2024 Acura RDX vs. 2024 Cadillac XT5 Comparison

The 2024 Acura RDX and Cadillac XT5 have a lot to offer anyone in the market for a luxury SUV that won’t break the bank. They’re also loaded with standard features like wireless smartphone connectivity, dual-zone climate control, power liftgate, and heated front seats.

With the Acura RDX, your only powertrain choice is a zesty 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that works in tandem with an intelligent 10-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is consistent and linear, with the added bonus of having standard all-wheel drive.

The Cadillac XT5 occupies an attractive middle ground between small, luxury SUVs – such as the RDX – and larger, more expensive models with 3-row seating. This translates into plenty of passenger space and plenty of cargo space for weekday errands and weekend getaways.

Want to see which one we think is the best? Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of the RDX and XT5.

2024 Acura RDX

The 2024 Acura RDX lineup includes the base RDX, RDX with Technology package, RDX A-Spec, RDX with Advance package, and RDX A-Spec with Advance package. And yes, we admit, some of the top trims are a bit of a mouthful. Pricing starts at $45,700, including destination charge, and rises to $55,500 for the A-Spec Advance.

Other notable standard features include a 10.2-inch infotainment display, Amazon Alexa, and safety features such as live monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2024 RDX earns Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Acura RDX highlights

Standard all-wheel drive: Starting this model year, Acura made its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system standard on every RDX trim. Rain or shine, SH-AWD provides incredible grip and makes this SUV feel more confident and more fun to drive.

Adaptive Suspension: This intelligent suspension comes with the Advance package. It has selectable drive mode settings and responds to driving behavior. Are you running fast around a curvy road? The adaptive suspension will gain firmness and provide strong steering inputs. Traveling gently? The ride will be more relaxed and the ride will be smoother.

Fun to drive: The 4-cylinder turbo-power 272 has good response, and we like its balance of speed and fuel economy. Adding to the Acura RDX’s refinement are the quick shifts provided by the 10-speed automatic transmission. Hit the accelerator pedal from a standstill, and you’ll accelerate to 60 in just over 6 seconds.

Check out this week’s Fair Trade Price or see RDX models for sale near you.

2024 Cadillac XT5

The 2024 XT5 is offered in three trims – Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport – and prices start at $45,290, plus destination charge. This is slightly less than the Acura RDX but significantly less than mid-size luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Serving as the base powertrain is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that sends power to the front wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel and all-wheel drive are available on Luxury and Premium models, while Sport It has standard all-wheel drive.

Cadillac XT5 highlights

User friendly touch screen: The 8-inch touchscreen looks small compared to newer SUVS, though we can’t deny that it’s very easy to navigate. Open menus make it easy to enter commands while driving. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, Amazon Alexa, and voice recognition are standard. It’s much more comfortable to use than the touchpad mounted in the center console you need to use in the Acura RDX.

Sports reduction: Not only does the Sport model come with AWD, but under its hood is a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 that boosts straight-line acceleration. This engine is optional in the Premium model. You also get upgraded Brembo brakes to provide extra stopping power when needed.

Swanky Platinum Package: Available on Premium Luxury and Sport, the Platinum package features semi-aniline leather seats, adjustable suspension, sueded microfibre headliner, available exposed wood trim, premium carpets and dash, dashboard and panels. of doors covered with leather.

Check out this week’s Fair Trade Price or see XT5 models for sale near you.

Similarity

There’s a lot to recommend about the Acura RDX and Cadillac XT5. They have all the room and utility we expect in a luxury SUV. Compared to many of their competitors, they represent a solid bond. Fuel economy is fine, as is their cargo capacity and rear seat occupancy.

Conclusion

As much as we like many of the Cadillac XT5’s features — including its infotainment system and available V6 engine — the simple truth is that it feels overdue for an update. This generation returns for the 2017 model year and the newest models feature higher levels of technology, more advanced interior designs, and more aggressive driving manners.

In all but one respect, that might sum up why the Acura RDX takes the win here. One caveat is the infotainment system’s touchpad, which some drivers may find finicky. Acura would be wise to consider going touchscreen like the other cool kids. Still, this is a fun and interesting option in a very competitive field. This is why it lands near the top of our best luxury compact SUVs of 2024.