2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured a design that balanced between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional styling of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It incorporated Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. However, this combination resulted in an awkward mix with the XT5’s compact size and tall profile, making it unmistakably a Cadillac, but not a particularly graceful one. The Premium Luxury and Sport models had different exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. The XT5 Luxury and Premium Luxury models came with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport models boasted 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the XT5’s interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which added semi-aniline leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped instrument panel and door trim, a microfiber sueded headliner, and a heated steering wheel. Without this package, it was unclear if the XT5 met luxury standards. The interior design lacked a strong theme, unlike the Volvo XC60’s Swedish minimalism or the Lincoln Corsair’s Midcentury Modern look. It also didn’t have brand-specific markers like Audi, BMW, or Mercedes interiors, leaving little to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M. The X3 sDrive30i was the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others were all-wheel-drive. For 2022, the X3 received a revised exterior design with a slightly more aggressive stance. The kidney grille was larger but not overly so, and a black sensor bar between the grilles added a unique touch. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, and the redesigned front bumper featured new vertical air intakes. The rear taillights had a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, giving the X3 a modern look. The updated rear also included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 was available in nine finishes, with new colors Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II.

The X3’s interior was clean and efficient, with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The cabin featured a panoramic moonroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and new perforated SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery. The X3 offered various interior color choices and ambient lighting with 11 color combinations. The redesigned center console resembled newer BMW models, with a larger standard infotainment system and improved ergonomics. The X3’s sport seats were supportive, and the vehicle provided ample cargo space with a standard 40/20/40-split rear seat configuration.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with two engine options. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, standard on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 3.6-liter V6, standard on the XT5 Sport and optional on the Premium Luxury, delivered 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6-equipped Premium Luxury model felt reasonably quick, with smooth and quick shifts from the transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, offering a nimble feel without being overly sensitive. The cabin was impressively quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters as standard. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both RWD and AWD models achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. The X3 sDrive30i had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It achieved a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i’s adaptive suspension, sport brakes, and flap-controlled sports exhaust system provided a more dynamic driving experience. The mild-hybrid system offered smoother start/stop operation and an additional 11 horsepower during acceleration.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers. It had more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class but less than the BMW X3. The XT5 also trailed the German vehicles in rear headroom but provided more legroom in both rows. The seats were fairly comfortable but could have used more padding, especially in the rear. The XT5 offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available. The center console had limited space, but a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided ample space for five adults, although the rear middle seat was best suited for smaller passengers. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split configuration, offering flexibility for cargo and passengers. With the rear seats up, the X3 had enough cargo room for backpacks and equipment, and with the seats folded, it could accommodate larger items. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, and the upgraded Vernasca leather added softness. The X3’s sport seats were supportive, and the vehicle offered a multitude of adjustability options. The redesigned center console improved ergonomics, and the standard infotainment system was larger, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster display and a head-up display were available as part of the optional Technology Package. While the touchscreen was easy to navigate, the array of secondary controls was less user-friendly. The rotary controller and haphazardly distributed buttons on the center console were difficult to use while driving. The capacitive touchpads lacked physical feedback, making them less intuitive. The standard eight-speaker Bose audio system could be upgraded to a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system, which provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics as standard, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and various connected digital features. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches and provided a fully digital experience. The X3’s infotainment system was customizable, with multiple ways to control in-car functions, including steering wheel-mounted controls, voice activation, and the iDrive controller. The standard 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system could be upgraded to a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. Other tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, which added features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear park assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The Safety Alert Seat vibrated when a warning system was triggered. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and rear automatic braking. The Technology Package included rear pedestrian alert, a surround-vision camera system, night vision, and automatic parking assist. Blind-spot monitoring was available. The XT5 received top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech. However, it received a “Marginal” headlight rating and an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH child seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave the XT5 a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While IIHS crash test results for the 2022 model were not available, the 2018 X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+, and these results applied to model years 2018 through 2021. The 2022 X3 added more safety features, including adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control with auto braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection, and active pre-collision protection systems. The available Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view. The updated Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, a 3D assisted view display, active lane-keep assist with lane centering, and side collision avoidance.