2019 Cadillac XTS

In recent years, Cadillac has done well to erase its recent image of creating subpar premium vehicles. Now offering more value for money than many of its German rivals, Cadillac still struggles to provide a truly premium package. But with the 2019 Cadillac XTS, the carmaker has made a sterling effort to cement its position in the market as a luxury marque rivaling venerable brands such as BMW and Lexus. Equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the large luxury sedan receives outputs of 304 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. With twin-turbochargers strapped to the powertrain of the V-Sport Platinum trim, those outputs are raised to 410 hp and 369 lb-ft. There are five trim options available in the 2019 XTS lineup, all equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drivetrain. All but the base level trim have the option of all-wheel-drive while the V-Sport Platinum comes with an AWD setup as standard.

Along with the cosmetic alterations the XTS received in 2018, the 2019 model gets new exterior wheel designs and lighting graphics. Equipped on the Standard XTS are 19-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, the Luxury receives 19-inch split seven-spoke alloy wheels, the Premium Luxury 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, the Platinum 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, and the V-Sport Platinum 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, each with a trim-specific design. All trims are fitted with all-LED exterior lights, the Luxury trim receives auxiliary DRLs and illuminated door handles, and the Premium Luxury trim gets front cornering lamps and IntelliBeam headlamps.

The cosmetic changes for the 2018 year model brought about sharper lines and a shorter overall length and were implemented to help conceal the XTS's overall size. But even after those cosmetic alterations, the XTS remains a considerably large sedan. It stretches a total length of 200.9 inches of which 111.7 inches make up its wheelbase. It sits on the road with a total width of 72.9 inches and a total height of 59.4 inches. The Standard XTS model carries a curb weight of 4,021 lbs, the Luxury, Luxury Premium, and Platinum a curb weight of 4,200 lbs, and the V-Sport Platinum a curb weight of 4,215 lbs.

The 2019 exterior color palette comprises nine options. For all XTS trims, Black Raven and Radiant Silver Metallic are default no-cost options. For the Standard, Luxury, and Premium Luxury trim lines, Dark Adriatic Blue, Stone Gray, Stellar Black, Phantom Gray, and Bronze Dune Metallic all cost an additional $625 but carry no additional cost for the Platinum and V-Sport Platinum trims. The Red Horizon tintcoat and Crystal White tintcoat cost an additional $1,225 with the Standard, Luxury, and Premium Luxury trims, and $600 for the Platinum and V-Sport Platinum trims. Either of the tintcoat options looks classy and complement the XTS's chrome exterior accents and executive character.

The Cadillac XTS is more of an executive luxury vehicle than a performance powerhouse. Efficiency and comfort are prioritized over speed and capability and even the V-Sport Platinum XTS is no performance hallmark outside of this lineup. The twin-turbocharged XTS V-Sport has a 0-60 mph capability of 5.2 seconds which is faster than the 2019 Cadillac CTS by around 0.2 seconds, as well as the 2019 Chrysler 300 by around the same margin. It offers a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 lbs which is about average for the class, with the Chrysler 300 offering the same capability.

The XTS Standard trim is configured with a front-wheel-drive system by default while the Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Platinum can be configured with either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive setup. The V-Sport Platinum is by default configured with an AWD system. Most core rivals also offer both drivetrain configurations with various trim options, and some even offer rear-wheel-drive, as is the case with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

Two engine options come with the XTS range, but both make use of the same transmission. A six-speed automatic that would benefit from a few extra gears given the model is billed as an executive luxury people-hauler. Though nothing impressive, the gearbox does deliver suitably quick and smooth shifts.

The base 3.6-liter V6 engine it's paired with produces 304 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque and is powerful enough to accelerate the XTS suitably from standstill in and about town. Trying to overtake other vehicles while at speed can be quite slow and gradual as there's simply not enough grunt for the heavy sedan. The powertrain does exhibit some sluggish behavior by cause of the XTS's hefty curb weight but is otherwise generally well-behaved. The twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 in the V-Sport Platinum trim is a lot more potent and handles the weight of the XTS a lot better. It delivers greater acceleration and exhibits no severe bouts of turbo-lag. Premium Luxury, Platinum, and V-Sport Platinum trims are equipped with a selective damping system that comes to life in Tour and Sport drive modes. Tour mode optimizes efficiency and smoothness, while Sport sharpens throttle responses and tightens the steering.

