Cadillac’s XT5 Is Reportedly on Autopilot Until 2027
The popular compact Cadillac SUV has been largely unchanged since 2017.
Justin BannerWriterMotorTrend StaffPhotographerManufacturerPhotographerAug 05, 2025
2025 cadillac xt5 front view 001
When it comes to the luxury compact SUV market, the Cadillac XT5 has turned out to be a bright spot for the marque. First launched in 2016 for the 2017 model year as a replacement for the Cadillac SRX, it was one of the first General Motors SUVs built on the C1XX platform that included the Chevrolet Blazer. It’s also a global vehicle for Cadillac, with the XT5 offered in China and other markets and also built at the SAIC-GM plant in Shanghai (the domestic version is produced at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee, facility). But while China has had a second-generation XT5 in production since 2024, it appears as though the U.S. model will continue to soldier on as is until 2027.
AI Quick Summary
Cadillac will reportedly continue producing the XT5 SUV, largely unchanged since 2017, until 2027. The U.S. model will remain on the C1XX platform, with a refresh expected to debut sometime in 2027 for the 2028 model year. China, meanwhile, already has an updated version on the VSS-S platform.
This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article.
According to a UAW Local 1853 document obtained by the Detroit Free Press, the current version of the XT5 built and sold here will remain in production through at least the end of 2026 and possibly into 2027, with a refresh expected sometime after that, probably rolling out sometime in 2027 as a 2028 model year vehicle. Originally, the C1XX platformed XT5 was supposed to have ended production by now, but those plans have obviously changed. At present, the XT5 is powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 available in both FWD and AWD for the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, with the 3.6-liter V-6 reserved for the Sport trim in both FWD and AWD.
006 2025 Cadillac XT4 Sport AWD rear view
We reached out to Cadillac for comment, and it responded by saying: “The XT5 continues to be Cadillac’s top selling model globally up 26.4% year over year. In response to strong demand for the nameplate, we made the decision to keep XT5 as part of our portfolio, which is stronger than ever with a mix of new EV and recently refreshed gas-powered vehicles like Escalade. We look forward to launching the next-gen XT5 in the second half of 2027. We will have more to share on new XT5 specs at a later date.” This is different from the quote that the Detroit Free Press received and all but confirmed that there will be a next generation XT5 for the 2028 model year.
2025 cadillac xt5 tailight 002
China’s latest version of the Cadillac XT5 is built on the GM VSS-S platform—the same chassis presently used for the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Terrain, and Chevrolet Equinox (ICE) and Traverse. While popular, the C1XX platform-based XT5 is going to be over 10 years old in 2027 and by that time will be seriously behind on engine and drivetrain technology. The U.S. versions of the VSS-S platform models utilize a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, besting the 3.6-liter output by 18 hp, 55 lb-ft, and being more fuel efficient to boot. We asked Cadillac what engine will be coming on the 2028 XT5, as it claimed that it will be a “next-generation gas powered vehicle,” but it didn’t respond to our questions on this new ICE powerplant.
Justin Banner
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he’s had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He’s best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
