Compare the2023 Cadillac XT5VS 2022 Buick Encore

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport’s optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Encore doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the XT5 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Encore doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The XT5 has standard Automatic Emergency Braking, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Encore offers an available collision warning system without the automated brake feature that would prevent or reduce the collision if the driver fails to react.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport offers optional Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Encore doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The Encore doesn’t offer a night vision system.

The XT5’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Encore.

The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Encore only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the XT5 and the Encore have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The Cadillac XT5 weighs 557 to 1101 pounds more than the Buick Encore. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Cadillac XT5 is safer than the Buick Encore:

	XT5	Encore
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	24%	26%
Neck Stress	188 lbs.	298 lbs.
Neck Compression	11 lbs.	12 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	37%	38%
Neck Compression	53 lbs.	104 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	22/17 lbs.	249/289 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Cadillac XT5 is safer than the Buick Encore:

	XT5	Encore
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	184 lbs.	388 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	39 G’s	46 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the XT5 is 1% to 4.7% less likely to roll over than the Encore.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and its standard front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the XT5 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 203 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Encore was last qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2016.

Warranty

The XT5 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck. The Encore’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Cadillac’s powertrain warranty covers the XT5 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Buick covers the Encore. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Encore ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The XT5’s 6 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Encore runs out after 100,000 miles.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the XT5 has a standard 170-amp alternator (155-amp - XT5 V6 without Towing Package). The Encore’s 130-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the XT5 has a standard 730-amp battery. The Encore’s 438-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

Engine

The XT5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 80 more horsepower (235 vs. 155) and 81 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The XT5’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 155 more horsepower (310 vs. 155) and 94 lbs.-ft. more torque (271 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Cadillac XT5 V6 is faster than the Buick Encore:

	XT5	Encore
Zero to 60 MPH	6.4 sec	10.7 sec
Quarter Mile	15 sec	17.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.4 MPH	77.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the XT5’s fuel efficiency. The Encore doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the XT5’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Encore doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The XT5 FWD’s standard fuel tank has 5.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore (19.4 vs. 14 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The XT5 AWD’s standard fuel tank has 7.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore (21.7 vs. 14 gallons).

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Cadillac XT5, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Encore.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XT5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore:

	XT5	Encore
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	10.6 inches

The XT5’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Encore are solid, not vented.

The XT5 stops much shorter than the Encore:

	XT5	Encore
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	175 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	111 feet	126 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XT5 has larger tires than the Encore (235/65R18 vs. 215/55R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XT5 offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Encore’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The Cadillac XT5’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Buick Encore only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Cadillac XT5 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Encore has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The XT5 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the XT5 flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The XT5 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XT5’s wheelbase is 11.9 inches longer than on the Encore (112.5 inches vs. 100.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XT5 is 4.1 inches wider in the front and 4.2 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore.

The XT5 AWD handles at .84 G’s, while the Encore pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The XT5 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.6 seconds quicker than the Encore AWD (27 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the XT5 has a 1.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore (7.8 vs. 6.2 inches), allowing the XT5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the XT5 2.0 Turbo uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Encore doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The XT5 has 11.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Encore (104.5 vs. 92.8).

The XT5 has .1 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front legroom, 4.4 inches more front hip room, 4.1 inches more front shoulder room, 3.2 inches more rear legroom, 4.7 inches more rear hip room and 3.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the XT5’s rear seats recline. The Encore’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The XT5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore with its rear seat up (30.2 vs. 18.8 cubic feet). The XT5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore with its rear seat folded (63 vs. 48.4 cubic feet).

The XT5’s cargo area is larger than the Encore’s in almost every dimension:

	XT5	Encore
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	41.5”/75”	28.5”/55.8”
Max Width	51”	39.5”
Min Width	41.6”	36”
Height	30”	31.8”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the XT5’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the XT5. The Encore doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the XT5 has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Encore doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The XT5 has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The Encore has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the XT5 uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Encore doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The XT5 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Encore uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Buick. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac second in service department satisfaction. With an 8% lower rating, Buick is ranked fifth.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position (with optional power wheel adjuster) and outside mirror angle. The Encore doesn’t offer a memory system.

The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Encore doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The XT5’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Encore does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Encore doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The XT5’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Encore has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The XT5’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Encore’s front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

On a hot day the XT5’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Encore can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the XT5 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the XT5 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Encore doesn’t offer cornering lights.

When the XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Encore’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

The XT5 has standard heated front and second row seats (second row heated seats optional on Premium Luxury/Sport) extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Encore.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Encore doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Encore doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The XT5’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Encore doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The XT5’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

Both the XT5 and the Encore offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the XT5 has available rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Encore doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Encore doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Encore doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport’s optional Automatic Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The Encore doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the XT5 is less expensive to operate than the Encore because typical repairs cost less on the XT5 than the Encore, including $132 less for front brake pads, $70 less for a fuel pump and $30 less for front struts.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Cadillac XT5 and the Buick Encore, based on reliability, safety and performance.