For such a large sedan, the XTS handles pretty well. It turns in nimbly and the adjustable MagnaRide suspension helps keep its body surprisingly composed around bends. Despite its size, the XTS doesn't feel boat-like at all and boasts a surprisingly sporty character. The suspension doesn't deal with all undulations exceptionally well but makes suitable work of bumps and road imperfections. The overall ride feels controlled and stable rather than dainty and brittle.

The tires provide ample grip so the XTS remains firmly planted to the tarmac and always in control. Steering is weighted appropriately for a large sedan and responses are accurate. Road-feel and tire position is effectively communicated via the steering which boosts driver confidence. Whether at speed or cruising casually, the available Brembo brakes perform adequately, delivering suitable stopping power and always responding consistently. The V-Sport Platinum trim feels sportier and at the same time manages to deliver a comfortable ride without compromise.

The trims installed with the FWD system perform most efficiently, returning EPA estimates of 19/28/22 mpg city/highway/combined. AWD variants return 17/26/20 mpg figures respectively while the V-Sport equipped with the twin-turbocharged V6 performs least efficiently with estimates of 16/23/18 mpg. FWD trims are equipped with an 18.6-gallon gas tank and utilize regular unleaded fuel for consumption. AWD trims carry a 19.5-gallon gas tank, and the V-Sport Platinum utilizes only premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. On a full tank of gas and with mixed driving styles, the FWD trims offer a max cruising range of around 409 miles, the AWD trims 390 miles, and the V-Sport Platinum a maximum range of 351 miles.

The overall build quality of the XTS is exceptional, panel gaps are precise and fixes and finishes firmly attached. Most of the key touch-points in the cabin are adorned with high-quality soft-touch materials including the steering wheel, dash, and upper door sills. The seats are upholstered in soft premium leather and are immensely comfortable even for extended durations. There is an abundance of interior room in the cabin. Passengers in the front cabin may feel slightly boxed in due to the large dash and center console, but passengers in the rear have more than enough space to move around. Front seats feature eight-way power-adjustability with four-way manual head restraint adjustments and four-way power lumbar control.

The four-door XTS Sedan accommodates a total of five passengers in an upscale and highly comfortable cabin. Seats throughout the cabin are well-padded, suitably contoured, and effectively bolstered for comfortable long-duration use. The XTS has a vastly spacious cabin with more than enough head- and legroom available throughout, even for taller adults in the rear seats. Entry and exit from the XTS are effortless thanks to the large doors and natural seating height. Locating an optimal driving position is easy thanks to the power-adjustable driver's seat and power telescoping steering column. Forward visibility is slightly hindered by the thick A-pillars and large rearview exterior mirrors, while the thick rear C-pillars and narrow rear window also limit rearward visibility. Surround-view cameras help mitigate these issues to some degree.

Available for the standard XTS is either a Jet Black interior and leather seating surfaces with mini-perforation or a Shale interior with Jet Black accents. The Luxury trim and upward receive an additional $1,250 option of Kona Brown with Jet Black accents. The V-Sport Platinum can be optioned with either a Jet Black interior with semi-aniline leather seating with Chevron perforated inserts or a Maple Sugar interior with Jet Black accents and semi-aniline leather seating with Chevron perforated inserts. All models feature leather-wrap and authentic wood trim on the steering wheel and console; Platinum models receive additional leather-wrapped interior enhancements.

With 18 cubic feet of available trunk space, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and a rear pass-through, the XTS offers more utility than most of its core rivals. The trunk is narrow, but deep and there's enough room for two large travel cases and a carry-on case. Folding down the 60/40 split-folding rear seats opens up more room and the trunk pass-through allows for the storage of long cargo items.

The cabin offers a decent range of storage solutions as well, comprising thick door side pockets on all four doors that fit bottles, upfront is a modest armrest console, a covered center console compartment, two cupholders, a driver's side cubby, and a decently sized glovebox. In the rear cabin are seatback map pockets and two cupholders and a storage tray located in the center seat armrest.

