2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Cadillac XT5

$40,320 · Crossover

$44,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota Highlander rockets ahead with a potent 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, delivering immediate punch compared to the 2026 Cadillac XT5's 235 hp. This power advantage, coupled with a lower MSRP of $40,320 versus the XT5's $44,300, positions the Highlander as the pragmatic performance choice. The Highlander offers decent efficiency at 25 MPG combined, slightly edging out the XT5's 24 MPG combined, though both share 22/29 city/highway figures. Where the Cadillac fights back is refinement and utility; it boasts a cavernous 30 cu ft of cargo space, substantially eclipsing the Highlander's 16 cu ft, despite the Highlander being over 5 inches longer at 194.9 inches. For those prioritizing usable space and luxury feel, the XT5 has strong appeal, but the Highlander wins on sheer drivetrain dynamism and accessible pricing.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander’s superior 310 lb-ft of torque allows for quicker maneuvers in stop-and-go traffic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac XT5

The XT5 offers significantly more hauling capability with 30 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

With 30 more horsepower (265 hp vs 235 hp), the Highlander promises a more engaging and spirited driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander saves buyers $3,980 upfront and requires cheaper regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You prioritize immediate power delivery, benefiting from 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Sticking to a tighter budget is key, as the Highlander starts $3,980 cheaper at $40,320.
You prefer the running costs associated with regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium.

Choose the Cadillac XT5 if...

Maximum utility is essential, as the XT5 offers a commanding 30 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You desire the subtly smoother shifting experience of a 9-speed automatic transmission.
A smaller footprint is needed, as the XT5 is nearly 5 inches shorter in overall length than the Highlander.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	265 hp @ 6000 rpm	235 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Toyota	Cadillac
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	393.8/519.1 mi.	418.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	58.3 in.
Front Hip Room	57.2 in.	56.1 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	2-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.7 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much more powerful is the 2025 Toyota Highlander than the 2026 Cadillac XT5?

The Highlander commands a noticeable advantage in output, boasting 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is significantly more than the XT5's 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making the Highlander the stronger performer off the line.

Is the price difference between the two crossovers significant?

Yes, the difference is quite substantial for crossovers in this segment. The 2026 Cadillac XT5 has an MSRP of $44,300, which is $3,980 more than the 2025 Toyota Highlander's $40,320 starting price.

Which vehicle offers more utility for moving large items?

The 2026 Cadillac XT5 wins easily in cargo capacity, providing 30 cu ft for belongings. The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers substantially less space at only 16 cu ft, despite being physically longer overall.

Do these vehicles have different fuel requirements?

They do; the Toyota Highlander runs efficiently on regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the Cadillac XT5 recommends the use of premium unleaded, which adds to its long-term running costs.

How do their sizes compare, considering the cargo disparity?

The Highlander is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the XT5's 189.6 inches. However, this extra 5.3 inches on the Toyota does not translate to better usable cargo space.

Which vehicle has the better transmission setup?

The Cadillac XT5 features a slightly more modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Highlander utilizes an 8-speed unit, which might suggest smoother cruising ratios for the Cadillac.