What better time to receive arguably America’s quintessential luxury nameplate than the week of Christmas?

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 Sport all-wheel drive compact luxury crossover landed in my driveway amid falling snowflakes and a pending ice storm. But nothing to fear with this ride.

The model comes in luxury, premium luxury, and sport trims.

My XT5 safely navigated compact snow – and even ice – with sure-footedness that inspired confidence while running all my last-minute errands to get ready for the big day. Santa’s sleigh was bullet-proof when I selected all-wheel drive mode (with twin-clutch) that delivered traction to all four all-season tires.

With temps in single digits, I more than once tested the XT5’s remote start feature. With the push of a button on the key fob, the engine starts, heated seats and steering activate, and the windshield sheds itself of ice. A quick cup of coffee and both you and your Caddy are ready to go.

The XT5 looks sharp from any angle, until shrouded in a layer of the white stuff. An “opulent blue metallic” coat of enamel

Powered by a 3.6-liter, V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, XT5 delivers 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Due to the driving conditions, I failed to test high-end engine capabilities. But I’d venture a guess power it’s more than adequate.

The crossover seats five adults with plenty of elbow room, and the cargo area is larger than most competitors. The V6 delivers 21 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, and around 325 miles range.

XT5 maneuvers along twists and turns with composure – and without a hint of a fishtail. The suspension is taut and takes the sting out of smaller bumps in the pavement, but rutted roads still won the day and evoked shudders inside the cabin.

My tester included almost $12,000 in optional equipment including platinum ($3,650), technology ($2,275), night vision ($2,000) and driver assist {$1,300) packages. My favorite goodies were adaptive cruise control, leather seating surfaces and trim, and 20-inch, 12-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Standard equipment would have sufficed for this old fart. A Bose performance series audio system with 14 speakers played traditional, contemporary and even Jazzy Christmas tunes in crystal clear clarity. Heated front and rear seats, Wi-Fi Hot spot capable, navigation, ultra-view sunroof with shade (not needed), and a power, hands-free lift gate to unload groceries were all appreciated gifts.

There are four USB ports located conveniently throughout the cabin for charging mobile devices, and a wireless inductive phone-charging pad is available between the two front seats. And, of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

One area where the XT5 excels is practicality. Above-average cargo space, plenty of bins for stashing smaller items, and an easy-to-fold rear seat make this Caddy a cargo king. The XT5’s cargo hold accommodates an impressive 10 carry-on cases with the rear seat in place. Once folded, I’m informed 24 carry on’s can be crammed inside.

Completing the XT5 is a lengthy list of standard safety features highlighted by emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, auto high beams, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert and a theft deterrent alarm system.

Base Price: $59,495

Price As Driven: $70,140

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.