Beginning with the standard XTS, base-level standard features include keyless entry, push-button start, adaptive remote start function, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a universal home remote. The standard XTS is fitted with a color reconfigurable gauge cluster, heated and electrochromic mirrors, and a wireless charging slot. The Luxury trim additionally receives a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats. It also features ambient interior lighting and is installed with a Memory Package which includes two presets for the position of the steering wheel, driver-seat, and outside mirrors. Additionally included with the Premium Luxury trim are tri-zone automatic climate control, a reconfigurable head-up display, and a two-themed reconfigurable gauge cluster. It also furthers the adjustability of the front seats and includes the front passenger seat in the memory package. The Platinum trim receives 22-way adjustable front seats with a massage feature, a rear center armrest with audio and sunshade controls, a power rear sunshade and manual rear window sunshades, and a power Ultraview sunroof. The V-Sport Platinum has a three-themed reconfigurable gauge cluster.

Standard and Luxury XTS models are outfitted with an eight-inch touchscreen and eight-speaker Bose sound system. The setup is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard and allows for HD Radio and SiriusXM Radio which comes with a three-month trial. There are four USB ports located throughout the cabin, two of which are for device connectivity and charging and the other two for charging only. A wireless charging tray is also standard-fit. Also featured is Cadillac 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capability which comes with a three-month/3GB data trial. The three upper-level trims receive embedded navigation with voice and text guidance, and an upgraded 14-speaker Bose studio surround sound system with signal processing and AudioPilot noise compensation technology. They also receive a 110-volt rear power outlet.

A few recalls have been issued for the 2019 Cadillac XTS by the NHTSA. The major recall pertained to an insufficient coating on the rear brake caliper pistons which caused a reduction in braking performance. There have also been a handful of driver complaints lodged for various issues. The 2019 Cadillac XTS received a below-average predicted reliability rating of 2.5 out of five from J.D. Power. Cadillac covers the 2019 XTS with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, and with six-year/70,000-mile roadside assistance.

Federal testers gave the 2019 Cadillac XTS Sedan five stars overall for crash-test safety. It received five out of five stars in the NHTSA's frontal crash tests and four stars in its rollover tests. An NHTSA overall rating has not been determined as yet. The IIHS gave the 2019 XTS the highest rating of Good in four crash tests.

Key safety features in the Standard XTS include ten airbags: dual front, front-seat-mounted, driver and front passenger knee, rear seat-mounted, and side-curtain. Rear parking assist is also installed as standard along with teen driver settings and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Luxury trim additionally receives automatic park assist and front and rear parking assist as standard. Moving up the chain, the Premium Luxury gets a Driver Awareness Package which includes low speed forward automatic braking, lane keep assist (FWD only) with lane departure warning, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, safety alert seat, and surround vision. From there, the remaining two trims are equipped with a Driver Assist Package which comprises advanced adaptive cruise control, as well as forward and reverse automatic braking.

The 2019 Cadillac XTS has a lot going for it. The various trims are all equipped with robust powertrains that provide ample power delivery and reasonable fuel economy. The 2019 year model received decent crash test scores from various authorities and all trims are comprehensively equipped with safety and advanced driver-assist features as standard. The infotainment system is highly capable with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality included as standard. Upper-level trims are fitted with an excellent Bose audio system and are outfitted with a range of connectivity options. With a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs and a trunk capacity of 18 cubic feet, the XTS is also one of the most practical vehicles in its class. The interior is adorned with high-quality materials, is ergonomically configured, and designed with all passengers in mind. The XTS only faces drawbacks in its low reliability and distracting infotainment controls, but otherwise, as a more luxurious sedan senior to the CTS, the XTS is an impressively comfortable sedan. Whether it's up to the same standard as an Audi A7, though, we're just not sure.

Prospective buyers can expect a starting MSRP of $46,895 for the Standard XTS trim. The Luxury XTS trim goes for $50,895, the Premium Luxury trim for $57,295, and the Platinum trim for $66,195. The V-Sport Platinum carries the highest MSRP of the 2019 lineup at $72,995. Those prices are excluding Cadillac's destination charge of $995 and are exclusive of tax, registration, and licensing fees. Independent dealers may also offer dealer-specific incentives and pricing structures.

