Finding a new SUV that balances price, practicality, and long-term reliability can feel overwhelming. But in 2025, one standout model delivers proven dependability, everyday comfort, and excellent value, all while staying under the $45,000 mark.
This SUV is built with durability in mind, offering an efficient powertrain and a reputation for holding up well over time, coming from a somewhat unexpected brand. It comes equipped with the latest safety features, user-friendly tech, and a spacious cabin designed for families, commuters, and adventurers alike. Its strong reliability ratings give owners peace of mind for the long haul.
In a crowded market where many options focus on flash over substance, this SUV keeps things simple and solid. For buyers who want a worry-free ownership experience without overspending, it rises to the top as the most dependable choice in its class. Here’s what makes it a standout in the sub-$45,000 SUV segment.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Cars.com, RepariPal, CarEdge, TopSpeed, and the EPA. This article uses reliability scores sourced from J.D. Power, focusing on models that have proven track records.
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The Cadillac XT5 Has a Great Reputation For Reliability
While American brands are often looked down on when it comes to longevity (not without good reason), there are some models that buck the trend. The SUV that ranks the highest when it comes to reliability ratings is also surprising in more ways than one, coming from the states and a luxury brand.
Reliability Scores
There are a number of places that rank vehicles based on their perceived reliability. J.D. Power uses data collected from verified owners, making them one of the most authoritative sources in this area. The XT5 scores 82 out of 100 overall on the site, carried by its high quality and reliability score of 88 out of 100.
While there are some SUVs that have higher scores, such as the Nissan Murano (91/100) or the Infiniti QX80 (89/100), and even some models with the same score, the XT5 stands out for one simple reason. The other vehicles with similar or higher scores have all been completely redone or undergone a heavy refresh very recently, whereas the current XT5 has been around the block for a while, making its reliability score a little more trustworthy.
Owner Testimonials
Beautiful! Smooth ride. Elegant. A pure reliable luxury vehicle. The ride is so smooth. I love the look and feel of the whole experience in driving this car.
The current generation of the XT5 has been around since 2017, giving us a great pool of data to draw on when it comes to its dependability. There are also reviews from tons of owners that back up its score. In fact, it is hard to find an owner of any model year XT5 that is unhappy with their purchase. The owner-reviewed reliability score of all XT5 models averages well above four stars out of five on Cars.com.
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A New Cadillac XT5 Costs Less Than The Average Luxury Compact SUV
If you have a budget of $45,000, then the XT5 is one of the only compact luxury SUVs that will be available to you. Most other vehicles in this class sit much closer to the $50,000 mark, with many costing even more. However, it struggles to stand out in such a crowded segment.
2025 Trims and Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
Luxury |
$44,295 |
|
Premium Luxury |
$50,595 |
|
Sport |
$57,195 |
The XT5 just scrapes under our budget of $45,000 if you stick with the base model. This does, however, exclude any destination charges or additional offers and incentives. While this means that it starts much cheaper than mainstream options from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, it still has plenty of competition. In particular, the Lincoln Corsair, Acura RDX, and Infiniti QX50 are all similarly priced. None feature the reliability rating of the Cadillac, though.
The Luxury trims is the best option for those who want to stick hard to their budget, aiming to get luxurious reliability on a budget. However, it lacks some of the core features that you’d want in a luxury vehicle in this class. To get real bang-for-your-buck, you’d have to stretch your budget and opt for the Premium Luxury model, which comes with a number of high-end features as standard.
Changes For 2025
We get the feeling that Cadillac is getting ready to either cut the XT5 or completely redesign it, with the brand narrowing the trim offerings for 2025. They have gotten rid of the Platinum trim, instead offering some of its core features as optional extras on other trim levels.
Cadillac has also gotten rid of some features altogether. Night vision has been removed as an option, with it no longer being available on any model. The optional adaptive suspension on the Premium Luxury trim has been removed, with the only way to get the system now being to opt for the Sport model.
Warranties and Maintenance
- Limited Warranty – Four Years or 50,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty – Six Years or 70,000 Miles
- Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance – First Visit
All things said and done, the XT5 comes with a pretty impressive package when it comes to warranties. Its bumper-to-bumper warranty is about on par with most of its direct rivals, but its powertrain warranty is one of the most extensive on offer by any automaker. Your first maintenance visit is also on the house. The XT5 is incredibly reliable, but knowing that you’re covered if something does go wrong offers invaluable peace of mind that can’t be disputed.
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You Have a Choice Between Two Sturdy Engine Options In the XT5
Something that plays a big part in reliability is a vehicle’s powertrain. You have two options in the XT5, a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V-6, both of which are widely used in the General Motors portfolio. They may not be the most powerful options out there, but they certainly get the job done.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
3.6-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-6 |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission |
9-Speed Automatic |
9-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
235 HP |
310 HP |
|
Torque |
258 LB-FT |
271 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
FWD or AWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
7.6 Seconds |
6.1 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
130 MPH |
131 MPH |
|
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined) |
22 MPG/29 MPG/24 MPG |
18 MPG/26 MPG/21 MPG |
If you’re looking for the most reliable option, a naturally aspirated V-6 is always a good choice. That being said, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the XT5 is proven through years of service in a number of General Motors’ vehicles. Regardless, both deliver reasonable amounts of power. Models with the V-6 come standard with all-wheel drive, which is optional on the turbo-four models.
Neither model is going to win any awards for efficiency, sitting below the average set by other vehicles in this segment. More disappointing, though, is the fact that the XT5’s ride quality is pretty poor, failing to absorb bumps in the road in most cases. Handling is confident, but not quite as sporty as many of its direct rivals.
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Cadillac’s XT5 Is Not a Cheap Car To Look After
While reliability scores for the XT5 are pretty good, no car is perfect and luxury cars in particular require fairly diligent maintenance. That’s why it’s important to understand some of the other costs associated with owning one for the long term. Reliability is great, but massive maintenance bills are not.
Maintenance Costs
- Average Maintenance Costs Over Ten Years: $9,924 (CarEdge)
- Average Annual Maintenance costs: $305 (RepairPal)
- Number of Recalls: 1
The data that RepairPal has suggests that the XT5 is pretty affordable, with annual maintenance costs much lower than average for its segment. However, CarEdge puts it near the middle of the pack, with estimated maintenance costs over ten years being pretty similar to other SUVs in the Cadillac’s class. CarEdge also claims that there is a 28 percent chance that your XT5 will need a major repair, defined as anything that costs more than $500 to fix, in this timeframe.
Cadillac has issued a single recall for the 2025 model year of the XT5 as well. This recall is for a fault in the electrical system where the instrument panel does not illuminate when hazard warning lights, high beams, or turn signals are activated.