drive might be worth it for increased traction and control during those slippery Minnesota winters.
Drivers looking for a sportier SUV can upgrade their XT5 with an available 3.6L V6 engine when they opt for the Premium Luxury trim or get the 310 hp engine standard when leveling up to the Sport trim. Whichever engine you choose, it comes paired with Cadillac’s Active Fuel Management to increase efficiency without cutting down on performance.
The 2024 XT6 also has the luxury of two great engine choices, including a standard 237 hp 2.0L turbocharged engine or an upgraded 3.6L V6 engine with 310 hp. On the XT6, as with the XT5, drivers can pick between standard front-wheel drive or upgrade with all-wheel drive.
Both models feature a Drive Mode Selector that lets you quickly adjust your SUV’s performance to match the conditions of the road. Both the XT5 and XT6 offer front-wheel drive models with Snow/Ice, Touring, and Sport modes. If you opt for all-wheel drive, you can enjoy Touring, AWD, Off-Road, and Sport modes.
One driving feature present on the Sport trims of both SUVs is a Twin Clutch Sport Control AWD system, which adds a computer-controlled clutch pack to the rear differential. This can shift torque laterally between the rear wheels, improving grip and offering quick, responsible handling when road conditions change on a dime.
A Cabin Tailored Around Your Comfort
The thoughtful design of the XT5 and XT6 models makes them not only fun to drive but durable and oh-so comfortable. If you’re looking for a luxurious model that can withstand the ins and outs of a busy day, Cadillac is here to help.
The 2024 XT5 is a natural beauty and is all about refined elegance. The cabin features natural materials, including real wood, carefully crafted leather seating, and carbon fiber trim. Add to the soft feel of the rich materials features like standard heated seating and an eight-way power driver seat, and the XT5 will start to feel more like a relaxing spa than a vehicle. Available upgrades include a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.
The latest XT6 was also designed with an eye for detail thanks to the use of open-pore wood, leather, and carbon fiber trim. It also has the same standard heated seating and eight-way power driver seat with identical add-ons in the way of the heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The big difference is when it comes to seating and cargo space.
The XT5 is a smaller two-row midsize SUV but is still noted as having a large cargo hold when compared to other SUVs in its class. Fold the split 60/40 second-row flat to enjoy up to 63 cu.ft. of cargo space. The XT6 features three rows of seating with the option for second-row captain chairs for an increasingly cushy interior. The split seating allows drivers to fold the two back rows flat to make use of 78.7 cu.ft. of cargo room.
Both models feature a power liftgate to access the rear cargo hold with the option to upgrade with an available hands-free power liftgate. Drivers who go for the three-row XT6 will enjoy a standard UltraView panoramic sunroof, while the XT5 gives you the option to upgrade.
If you have asthma or allergies, you’ll want to pay special attention to this next part. Both the XT5 and XT6 feature an air ionizer that can help reduce pollen and dust inside the cabin. However, the XT5 comes with standard dual-zone climate control with the option to upgrade to available tri-zone climate control. The XT6, on the other hand, offers tri-zone climate control as a standard feature.
Tech For Modern Drivers
Most SUVs are loaded with the latest cutting-edge technology these days, but if you look closely, you might notice some features are standard and others you have to pay extra for. So, how do the XT5 and XT6 compare? Both models feature a standard eight-inch infotainment screen paired with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Their user-friendly systems can be customized to your tastes, so it’s easy to access apps and playlists or send and receive messages. The menus are straightforward and easy to navigate. For Amazon lovers, Amazon Alexa helps you go hands-free while connecting with compatible smart home devices, adding items to your Amazon list, or checking on an order.

Your Cadillac Your Way
As you probably guessed, both the midsize XT5 and three-row XT6 have their differences but are still very similar. The biggest difference is the size. The XT5 is smaller yet offers plenty of luxury with two rows of supportive seating for up to five passengers. Natural materials and a minimalist color pallet give the interior a high-end, tranquil vibe. The XT6 takes things up a notch with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers and the option for second-row captain’s chairs.
The XT6 features the same styling cues as the smaller XT5, with rich materials and a soothing color palette that oozes a feeling of quiet luxury. Both SUVs have the same two engine options and the same three trim options. Overall, the XT6 offers more deluxe standard features like a panoramic sunroof and tri-zone climate control, whereas drivers have to upgrade to get these features in the XT5.
What’s your perfect ride? Small and minimalist with thoughtful touches of luxury or a midsize masterpiece complete with an airy cabin, expansive cargo, and first-class comfort across all three rows? There really is no wrong choice here; in fact, we’re betting the toughest part will be that you can only choose one or the other. Why not take each for a test drive and get ready to experience Cadillac at its finest?
[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.


