The 2017 Cadillac XT5 3.6L gets 22 MPG combined, which is a key figure for many buyers. The fuel consumption isn’t class-leading, but it isn’t bad either. It’s a reasonable trade-off for American luxury, ample space, and the confident power of a naturally aspirated V6 engine. People buy this vehicle for a comfortable and capable crossover, and are willing to accept middling fuel economy in return.

City and highway performance

The XT5’s EPA ratings are 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go traffic and the demands on the engine during low-speed driving. The highway figure shows the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at higher speeds, helped by the 8-speed automatic transmission. While 27 MPG is respectable for a vehicle of this size, you need to maintain consistent speed and avoid aggressive acceleration. If you push the XT5 hard on the highway, that number will drop quickly. The 19 MPG city figure better represents typical day-to-day driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Cadillac XT5 3.6L will be $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. This is a useful way to compare the XT5’s running costs to other vehicles, but your individual spending will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the ratio of city to highway driving.

Real-world expectations

The official numbers are just a starting point, because real-world driving often differs from the EPA’s tests. Owners can expect fuel economy to change based on how they drive, the terrain, weather, and the vehicle’s load. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and carrying heavy cargo will hurt fuel efficiency, adopting a smoother driving style, minimizing unnecessary weight, and ensuring proper tire inflation can help you get closer to or even exceed the EPA estimates. A gentle driving style helps the XT5’s gas mileage.

How it compares

The 2017 Cadillac XT5’s fuel economy puts it in the middle. The Lexus RX 350 gets a similar 23 MPG combined, and the Acura RDX gets 23 MPG combined with its V6 engine. Some turbocharged four-cylinder competitors, like the BMW X3 sDrive28i (24 MPG combined), offer slightly better fuel economy, but often with less power and a less smooth engine than a V6. Someone considering the XT5 may not be prioritizing maximum MPG, and knowing where it sits relative to its competitors provides context. Comparing XT5 MPG across all years helps understand model year improvements.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the XT5 isn’t a Prius, there are things you can do to improve its fuel economy. Try to avoid situations that require hard acceleration or braking, and keep the transmission in a higher gear for longer.

Use cruise control carefully, especially on relatively flat highways. Cruise control can keep a consistent speed, but it can also react abruptly to changes in elevation, causing unnecessary downshifts and wasted fuel. Anticipate hills and adjust your speed to help the transmission avoid shifting too much.

Your tires should be properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level on the doorjamb sticker. Keeping up with recommended maintenance is also important.

Avoid idling. Modern engines are efficient when running, but idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, especially in the city, turn off the engine. This is especially useful in cities where there are lots of long stop lights.

Avoid aggressive driving. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste gas. Drive smoothly and predictably, anticipate traffic, and maintain a safe following distance. Gradual acceleration and gentle braking improve fuel efficiency and the overall driving experience.

Interested in other vehicles from this manufacturer? You can find all Cadillac fuel economy data on our website.