American vehicles don’t always have the best reputation when it comes to reliability, with a mixed history over multiple manufacturers. However, things have changed and there are plenty of modern options out there that are sturdy enough to last you a long time.
Manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC have all upped their game when it comes to reliability. However, the brand with the most reliable SUV in 2025 might surprise you. The Buick badge may not hold the same prestige as it maybe once did, but their lineup proves that they’re capable of making well-built vehicles.
We dive into the Buick model that currently scores higher than any other American SUV in 2025 for reliability. We explore how much you can expect to pay for maintenance on this crossover and what kind of powertrain you can find under the hood. Finally, we detail how much it’ll set you back and which trim we would suggest.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Top Speed, J.D. Power, CarEdge, Cars.com, Consumer Reports, and the EPA.
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Cadillac’s XT5 Leads The Way When It Comes To Reliability
Cadillac hasn’t always had the best reputation when it comes to reliability. However, their current stable is loaded with SUVs that have a proven track record of longevity. Sitting with the highest scores for reliability is the XT5, the brand’s compact SUV offering, which has been around the block.
Reliability Scores
J.D. Power is one of the leading authorities right now when it comes to the reliability of a vehicle. They collate data from confirmed owners to rank vehicles. The XT5 scores pretty highly, with an overall score of 82 out of 100. Its biggest strength, however, is the fact that it scores 88 out of 100 for quality and reliability. There is not a single model year since the XT5 launched that has scored lower than 80 out of 100.
Just as important as the views of these sites is the opinions of owners. When referring to reviews left by owners on Cars.com, the general consensus is that the XT5 is a smooth and solid vehicle that has very few major issues. Every model year so far has scored more than four out of five stars for reliability.
Love, love, love my XT5! it is so beautiful and rides great. Love all the features. I’ve owned it for about a year now and traveled many miles to different states with absolutely no issues. I would most definitely recommend this car!
Maintenance Costs
The XT5 is a luxury SUV. Generally, due to the fact that luxury vehicles use higher quality materials and parts, they are more expensive to maintain than comparable mainstream SUVs. This is certainly the case for the XT5 and you should be prepared to pay a little more in maintenance.
Compared to other luxury SUVs, the XT5 is about average when it comes to maintenance costs. CarEdge estimates maintenance costs for the Cadi in its first ten years to sit at around $9,657. This is only $68 higher than the average for the segment. CarEdge also claims that there is only a 27 percent chance that you will need to fork out more than $500 for a single repair in that time period. RepairPal comes to a different conclusion, estimating annual maintenance costs to sit as low as $305 annually.
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Cadillac Offers A Choice Between A Turbo-Four And A V-6
Shot of the front end of a 2020 Cadillac XT5
One of the most important factors when it comes to reliability is a vehicle’s powertrain. The XT5 offers you a choice between two pretty sturdy options. While both are fantastic engines and deliver good levels of performance, there is one that stands above the other if reliability is your top priority.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
3.6-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-6 |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission |
9-Speed Automatic |
9-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
235 HP |
310 HP |
|
Torque |
258 LB-FT |
271 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
FWD or AWD |
FWD or AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
7.6 Seconds |
6.1 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
130 MPH |
131 MPH |
The turbocharged four-banger is the standard engine you get when you buy an XT5. Its standard on all but the top trim which instead comes fitted with the naturally aspirated V-6. With either powertrain under the hood, the XT5 is decently quick, and stacks up to rivals like the Lexus RX and Volvo XC60 quite nicely.
If reliability is what you’re after, then the V-6 is the way to go. It’s been in GM’s wheelhouse for a long time and has a really good reputation for reliability. While the turbocharged four-cylinder isn’t bad, it has occasional issues with things like turbo lag, carbon buildup, and oil consumption.
Fuel Economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Turbo-Four FWD |
22 MPG |
29 MPG |
24 MPG |
|
Turbo-Four AWD |
21 MPG |
27 MPG |
23 MPG |
|
V-6 FWD |
19 MPG |
26 MPG |
21 MPG |
|
V-6 AWD |
18 MPG |
26 MPG |
21 MPG |
The difference between the turbocharged four-cylinder and the V-6, when it comes to efficiency, is much smaller than we’d expect. The four cylinder is definitely the more efficient model, especially if you opt for front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models perform similarly in the city but suffer when it comes to highway travel.
The V-6 drops two to three miles per gallon compared to the four-cylinder models. However, it punishes you less for opting for all-wheel drive, with the all-wheel drive model only dropping one mile per gallon in the city. Despite this, the combined efficiency of the two models is identical.
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Cadillac Offers A Pretty Decent Warranty Package On The XT5
Front 3/4 shot fo a 2020 Cadillac XT5
While reliability scores and owner reviews are one thing, but decent support from a manufacturer is just as important. Warranties ensure that if you buy a new car, you’re protected for at least the first couple of years. Cadillac’s package is one of the best in the segment.
Warranties And Complimentary Maintenance
Cadillac’s standard warranty is offered on every vehicle in their stable. It matches or beats the XT5’s core rivals, giving you peace of mind when you drive off the dealership floor. Their limited warranty, which covers factory defects and excludes wear and tear items, covers the XT5 for four years or 50,000 miles. The powertrain is covered for six years or 70,000 miles.
The brand also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance, but only for the first visit. The is great to have, but brands like Volvo and BMW offer more visits as standard.
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You Can Take Home A 2025 XT5 For As Little As $45,690
Two 2020 Cadillac XT5s parked next to each other
The XT5 may not be the most thrilling compact SUV on the market, but it is one of the most affordable. The Cadillac features a starting price that is thousands of dollars lower than some of its key competitors, like the BWM X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, which certainly adds some appeal.
Trims And Pricing 2025
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
Luxury |
$45,690 |
|
Premium Luxury |
$51,990 |
|
Sport |
$58,590 |
Cadillac keeps it simple with the XT5, offering three distinct trim levels. This is after the Platinum trim was discontinued. Comparatively, you’re likely to spend at least $50,000 or more to start on some of the segment’s key players. This reduced price makes the XT5 an attractive choice.
The XT5 comes with a pretty comprehensive suite of standard features, including plenty of luxuries. An eight-inch infotainment screen comes standard, as does an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Heated front seats are also standard, with eight-way power adjustability. Dual-zone climate control also ensures all passengers are comfortable.
Best Bang For Your Buck
If you’re looking for the model that offers the best bang for your buck, we’d forgo the range-topping Sport model and go for the Premium Luxury. It comes loaded with plenty of features for the additional money you pay. Fork out an extra $1,000 and you can also swap out the potentially troublesome inline-four for the proven 3.6-liter V-6.
The Premium Luxury trim adds features like leather upholstery and leather trim throughout the cabin, something we feel like every luxury vehicle should have. A power-operated liftgate is also standard on this model, as is wireless charging. Most importantly, the front seats also get ventilation.
