Electric Cars

When exploring the luxury midsize SUV market, two prominent contenders for 2025 are the Cadillac XT5 and the Lexus RX. Both models have carved out significant niches, with the XT5 gaining a reputation since its 2017 debut for its elegant design, premium interior materials, smart storage, and dependable performance. The RX, on the other hand, has become a global and domestic best-seller for Lexus, lauded for its harmonious blend of opulence, comfort, cutting-edge technology, and reliability since its fifth-generation launch in 2022. While both SUVs excel in similar key aspects, a deeper dive into their offerings reveals subtle differences that can significantly influence a buyer's choice. The 2025 XT5 starts at $44,295, and the 2025 RX at $50,475, with both largely carrying over from the previous year, apart from some trim reorganizations for the Lexus.

A critical differentiator in performance and efficiency lies in their powertrain offerings, especially the absence of hybrid options in the Cadillac XT5. Focusing on internal combustion engine (ICE) variants, the XT5 features a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission, generating 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. An upgrade to a 3.6-liter V6 boosts output to 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, also paired with a 9-speed automatic. Both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are available across all XT5 trims. In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX 350, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivers 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, available in FWD and AWD configurations. Fuel economy figures show the FWD XT5 2.0L achieving 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway, while AWD variants see a slight dip to 21/27 mpg. The V6 XT5 records 19/26 mpg (FWD) and 18/26 mpg (AWD). The FWD Lexus RX 350 matches the XT5 2.0L at 22/29 mpg, with AWD models rated at 21/28 mpg.

Interior comfort and technology also present distinct advantages for each model. The XT5 and RX 350 offer comparable front legroom at around 41 inches, but the XT5 edges out the RX in rear legroom with 39 inches compared to the RX's 37.4 inches. Cadillac also boasts a more substantial cargo capacity; while its space behind the second row is only marginally larger than the RX 350's (30 cubic feet vs. 29.6), folding the rear seats expands the XT5's volume to 63 cubic feet, significantly surpassing the RX's 46.2 cubic feet. For front seating, the XT5 provides an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a 6-way power passenger seat, whereas the RX 350 offers 8-way power adjustments for both front occupants. Material choices include synthetic and genuine leather for both models, with the RX also offering semi-aniline leather. Technologically, the RX 350 features a larger 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen (1.8 inches larger than the XT5's) and a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is an optional 8-inch display in the XT5. Audio systems range from an 8-speaker standard or 14-speaker Bose optional in the XT5, to a 12-speaker standard or 21-speaker Mark Levinson optional in the RX 350. Both SUVs earned a five-star overall crash safety rating from NHTSA and share identical basic (four years/50,000 miles) and powertrain (six years/70,000 miles) warranties.

Ultimately, the choice between the 2025 Cadillac XT5 and the 2025 Lexus RX 350 hinges on individual priorities. While the Lexus RX 350 offers superior display and audio technology, broader upholstery options, and more potent standard engine performance, these enhancements come with a higher price tag. If these features are paramount to your driving experience, the RX 350’s premium might be a worthwhile investment. Conversely, if generous interior space and a timeless design aesthetic are more appealing than the RX's modern, sometimes divisive exterior, the XT5 presents a compelling alternative. Regardless of initial leanings, experiencing both vehicles through a test drive is crucial to determine which midsize luxury SUV best aligns with your needs and preferences, embodying the principle that personal experience is the ultimate guide to an informed decision.

Honda's mid-size SUV lineup presents two compelling options, the 2026 Passport and 2025 Pilot, each with unique strengths. While sharing mechanical underpinnings, these siblings have evolved to serve different market segments. The Passport has embraced a more adventurous, off-road-ready persona, distinguishing itself with a robust aesthetic and advanced technology. In contrast, the Pilot maintains its family-friendly appeal, emphasizing passenger capacity and on-road comfort. This detailed examination delves into the five primary distinctions that set these popular crossovers apart, helping prospective owners make an informed decision based on their individual needs and lifestyle.

Dissecting the Differences: Honda's Mid-Size Crossovers Unveiled

In the evolving landscape of mid-size crossovers, Honda offers two distinct models that, despite sharing a common lineage, cater to different consumer demands: the 2026 Honda Passport and the 2025 Honda Pilot. These vehicles, while both powered by a robust 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission, diverge significantly in their core philosophies and features.

The most striking difference lies in their seating configurations. The 2026 Passport, in its current iteration, is designed as a two-row SUV, comfortably accommodating five occupants. Its interior, particularly in the first two rows, provides ample space with generous headroom and over 40 inches of legroom. In stark contrast, the 2025 Pilot is a true three-row vehicle, capable of seating seven or eight passengers depending on the trim level. While the Pilot's first two rows mirror the Passport's spaciousness, the third row offers a more compact 32.5 inches of legroom, making it suitable for occasional use or smaller passengers. Dimensionally, the Pilot commands a longer wheelbase, stretching 8.4 inches beyond the Passport, though the Passport boasts a slightly wider stance.

When it comes to capability, the Passport leans heavily into its \"adventure SUV\" designation. All 2026 Passport models come standard with Honda's second-generation variable torque management all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, known as Trail Torque Logic. This system excels at maintaining traction on challenging terrains and intelligently redistributes power to the rear axle as needed. Additionally, Passport TrailSport variants are equipped with an off-road-tuned suspension and a superior ground clearance of 8.3 inches, a full inch more than any Pilot model. Its approach and departure angles, reaching up to 23 and 27.1 degrees respectively, further enhance its off-road prowess, significantly outperforming the Pilot's maximum angles of 19.8 and 21.1 degrees. The Pilot, while offering AWD as an option on most trims, primarily focuses on front-wheel drive for its more road-oriented design.

Technology and infotainment systems also highlight the generational gap. The newer 2026 Passport features a more modern and integrated infotainment experience. Every Passport comes with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, alongside standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Alexa Built-In, and Google Built-In. The 2025 Pilot, being an older design, typically features a seven-inch meter display and a smaller seven-inch touchscreen in base models, with higher trims upgrading to a nine-inch unit. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster in the Pilot is reserved for its top two, more expensive trims, and it lacks the integrated Alexa and Google functionalities found in the Passport.

Pricing positions these two models uniquely within the market. The 2025 Honda Pilot generally starts at a more accessible price point, with the base Sport trim at $40,200. The 2026 Honda Passport, while offering a richer standard feature set, begins at a higher $44,750 for its base RTL trim. However, an interesting inversion occurs at the TrailSport trim level, where the Passport TrailSport is slightly more affordable than its Pilot counterpart. For instance, the Passport TrailSport starts at $48,450, while the Pilot TrailSport begins at $49,400, reflecting the Passport's value proposition in its adventure-oriented trims.

Considering these differences, the choice between the Passport and Pilot boils down to priorities. If your lifestyle demands robust off-road capability, cutting-edge infotainment, and a modern, rugged aesthetic, the 2026 Passport stands out as the superior choice, provided its five-passenger capacity meets your needs and you can accommodate its higher starting price. Conversely, if maximum passenger capacity, a more subdued design, and a lower entry price are paramount, the 2025 Pilot remains an excellent and practical option for families and those seeking ample space without venturing off the beaten path.