2019 Cadillac XTS

In recent years, Cadillac has done well to erase its recent image of creating subpar premium vehicles. Now offering more value for money than many of its German rivals, Cadillac still struggles to provide a truly premium package. But with the 2019 Cadillac XTS, the carmaker has made a sterling effort to cement its position in the market as a luxury marque rivaling venerable brands such as BMW and Lexus. Equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, the large luxury sedan receives outputs of 304 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. With twin-turbochargers strapped to the powertrain of the V-Sport Platinum trim, those outputs are raised to 410 hp and 369 lb-ft. There are five trim options available in the 2019 XTS lineup, all equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drivetrain. All but the base level trim have the option of all-wheel-drive while the V-Sport Platinum comes with an AWD setup as standard.

Prospective buyers can expect a starting MSRP of $46,895 for the Standard XTS trim. The Luxury XTS trim goes for $50,895, the Premium Luxury trim for $57,295, and the Platinum trim for $66,195. The V-Sport Platinum carries the highest MSRP of the 2019 lineup at $72,995. Those prices are excluding Cadillac's destination charge of $995 and are exclusive of tax, registration, and licensing fees. Independent dealers may also offer dealer-specific incentives and pricing structures.

For such a large sedan, the XTS handles pretty well. It turns in nimbly and the adjustable MagnaRide suspension helps keep its body surprisingly composed around bends. Despite its size, the XTS doesn't feel boat-like at all and boasts a surprisingly sporty character. The suspension doesn't deal with all undulations exceptionally well but makes suitable work of bumps and road imperfections. The overall ride feels controlled and stable rather than dainty and brittle.

The tires provide ample grip so the XTS remains firmly planted to the tarmac and always in control. Steering is weighted appropriately for a large sedan and responses are accurate. Road-feel and tire position is effectively communicated via the steering which boosts driver confidence. Whether at speed or cruising casually, the available Brembo brakes perform adequately, delivering suitable stopping power and always responding consistently. The V-Sport Platinum trim feels sportier and at the same time manages to deliver a comfortable ride without compromise.

The 2019 Cadillac XTS has a lot going for it. The various trims are all equipped with robust powertrains that provide ample power delivery and reasonable fuel economy. The 2019 year model received decent crash test scores from various authorities and all trims are comprehensively equipped with safety and advanced driver-assist features as standard. The infotainment system is highly capable with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality included as standard. Upper-level trims are fitted with an excellent Bose audio system and are outfitted with a range of connectivity options. With a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs and a trunk capacity of 18 cubic feet, the XTS is also one of the most practical vehicles in its class. The interior is adorned with high-quality materials, is ergonomically configured, and designed with all passengers in mind. The XTS only faces drawbacks in its low reliability and distracting infotainment controls, but otherwise, as a more luxurious sedan senior to the CTS, the XTS is an impressively comfortable sedan. Whether it's up to the same standard as an Audi A7, though, we're just not sure.

We recommend opting for the mid-tier Premium Luxury trim as along with a middling pricing point it comes standard with a greater selection of appealing features. It comes equipped with additional safety and advanced driver-assist features relative to the trims below it along with an upgraded climate control system. Unlike the Standard XTS trim, it can be configured with either RWD or AWD. It performs most efficiently with the RWD configuration, but the AWD variant would be most beneficial to those in all-weather states. It is also equipped with a head-up display and the upgraded 14-speaker Bose studio surround system. Advanced underpinnings include auto-leveling rear air springs and magnetic ride control featuring a Tour and Sport drive mode.

Prices range from between $46,995 to $71,795 in both the 2019 Cadillac CTS XTS. Performance-wise the CTS certainly has more to offer, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds and poised handling dynamics that the XTS can only dream to achieve. Lower-level trims are equipped with a smaller engine than the lower-level XTS trims, with lesser outputs. The V-Sport trim of the CTS, however, has far greater potential at hand with its 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine pushing out a potent 420 hp and 430 lb-ft. Along with all the other CTS trim options, the V-Sport CTS also manages to be more fuel-efficient than the XTS, with estimates of 22/30/25 mpg from the most fuel-efficient CTS, and 16/24/19 mpg from the V-Sport. The CTS does, however, offer far less cargo capacity with only 13.7 cubic feet available. It also has no towing capability. There are more optional packages and features available for all CTS trim options than with the XTS trims. For a relatively similar price, we feel the CTS has a lot more to offer in terms of performance. The XTS is more practical, however, and a more rational purchase.

Compared to the Cadillac XTS, the 2019 Chrysler 300 trims have much lower MSRP ranging between $29,220 and $41,695. The Cadillac trims are equipped with more powerful engine options than the Chrysler's. On the flip side, the Chrysler is slightly more fuel-efficient, with EPA estimates of 19/30/24 mpg. It offers only 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space which is slightly less than what the Cadillac offers. It does, however, manage to offer an equal max towing capacity of 1,000 lbs. The Cadillac XTS offer optional features that come standard on the 300 and while the Cadillac keep ahead in terms of infotainment connectivity, the Chrysler delivers almost everything the Cadillac does and at a considerably lower cost. Because of this, we'd say that the Chrysler offers greater value for money and is the better buy of the two.