The 2019 Cadillac XTS lineup consists of five trim options, Standard, Luxury, Premium Luxury, Platinum, and V-Sport Platinum. All trims are equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The V-Sport Platinum is outfitted with twin-turbochargers, giving it an additional 106 hp and 105 lb-ft over the other trims. All trims but the Standard and V-Sport Platinum can be equipped with either RWD or AWD. The Standard XTS comes primarily with a FWD system and the V-Sport Platinum with an AWD system.

The Standard XTS is outfitted with the base level features which include an eight-speaker Bose sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear park assist. Moving up the trim levels adds additional standard-fit features and a few enhanced underpinnings.

The Luxury XTS is additionally equipped with LED ambient interior lighting, automatic park assist, advanced navigation, front seat memory functions, and a heated steering wheel. It also receives heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats, a cargo net, and a leather-wrapped and wood-accented shift knob.

The Premium Luxury trim is upgraded with front cornering lights, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a two-themed reconfigurable gauge cluster. It is additionally equipped with a 14-speaker Bose studio surround sound system, a 110-volt power outlet, and with the Driver Awareness Package which comprises a selection of advanced driver assists.

Additionally equipped in the Platinum XTS is the Driver Assistance Package comprising of adaptive cruise control and forward and reverse automatic braking. It is further fitted with leather-wrapped interior enhancements along with a microfiber suede headliner, and semi-aniline leather upholstery. It gets 22-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality, an Ultraview sunroof, and a sunshade and rear armrest with audio and sunshade controls. The V-Sport Platinum is installed with a three-themed reconfigurable gauge cluster.

Available for all XTS trims is an Interior Protection Package which adds all-weather floor mats and a cargo mat for $225. For $1,800 a Driver Awareness Package is available for he Luxury XTS, which adds low speed forward automatic braking, forward collision alert, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, lane keep assist (FWD only) with lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, following distance indicator, surround vision, and a safety alert seat. The XTS Premium Luxury trim can be equipped with an optional $1,100 Driver Assist Package which comprises advanced adaptive cruise control, and forward and reverse automatic braking. There is also an abundance of available standalone options and accessories for all trims.

We recommend opting for the mid-tier Premium Luxury trim as along with a middling pricing point it comes standard with a greater selection of appealing features. It comes equipped with additional safety and advanced driver-assist features relative to the trims below it along with an upgraded climate control system. Unlike the Standard XTS trim, it can be configured with either RWD or AWD. It performs most efficiently with the RWD configuration, but the AWD variant would be most beneficial to those in all-weather states. It is also equipped with a head-up display and the upgraded 14-speaker Bose studio surround system. Advanced underpinnings include auto-leveling rear air springs and magnetic ride control featuring a Tour and Sport drive mode.

Prices range from between $46,995 to $71,795 in both the 2019 Cadillac CTS XTS. Performance-wise the CTS certainly has more to offer, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds and poised handling dynamics that the XTS can only dream to achieve. Lower-level trims are equipped with a smaller engine than the lower-level XTS trims, with lesser outputs. The V-Sport trim of the CTS, however, has far greater potential at hand with its 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine pushing out a potent 420 hp and 430 lb-ft. Along with all the other CTS trim options, the V-Sport CTS also manages to be more fuel-efficient than the XTS, with estimates of 22/30/25 mpg from the most fuel-efficient CTS, and 16/24/19 mpg from the V-Sport. The CTS does, however, offer far less cargo capacity with only 13.7 cubic feet available. It also has no towing capability. There are more optional packages and features available for all CTS trim options than with the XTS trims. For a relatively similar price, we feel the CTS has a lot more to offer in terms of performance. The XTS is more practical, however, and a more rational purchase.

Compared to the Cadillac XTS, the 2019 Chrysler 300 trims have much lower MSRP ranging between $29,220 and $41,695. The Cadillac trims are equipped with more powerful engine options than the Chrysler's. On the flip side, the Chrysler is slightly more fuel-efficient, with EPA estimates of 19/30/24 mpg. It offers only 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space which is slightly less than what the Cadillac offers. It does, however, manage to offer an equal max towing capacity of 1,000 lbs. The Cadillac XTS offer optional features that come standard on the 300 and while the Cadillac keep ahead in terms of infotainment connectivity, the Chrysler delivers almost everything the Cadillac does and at a considerably lower cost. Because of this, we'd say that the Chrysler offers greater value for money and is the better buy of the two.