Comparison: 2021 Cadillac XT5 versus 2021 Lincoln Corsair

2021 Cadillac XT5 

Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $44,498 CAD

Pros

• Available front-wheel-drive
• Straddles two classes
• Excellent rear cargo space

Cons

• Unimpressive V6 fuel consumption
• No electrified powertrains

2021 Cadillac XT5 – Highlights

Slipping in between the smaller XT4 and the larger XT6, the XT5 SUV is General Motors’ Cadillac luxury brand’s entry into the competitive 2-row/5-passenger compact luxury SUV segment. Objectively, the XT5 straddles classes. It’s closer in size to the mid-size Lincoln Nautilus but is priced more like the compact Corsair.

In base, 4-cylinder, front-wheel-drive (FWD) Luxury trim, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 lineup kicks off with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $44,498 in Canadian dollars. The base turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder makes 235 horsepower. All-wheel-drive (AWD) adds $2,500. A V6 engine is available only with AWD, starting with the $52,748 Premium Luxury trim. At the top end of the range is the $56,598 XT5 Sport. The 3.6-litre 6-cylinder, produces 310 horsepower. Both engines use a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The Cadillac XT5's cabin is quiet and elegant. The materials—including optional semi-aniline leather, aluminum, and real open-pore wood—exude quality, while the fit and finish are excellent. A sliding 2nd-row seat (a feature the Corsair also offers) makes the XT5 easy for passengers to access the rear seats. Additional highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard, an excellent infotainment system, a colour head-up display, and the terrific gotta-try-it-to-appreciate-it Rear Camera Mirror.

The Cadillac SUV offers plenty of comfort on the road, especially on long trips. Yet, it retains excellent steering feel and solid grip—even when driven aggressively. Canadian drivers will appreciate that the AWD trims are particularly adept at tackling wet and wintry conditions. The V6 and automatic transmission are well matched. Together, they make a quick and responsive powertrain.

2021 Lincoln Corsair 

Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $45,200 CAD

Pros

• Turbo 4-cylinder engines offer power and fuel economy
•  Available new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model

Cons

• Top Corsair models can eclipse $60,000
• Some buyers may want a V6
•  Limited rear cargo room

2021 Lincoln Corsair - Highlights

The AWD 2021 Lincoln Corsair enters its sophomore year relatively unchanged but with a new top-line $58,500 Grand Touring plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV) trim. Powered by a 266-horsepower powertrain that features a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine, a lithium-ion battery and a continuously variable automatic transmission, the new PHEV Corsair has an all-electric range of 45 kilometres and a combined city and highway fuel economy estimate of 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

Like last year, the base $45,200 Standard trim uses a 235-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder. A larger, 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with 310 horsepower can be had for $59,000 as an $8,500 option in the mid-level Reserve trim. Additionally, both gas engines provide the Corsair with confident and relaxed acceleration, their power sent to the wheels via a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the Corsair's wide dash helps to emphasize the abundant space within this compact SUV. A dual-wall dashboard isolates the 5-passenger cabin from engine noise. With premium interior materials in vivid colours, the Corsair has a sumptuous cabin. Leather seats and door panels can be ordered in fun combinations like blue and white, tan and black, or soft gray and ebony. With 781 litres of cargo room behind its rear seats, the Lincoln offers less space than the 850 litres found in the Cadillac.

All told, we’re impressed with the way the Corsair drives. It has great balance and excellent steering. 

Final Recommendation

Reflecting how competitive the compact luxury SUV segment has become, there is little to choose between this pair of American-brand examples.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 makes an excellent case for itself if you don't need traction at all four wheels, prefer the feel of a naturally-aspirated V6 engine, or need a bit of extra rear cargo space.

However, we feel that the Cadillac's Lincoln rival offers a bit more for buyers in this segment overall. All three of the 2021 Lincoln Corsair AWD powertrains score better fuel economy ratings than the Cadillac. Plus, there's the availability of the PHEV version—something that the XT5 can't match.