VS
At a Glance
Power
310hp @ 6600
400hp @ 5500
Torque
271lb-ft @ 5000
415lb-ft @ 3500
Towing
1000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
—
3.0 L/183cc
Choosing between the Cadillac Xt5 and the Ford Explorer is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Cadillac Xt5 delivers 310hp @ 6600 while the Ford Explorer produces 400hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $62,800 for the Xt5 and $56,905 for the Explorer. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
310hp @ 6600
400hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
271lb-ft @ 5000
415lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
3.0 L/183cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18mpg
18 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
22.0gal
20.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189.6in
198.8in
Width (in)
74.9in
78.9in
Height (in)
66.1in
69.8in
Wheelbase (in)
112in
119.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4338lbs
4766lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1000lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Explorer
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Cadillac Xt5
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($56,905)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Xt5 or Explorer?
The Xt5 produces 310hp @ 6600 and 271lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Explorer delivers 400hp @ 5500 and 415lb-ft @ 3500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Xt5 and Explorer?
The Xt5 starts from $62,800 and the Explorer from $56,905. The Explorer is cheaper by $5,895 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Xt5 or Explorer?
The Xt5 has a braked towing capacity of 1000lbs and the Explorer can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Xt5 or the Explorer?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.