21 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling contests, but in the livery vehicle world, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 Hearse FWD with the 2.0L 4-cylinder is about as efficient as it gets. This isn’t a grocery-getter or a family hauler; it’s a specialized tool primarily purchased by funeral homes. Fuel economy is a consideration, but factors like reliability, cargo capacity, and the Cadillac nameplate are more important.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the XT5 Hearse at 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These numbers accurately reflect how this vehicle is driven. In city driving, frequent stops and starts inherent in funeral processions will see efficiency dip closer to the 20 MPG mark. Longer highway stretches between funeral homes or cemeteries in different towns should yield figures closer to the highway rating. The FWD configuration helps squeeze out a bit more efficiency compared to the AWD variant, a decision largely driven by cost savings for businesses operating multiple vehicles.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Cadillac XT5 Hearse FWD at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. While the exact cost will vary based on local fuel prices and individual driving habits, $2,750 provides a good benchmark for budgeting. Fleet managers can use this figure to project fuel costs across their entire vehicle pool, which aids in financial planning.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy always varies. Factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and vehicle maintenance all play a role. The EPA estimates should be fairly accurate, given the relatively low annual mileage of many hearses and the controlled driving conditions during processions. Aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving will decrease fuel economy, but that’s not typical for this vehicle. Ensuring the vehicle is properly maintained, with regular oil changes and tire inflation, will help maintain good fuel efficiency. Be sure to check XT5 MPG across all years to compare how this model year compares.

How it compares

The Cadillac XT5 Hearse exists in a market with few direct competitors. While other chassis get converted to hearses, the XT5 offers a blend of luxury and space that appeals to some buyers. Traditional, larger hearses based on full-size sedans often achieve significantly lower fuel economy, sometimes dipping below 17 MPG combined. Diesel-powered options like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon based hearse (no longer sold in the US) can offer better fuel economy, but they come with a higher initial cost and potentially higher maintenance expenses, offsetting any savings at the pump. From a broader Cadillac perspective, review all Cadillac fuel economy data. The Lincoln Nautilus, though not typically converted to hearses, is a similar mid-size luxury SUV and achieves a comparable 22 MPG combined with its 2.0L turbo engine.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel efficiency isn’t the main concern for XT5 Hearse operators, they can still minimize fuel consumption.

Gentle acceleration makes a difference. The 2.0L turbo engine can become thirsty under heavy throttle even though it is capable. Gradual acceleration, especially from a standstill during city driving, will improve fuel economy a bit.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Correctly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, directly improving fuel efficiency. Check tire pressures regularly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended specification.

Minimize idling time. Excessive idling wastes fuel and wears out the engine. Turning off the engine during prolonged stops, such as waiting in procession staging areas, can save fuel.

Schedule regular maintenance. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes and air filter replacements, helps keep the engine efficient.