2019 Cadillac XT5

Decades ago, you’d never have guessed a) that Cadillac would be competing for buyers directly with German brands like BMW and Audi and, b) that the iconic American brand would be doing so with a compact crossover.

But here we are with the Cadillac XT5, which competes with cars like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 and moves into 2019 with a few minor updates while Caddy gears up to refresh this little utility for 2020.

Along with some new paint colours, Cadillac has shuffled some option packages around so that the XT5’s active safety features are standard at lower prices than they were last year.

The Driver Awareness Package (forward collision alert, lane keep assist, low-speed forward braking and safety alert seat) is now standard in Luxury trim, moving it a notch down the price ladder from last year.

And the more advanced Driver Assist Package (automatic seat belt tightening, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assist and full-speed automatic braking) is now standard in the top-end Platinum model, where it used to be an option.

Cadillac has also added second-generation wireless smartphone charging, which boasts more power and the ability to charge larger devices. The new system is standard in Luxury trim and higher, where the old setup was standard across the line.

XT5’s powertrain is unchanged. Power comes from a V6 displacing 3.6L and making 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque and that is good for fuel consumption estimates of 12.1/8.9 with front-wheel drive and 12.8/9.3 when equipped with four-wheel traction.

Trim levels include a base model available with either front- or all-wheel drive, and Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum models that all come standard with AWD.

Inside, the XT5 boasts a comfortable and attractive interior with high-tech touches like a partially digital gauge cluster and the CUE infotainment system.

We really like Cadillac’s safety alert seat, which vibrates to warn the driver of dangers like straying from one’s lane or an impending collision. The XT5 is also offered with a rear camera mirror that provides a view rearward unencumbered by rear pillars or rear-seat passengers. It’s a neat trick, but takes some getting used to.