The new Cadillac XT6 comes with a turbocharged 237-horsepower four-cylinder engine that also puts out 258 pound-feet of torque. Like with the XT5, a 310-horsepower V6 is optional. While the standard horsepower output is slightly higher, the XT6 is around 300 pounds heavier than the XT5, so both SUVs have similar acceleration from a stop.

Towing Capacity

If you frequently pull boats to Boathouse Lake near Somerville, you'll want an SUV that can tow a sizeable load. The new Cadillac XT6 can tow up to 4,000 pounds when equipped with the optional 310-horsepower V6 engine. XT6 models with the base four-cylinder engine have a 1,000-pound tow rating.

New Cadillac XT5 models with the upgraded V6 engine configuration have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. XT5 SUVs with the standard four-cylinder engine can tow up to 1,000 pounds.

Ride, Handling, and Maneuverability

The new Cadillac XT5 is almost a foot shorter than the Cadillac XT6, so it's easier to park and maneuver in downtown New Brunswick. However, both crossovers have light steering and strong brakes for composed handling around curves. The Cadillac XT5 is available with 18- or 20-inch wheels.

Both the Cadillac XT6 and Cadillac XT5 ride comfortably, although the XT6's longer wheelbase gives it slightly gentler road manners. Both SUVs come standard with front-wheel drive and they both offer optional all-wheel drive. The Cadillac XT6 offers 18- , 20-, and 21-inch wheel sizes.

Cargo Space

You'll want an SUV that has plenty of space to put items you buy from the Hillsborough Promenade. The new Cadillac XT6 has 12.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind its third row, 43.1 cubic feet with those seats folded, and 78.7 cubic feet of space with all the back seats down.

The new Cadillac XT5 has 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 63 cubic feet of room with those seats folded.

Cabin Materials

The new Cadillac XT6 comes standard with simulated leather upholstery and chrome or carbon fiber accents. Higher trims have authentic wood inlays, semi-aniline leather seats, and a sueded microfiber headliner.

The new Cadillac XT5 comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery and brushed-aluminum trim. Higher models have semi-aniline leather seats and premium carpeted floor mats.

Standard Amenities

The new Cadillac XT6 comes standard with tri-zone automatic climate control so that everyone in the cabin can stay comfortable. People in Somerville will appreciate its standard panoramic sunroof, which brightens the interior and makes it feel roomier. Other standard amenities include an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, roof rails, and remote ignition.

The new Cadillac XT5 offers a panoramic sunroof and tri-zone automatic climate control, but they don't come standard, so you have to pay more to add them. The XT5 also comes with remote engine start, but roof rails aren't standard. Wi-Fi access is possible with the XT5, but you must use the myCadillac mobile app.

Safety

Both the new Cadillac XT5 and the new Cadillac XT6 received an overall safety rating of five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They also both come with forward collision mitigation and lane keeping assistance. The Cadillac XT6 adds blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, which alerts Readington Township drivers if a vehicle is in their blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse.

Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning is available in the new Cadillac XT5, but you have to move up to a higher trim to get it.

Price

New Brunswick drivers who are mostly concerned about the cost will prefer the new Cadillac XT5. Its entry-level MSRP is around $4,000 less than the Cadillac XT6's base price. The XT5's top-tier trim is also about $3,000 less than the XT6's range-topping model.