2025 Cadillac XT5 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$44,295 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable difference is the power output, where the 2026 Toyota Highlander delivers 265 hp compared to the 2025 Cadillac XT5's 235 hp, a 30 hp advantage. The Highlander also boasts substantially higher torque at 310 lb-ft versus the XT5's 258 lb-ft, suggesting better acceleration. Despite the performance edge, the Highlander has a higher starting MSRP of $45,270 compared to the XT5's $44,295. Fuel economy is identical at 24 MPG combined, though the XT5 is FWD while the Highlander is standard AWD. A major discrepancy lies in utility: the XT5 offers a superior 30 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the Highlander’s 16 cu ft. Furthermore, the XT5 recommends premium unleaded fuel, while the Highlander accepts regular unleaded, impacting running costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Cadillac XT5

The Cadillac XT5 wins for commuters due to its marginally better combined 24 MPG and recommended use of FWD, which typically aids city driving efficiency over the Highlander's standard AWD.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Cadillac XT5

The 2025 Cadillac XT5 is superior for families because it provides 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander appeals more to enthusiasts by offering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the XT5's outputs.

💰 Best Value

2025 Cadillac XT5

The XT5 offers better value by having a lower MSRP of $44,295 and providing 14 additional cubic feet of cargo space for a lower buy-in price.

Choose the Cadillac XT5 if...

You prioritize maximum interior utility, benefiting from 30 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want the lowest initial purchase price at $44,295.
You prefer the efficiency benefits associated with Front Wheel Drive configuration.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You require the higher standard output of 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is essential for your driving conditions.
You prefer to use regular unleaded gasoline rather than premium unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac XT5	Toyota Highlander
Length	189.6"	194.9"
Width	74.9"	76.0"
Height	66.1"	68.1"
Wheelbase	112.0"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	2
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	235 hp @ 5000 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	418.0/551.0 mi.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.3 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.1 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.8 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Toyota
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac XT5 and 2026 Toyota Highlander.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 XT5 and the 2026 Highlander?

The 2026 Highlander is objectively more powerful, generating 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is 30 hp and 52 lb-ft more than the 2025 Cadillac XT5's 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. This measurable difference suggests the Highlander will offer quicker acceleration.

Which crossover offers better cargo volume for hauling needs?

The 2025 Cadillac XT5 is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering 30 cubic feet of storage capacity. The 2026 Toyota Highlander provides significantly less space at only 16 cubic feet.

Does the difference in drivetrain configuration affect fuel costs?

Yes, the 2025 XT5 is FWD, while the 2026 Highlander is AWD, though both are rated at 24 MPG combined. However, the XT5 requires premium unleaded fuel, which usually costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded accepted by the Highlander.

What is the price disparity between these two luxury-adjacent crossovers?

The 2025 Cadillac XT5 has a lower base MSRP starting at $44,295. The 2026 Toyota Highlander commands a slightly higher starting price of $45,270.

Which vehicle is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is dimensionally larger, being 5.3 inches longer (194.9 in vs 189.6 in) and 2 inches taller (68.1 in vs 66.1 in). It is also 1.1 inches wider.

How do the transmissions compare in this comparison?

The 2025 Cadillac XT5 is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.