2025 GMC Acadia vs 2026 Cadillac XT5

$42,900 · Crossover

$44,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The redesigned 2025 GMC Acadia bursts onto the scene ready to muscle its way through family duties, boasting a robust 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque from its single turbocharged engine—a substantial 93 hp advantage over the elegantly poised 2026 Cadillac XT5. While the Acadia prioritizes raw output and boasts a longer 204.0-inch frame, the XT5 counters with sophisticated efficiency, achieving a slightly better combined 24 MPG versus the Acadia's 23 MPG, despite requiring premium fuel. The Acadia offers a cavernous 23 cu ft of cargo space, while the XT5 squeezes more utility into its smaller footprint with 30 cu ft. For those prioritizing straight-line thrust and road presence, the Acadia’s significant power leads the charge; however, the XT5 leverages its more compact 189.6-inch length and better mileage for urban navigators.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac XT5

The 2026 Cadillac XT5 is superior for daily commuting due to its marginally better 24 MPG combined fuel economy and smaller footprint.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia offers a larger overall presence and more interior volume for hauling gear, despite slightly less cargo space than the XT5's official rating.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Acadia

The Acadia delivers intoxicating performance with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the XT5's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia offers dramatically higher horsepower for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $42,900.

Choose the GMC Acadia if...

You demand brute strength, evidenced by its impressive 328 horsepower output.
Your budget is firm, as the Acadia starts at a lower $42,900 MSRP.
You require the substantial presence of a larger vehicle, measuring 204.0 inches in length.

Choose the Cadillac XT5 if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG on the highway.
You need maximum usable storage within a tighter exterior shell, benefiting from 30 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer smoother, longer-geared acceleration with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Acadia	Cadillac XT5
Length	204.0"	189.6"
Width	79.6"	74.9"
Height	70.1"	66.1"
Wheelbase	120.9"	112.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	Cadillac
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	2
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	GMC	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	235 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1500 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	GMC	Cadillac
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Cadillac
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	418.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	15.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	Bose
Speaker System	12	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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	GMC	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Cadillac
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	58.3 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	56.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.4 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Cadillac
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	P235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Cadillac
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Acadia and 2026 Cadillac XT5.

How significant is the performance difference between the two crossovers?

The difference is substantial: the 2025 GMC Acadia produces 328 hp, which is 93 more than the 2026 Cadillac XT5's 235 hp. This means the Acadia will offer much quicker acceleration and passing power.

Which vehicle is more economical regarding fuel?

The 2026 Cadillac XT5 wins marginally on fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG combined compared to the Acadia's 23 MPG combined. However, the XT5 requires premium unleaded fuel, which may offset these savings compared to the Acadia's regular unleaded requirement.

Is the larger Acadia better for actual hauling tasks?

The specification sheets present conflicting data; the shorter 189.6-inch XT5 technically reports 30 cu ft of cargo space, while the much longer 204.0-inch Acadia is listed with 23 cu ft. Buyers should inspect both in person to judge real-world usability.

Are there notable drivetrain differences that impact driving feel?

Yes, the Acadia uses an 8-speed automatic paired with FWD, whereas the XT5 features a 9-speed automatic transmission, also driving the front wheels. The extra gear in the XT5 likely aids its slight MPG advantage.

Which vehicle has the lower starting price?

The 2025 GMC Acadia presents a slightly better entry point into this comparison, starting at an MSRP of $42,900, compared to the 2026 Cadillac XT5's $44,300.

Which crossover is physically larger on the road?

The 2025 GMC Acadia is substantially larger, measuring 204.0 inches long and 79.6 inches wide, compared to the XT5's length of 189.6 inches and width of 74.9 inches.