THE CADILLAC XT5 VS AUDI Q5

The Q5 is Audi's try to make a smaller brother for the Q7, with an affordable price tag. Unfortunately, the price reduction takes its toll on the car as one could never compare the two models without having the Q5 left miles behind its big brother, both regarding road performance and overall look and feel.

Today though we will not be comparing the two, instead we'll see how the Q5 fares against the Cadillac XT5. This one's an even fight… up to a point.

What we like about the Q5 is definitely the price, which is below 40k almost anywhere you look. It is affordable and for that sum you still get a piece of German engineering, which is nothing to sneeze at! Excellent handling, a reliable engine and a lovely interior all come to support the Q5 as a great SUV.

When it comes to horsepower, the Audi has options available ranging from 252 to 354, depending on the engine you choose, while the XT5 comes with only one possible variant of 310 hp. Prices are comparable, but just for the standard model, so if you want to pay the same for the Audi as you would for the Chevy, then you'll have to do with less HP, 58 to be exact. If you want comparable engines, then you guessed it, you'll have to part ways with more money, so the Cadillac takes this round, providing significantly more power for the same price.

Where the two vehicles compare is at the interior. Here, both cars have reached as close to perfection as possible and I did measure my words carefully. With the Audi and the Cadillac there's quality absolutely everywhere you look inside. Fine details and top-shelf craftsmanship combined with premium materials. There's nothing shaky and you can tell both companies have put a lot of emphasis on ensuring maximum comfort for their clients. It's A+ for both cars, as I think they're the best in class, interior-wise.

The XT5 edges out the battle with its impressive Safety Features list though. The standard equipment package looks like an expensive upgrade from its competitor. If frontal airbags are the norm, side curtains and side-impact airbags aren't, but the XT5 has both of them as standard. They also include a 5 year Basic Plan with OnStar with 4G LTE Wifi, RearPark assist, a rearview camera, Traction Control and Tire Pressure Monitoring to name but a few. Again, this is the standard package we're talking about… Upgrading will see advanced Safety Systems added, like Safety Alert Seats, Pedestrian Detection and Front Automatic Braking with Automatic High Beam. There's really no comparison to be had between the two when we address Safety.

Both cars make for a good SUV choice, but the XT5 will deliver more safety and more power for a comparable price. The Q5 feels solid and has a phenomenal interior, but so does the Chevy so when it comes to choosing between this two we have our mind pretty much set on one answer.