The 2021 Cadillac XT5 AWD 2.0L gets 23 MPG combined, which is what you can expect from a comfortable, stylish, and capable luxury crossover with all-wheel drive. This Cadillac prioritizes a premium experience over ultimate fuel efficiency; it’s not a hybrid or an economy car. It caters to buyers, such as suburban households, empty-nesters, or professionals, who want a refined driving experience with good space for passengers and cargo, and they understand this involves some tradeoffs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Cadillac XT5 AWD 2.0L are 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the engine works harder, and idling reduces fuel economy. The highway number is more achievable since the engine settles into a more fuel-efficient cruising speed. The nine-speed automatic transmission helps optimize engine performance in both scenarios by selecting the right gear for the driving conditions and keeping the engine in its most efficient range as much as possible. Drivers who spend most of their time on the open road will likely see results closer to the 27 MPG highway figure, while those mainly driving in urban environments should anticipate fuel economy in the low 20s.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Cadillac XT5 AWD 2.0L is about $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Actual costs can vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. If you drive more than 15,000 miles annually or live in an area with higher fuel costs, your expenses will be higher. If you drive less or pay lower fuel prices, you can expect to spend less, but individual results will differ. It’s a helpful benchmark.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy can vary from the EPA estimates due to factors like driving style, road conditions, weather, and vehicle maintenance. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and prolonged idling can reduce fuel economy. Driving in hilly terrain or strong headwinds can increase fuel consumption. Maintaining proper tire pressure, keeping up with maintenance, and avoiding unnecessary weight in the vehicle can help you get closer to the EPA estimates.

The XT5’s all-wheel drive system, while beneficial for traction and handling, also adds weight and complexity, which can slightly decrease fuel economy compared to a front-wheel-drive model. Reading about XT5 MPG across all years is helpful to manage expectations.

How it compares

Compared to other luxury crossovers with all-wheel drive, the 2021 Cadillac XT5’s fuel economy is about average. The Acura RDX SH-AWD achieves a similar 23 MPG combined, while the Lexus NX 300 AWD comes in slightly lower at 24 MPG combined. The BMW X3 xDrive30i is rated at 24 MPG combined. For better fuel economy in this segment, consider a hybrid option like the Lexus NX 300h AWD, which gets around 31 MPG combined.

The Volvo XC60 T8 eAWD plug-in hybrid will achieve even better MPG numbers but costs much more. The XT5’s target buyer is likely considering more than just fuel economy, such as styling, features, and brand prestige, and for those buyers, the XT5 is a reasonable choice. All Cadillac fuel economy data can be found here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Cadillac’s driver-selectable modes. The “Tour” mode prioritizes fuel efficiency and smooth driving and is best during highway cruising and light city driving. Avoid using “Sport” mode unless you need the extra responsiveness for merging or passing because it will decrease fuel economy.

Gentle acceleration and braking are key to saving fuel. Avoid quick starts and hard braking because these waste energy. Instead, gradually accelerate and anticipate traffic flow to maintain a steady speed. The XT5’s smooth power delivery makes it easy to drive efficiently.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure listed in the owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. A simple tire pressure gauge can save you money.

Minimize idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle, especially on a cold start. The XT5 does not feature a start/stop system (where the engine automatically shuts off at stop lights), so this is the best method to save fuel in stop-and-go traffic.

Reduce excess weight by removing unnecessary items from the vehicle. Extra weight increases the amount of energy required to move the vehicle, which decreases fuel economy. Keeping your XT5 clean can save you gas over time.