Compare the2023 Cadillac XT5VS 2023 Toyota 4Runner

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
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 4Runner doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

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 4Runner 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 4Runner doesn’t offer a night vision system.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the XT5 uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The 4Runner uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the XT5 and the 4Runner have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

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 Toyota 4Runner:

	XT5	4Runner
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	147	267
Neck Injury Risk	24%	47%
Neck Stress	188 lbs.	438 lbs.
Neck Compression	11 lbs.	54 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	213/542 lbs.	488/468 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	287	367
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	37%	57%
Neck Stress	155 lbs.	271 lbs.
Neck Compression	53 lbs.	58 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	22/17 lbs.	453/353 lbs.

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

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Cadillac XT5 is safer than the 4Runner:

	XT5	4Runner
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Head injury index	129	142
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	0 cm	12 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Femur Force R/L	.3/.6 kN	3.9/2.4 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	1%/0%
Lower Leg Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Tibia index R/L	.41/.29	.95/.85
Tibia forces R/L	1.2/1.4 kN	5/2.9 kN

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 Toyota 4Runner:

	XT5	4Runner
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.9 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	151 lbs.	179 lbs.
Hip Force	184 lbs.	233 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	20 inches
HIC	399	507
Spine Acceleration	39 G’s	43 G’s
Hip Force	799 lbs.	895 lbs.

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, with its four-star roll-over rating, is 7.7% to 9.5% less likely to roll over than the 4Runner, which received a three-star rating.

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 221 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The 4Runner was not even a “Top Safety Pick” for 2016.

Warranty

The XT5 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck. The 4Runner’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 Toyota covers the 4Runner. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the 4Runner ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The XT5’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the 4Runner’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the XT5’s reliability 18 points higher than the 4Runner.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac above average in initial quality. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is rated lower.

Engine

The XT5’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 40 more horsepower (310 vs. 270) than the 4Runner’s 4.0 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Cadillac XT5 V6 is faster than the Toyota 4Runner:

	XT5	4Runner
Zero to 60 MPH	6.4 sec	7.8 sec
Quarter Mile	15 sec	15.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.4 MPH	87.3 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the XT5 gets better mileage than the 4Runner:

			MPG
XT5
	FWD	3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/29 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/25 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/27 hwy
4Runner
	RWD	4.0 DOHC V6	16 city/19 hwy
	AWD	4.0 DOHC V6	16 city/19 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the XT5’s fuel efficiency. The 4Runner 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 4Runner doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The XT5 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Cadillac XT5 higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Toyota 4Runner (5). This means the XT5 produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 4Runner every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Cadillac XT5, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a five-speed automatic is available for the 4Runner.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XT5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4Runner:

	XT5	4Runner
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	13.3 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	12.3 inches

The XT5 stops much shorter than the 4Runner:

	XT5	4Runner
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	201 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	111 feet	138 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

The XT5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 65 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 4Runner’s standard 70 series tires. The XT5’s optional tires have a lower 55 series profile than the 4Runner Limited/TRD Sport’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XT5 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 4Runner.

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 Toyota 4Runner has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

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 4Runner’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XT5’s wheelbase is 2.7 inches longer than on the 4Runner (112.5 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XT5 is 1.1 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the 4Runner.

The XT5 AWD handles at .84 G’s, while the 4Runner TRD Off-Road pulls only .71 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The XT5 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the 4Runner TRD Off-Road (27 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 29.5 seconds @ .55 average G’s).

Chassis

The Cadillac XT5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 500 pounds less than the Toyota 4Runner.

Unibody construction lowers the XT5’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The 4Runner uses body-on-frame design instead.

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 4Runner doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the XT5 AWD is quieter than the 4Runner TRD Off-Road (68 vs. 69 dB).

Passenger Space

The XT5 has .4 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room and 6.1 inches more rear legroom than the 4Runner.

Cargo Capacity

The XT5 has a much larger cargo volume than the 4Runner with its rear seat up (30.2 vs. 9 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the XT5’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The 4Runner doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

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 4Runner doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

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 4Runner doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The XT5 has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The 4Runner doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

An Oil Life Monitor is standard on the XT5 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes and air filter replacement based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Toyota doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the 4Runner.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Toyota. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac second in service department satisfaction. With a 32% lower rating, Toyota is ranked 20th.

Ergonomics

The XT5 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The engine computer on the XT5 automatically engages the starter until the car starts with one twist of the key and disables the starter while the engine is running. The 4Runner’s starter can be accidentally engaged while the engine is running, making a grinding noise and possibly damaging the starter and ring gear.

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 4Runner 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 4Runner 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 4Runner 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 4Runner’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the XT5 and the 4Runner have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the XT5 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The 4Runner prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The XT5’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The 4Runner’s power mirror and cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The 4Runner’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the XT5 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the 4Runner only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The XT5 has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The 4Runner has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the Limited/TRD Pro.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the XT5 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The 4Runner doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The XT5’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 4Runner’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

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 4Runner’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 4Runner offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The XT5 has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the 4Runner Premium/Limited/TRD Pro. The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated second row seats aren’t available in the 4Runner.

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 4Runner doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The XT5 has a 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. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the 4Runner Limited/TRD Pro.

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 4Runner 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 4Runner doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the XT5 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the XT5 with a number “8” insurance rate while the 4Runner is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the XT5 is less expensive to operate than the 4Runner because typical repairs cost much less on the XT5 than the 4Runner, including $93 less for a water pump, $183 less for a starter, $248 less for a fuel pump and $620 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Cadillac XT5, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Toyota 4Runner isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the XT5 second among midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The 4Runner isn’t in the top three in its category.