It’s easy to end up comparing the 2025 Cadillac XT5 and the Audi Q5, if you've been longing for a luxury midsize SUV with serious style and performance—they’ve been in a quiet rivalry for years. Find out why they rank as the best luxury SUVs for city driving in 2025. But which is better for your family?
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Cadillac XT5 ranges from $45,790 to $58,690; Audi Q5 trims span $46,695 to $67,995, as of June 22, 2025.
- The XT5 has a more straightforward lineup—it’s easier to choose the trim that fits.
- Both models offer similar fuel efficiency from their standard engines.
Lineup Showdown: Cadillac Keeps It Simple
Cadillac doesn’t overcomplicate things in terms of its trims. XT5 models are few but mighty and hit all the right boxes:
- Luxury: $45,790
- Premium Luxury: $52,090
- Sport: $58,690
The 2025 Q5 lineup piles on trims with slight differences in performance and features, making it a little more of a maze to navigate. Here's how they break down:
- Premium 40: $46,695
- Premium 45: $50,095
- New Q5 Premium: $51,195
- Premium Plus 40: $52,395
- Premium Plus 45: $55,195
- New Q5 Premium Plus: $55,695
- Prestige 40: $55,995
- Prestige 45: $58,395
- New Q5 Prestige: $59,595
A Bigger Engine Where It Counts—Under the XT5's Hood
Cadillac's base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (standard on Luxury and Premium Luxury trims) cranks out 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Step up to the Sport trim and you’ll get a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with a smooth nine-speed automatic and either front- or all-wheel drive.
The Audi Q5 sticks with a turbocharged four-cylinder setup across the board. The new-gen version only comes with a 268-hp turbo-four, paired to a seven-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive.
Neck and Neck MPG Numbers
Fuel efficiency is close between the two, though the XT5 gives you a bit more flexibility depending on engine and drivetrain:
Cadillac XT5
- 2.0L Turbo FWD: 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway
- 2.0L Turbo AWD: 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway
- 3.6L V6 FWD: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway
- 3.6L V6 AWD: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Audi Q5
- 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined
The Audi gets slightly better highway mileage on paper, but Cadillac’s V6 offers stronger performance without tanking fuel economy, especially if you stick with front-wheel drive.
Cabin Tech: The XT5 Hits the Sweet Spot
Every XT5 model includes:
- An 8.0-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Voice recognition and rotary knob for intuitive controls
Premium Luxury and Sport models add built-in navigation and a premium 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system. You’ll also find four USB ports plus a wireless charging pad up front.
Audi leans heavily into its screen game. The new Q5 stretches across the dash with:
- An 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster
- A 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- An optional 10.9-inch passenger display with a privacy shield
- Optional 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
- Software built on Android Automotive OS
It’s futuristic, no doubt, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not into toggling through menus just to change a radio station.
Which Luxury SUV Belongs in Your Driveway?
If you’re after a luxury SUV that looks sharp and keeps tech within reach, the 2025 Cadillac XT5 is the more rewarding pick. With its straightforward trim structure, flexible engine options, and user-friendly cabin, it feels built for real-life luxury. Thinking it’s time to take one for a spin? The XT5 and our friendly sales team here in Roseville are ready when you are.