2020 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Audi Q5 – Fort Worth, TX

Engine Choices for the 2020 Cadillac XT5

Like all Cadillacs, the XT5 is fun to drive. Featuring a Sport trim with sport-tuned suspension, a powerful V6 engine, and a dual-clutch all-wheel-drive system, there is an option for just about anyone. Even the base engine is powerful. You will also appreciate the fuel efficiency of the Cadillac XT5. Both engines are powerful and fuel-efficient, and the experience of driving a Cadillac cannot be understated: it’s a joy to drive.

The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. For the base engine, this is a lot of muscle. And even with all of this power, the engine returns 21/28 MPG, so you will not have to sacrifice power for efficiency. With plenty of passing and merging power, you will also be able to set out on a road trip with your family and not have to worry about spending a lot of time at gas stations filling up. 

The other engine option for the 2020 Cadillac XT5 is a 3.6-liter V6 that can yield up to 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. This engine brings even more power while not sacrificing efficiency, returning 18/26 MPG. This is a great option if you need the extra power as the XT5 can tow up to 3,500 pounds with this engine.

Both engines feature Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation, as well as direct fuel injection and automatic engine stop/start technology. This technology improves the fuel efficiency, which you will certainly appreciate. Both engines also feature a 9-speed automatic transmission while the Sport model gets a dual-clutch all-wheel drive system standard.

Engine Choices for the 2020 Audi Q5

The 2020 Audi Q5 also offers two engine choices. The first engine option is for the base model Q5 and is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine returns 22/28 MPG. This engine features a 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission. This system routes power to all four wheels via standard quattro all-wheel drive. 

The plug-in hybrid powertrain is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4/permanent magnet electric motor with 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. With this powertrain set up, you have a 20-mile range on the hybrid battery. 

What’s the Better Choice? 

Both the 2020 Cadillac XT5 and Audi Q5 have remarkable engine options, so it’s hard to say which one is the better choice. In terms of overall value, the Cadillac XT5 seems to be the better choice. For the price, you get Cadillac’s advanced engineering for less than you would pay for the Audi. While the Audi does offer more torque in the base engine, it’s not much more, so the Cadillac XT5 seems like the smarter purchase.

Both Cadillac and Audi are known for their luxury interiors and abundance of standard convenience and tech features, so this should be an interesting comparison. While the Audi Q5 is a nicely appointed SUV, it is still a compact SUV, and so it lacks the extra space you will find in the Cadillac XT5. Even in its class, the Audi Q5 does not compete that well in terms of cargo capacity, so if you have a growing family or just need extra room for gear or groceries, the Audi Q5 is not the best choice. But let’s take a more in-depth look at the difference between the Cadillac XT5 and Audi Q5.

The Cadillac's Interior Tech

While the Cadillac XT5 offers much more space than the Audi Q5, it also offers a lot of standard equipment. All XT5 models feature automatic LED headlights, capless fuel filling, dual-zone automatic climate control, a hands-free power rear liftgate, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Also standard is Cadillac’s user experience system (CUE), which also features near field communication (NFC) pairing technology. Other standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, NFC Bluetooth pairing, as well as a free 3-month trial to 4G LTE Wi-Fi service. If that’s not enough, an 8-speaker Bose audio system is also standard, as is satellite radio, USB-C quick-charging ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen.

The Audi Q5's Interior Tech 

Standard equipment for the Audi Q5 includes features such as leather interior, heated front seats, and tri-zone climate control. It also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the Audi Q5 impresses in terms of the interior finishes, it does not offer as many features as standard. You have to move up in trim levels to find a larger touchscreen, for example, and an upgraded stereo system. The total cargo space in the Audi Q5 is 27 cubic feet compared to the XT5’s 30 cubic feet.

Safety Features Available on the XT5

The 2020 Cadillac XT5 received a top five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA and comes standard with lots of safety equipment. If you are looking for an SUV that is safe for you and your family, the XT5 is a great choice. Standard safety equipment for the XT5 includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Other safety features on the XT5 are a rear-seat reminder and a teen driver feature, which allows you to remotely limit certain features, such as radio volume, and will also provide you with a report card for the younger drivers in your family. 

Adaptive cruise control is also offered, as well as blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert, which come standard on the Sport and Premium Luxury models. There is also an enhanced automatic emergency braking system available, which can stop the XT5 on its own at speeds slower than 50 mph. This system has been rated as superior in avoiding collisions. Another fun safety feature is the XT5’s night vision, which uses infrared technology to help you to spot pedestrians and large animals on the road ahead. It displays the details on the 8-inch driver information display.

The Audi Q5

The 2020 Audi Q5 features a great deal of safety features as well, but unfortunately, the Q5 does not offer Audi’s most advanced driver-assistance features. What comes standard is Audi Pre Sense Basic, which can determine if a frontal collision is imminent and will brace for impact by tightening up the seatbelts, applying the brakes, and closing the power windows and sunroof. Automatic emergency braking is also standard. Other available safety features for the Q5 include Audi Side Assist with Pre-Sense Rear and rear cross traffic alert.