2021 Cadillac XT5 — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Cadillac XT5 is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). It returns around 25 mpg (UK) / 21 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Cadillac XT5 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Cadillac XT5: Fuel economy slips from 29 to 25 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 3.6L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S9) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 25 combined / 23 urban / 31 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 21 combined / 19 city / 26 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 260 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2021 Cadillac XT5 across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (20/23) | 264 | $3,900 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (20/23) | 264 | $3,900 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/26) | 263 | $3,200 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/26) | 260 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Cadillac XT5
Running Costs: 2021 Cadillac XT5
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Cadillac XT5 at 25 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,455 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Cadillac XT5 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Cadillac XT5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 22V709000, reported 22 September 2022. Risk: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fuel system — campaign 21V422000, reported 3 June 2021. Risk: Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Cadillac XT5. The most-reported areas are Unspecified (5), Electrical system (5), Engine and engine cooling (2). Complaints include 1 reported crash. That is close to the median of 15 complaints across the 10 Cadillac XT5 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Cadillac XT5
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Electrical system (5 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Engine cooling (2 owner complaints) — Check coolant level, look for leaks and make sure the temperature stays steady in traffic.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Cadillac XT5 compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 25 mpg figure is 2 mpg below that average. Its 260 g/km CO₂ figure is 7 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Cadillac models in our database average about 27 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Cadillac XT5's 25 mpg is 2 mpg below that make average. Its 260 g/km CO₂ figure is 12 g/km higher than the 248 g/km Cadillac average.
Of the 10 Cadillac XT5 model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 7th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (25 mpg UK combined, against a high of 29 mpg). See every Cadillac XT5 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Cadillac XT5
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Cadillac XT5: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 3.6L 6-cyl with a automatic (s9).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
The most efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, or 21 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Cadillac XT5 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Cadillac XT5 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Cadillac XT5?
Among the 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Unspecified (5 complaints), Electrical system (5 complaints), Engine and engine cooling (2 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Cadillac XT5's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.