Introduced for the 2017 model year, the XT5 is Cadillac's first ever compact crossover. Originally sold alongside the massive Escalade, the XT5 now slots between the XT4 and the XT6. At the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, after three years on the market, Cadillac launched the Sport Package, a limited-edition bundle that adds a bit of variety to the crossover's three-trim lineup.

The XT5 Sport joins similar versions offered for the smaller XT4 and the larger XT6 SUVs. It gives the XT5 a darker, slightly more aggressive appearance, but it doesn't change anything under the hood. The Sport package is available with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, meaning it comes with a wide range of standard luxury features and technology, sitting just below the range-topping Platinum model. Let's see what it offers.

What makes the Cadillac XT5 Sport Edition special

Although Cadillac describes the Sport Package as "aggressive," the bundle only adds darker elements to the XT5's exterior. Most changes are noticeable up front, where the grille now has a gloss-black mesh and a Galvano frame, which is a bit darker than the usual chrome. The same changes apply to the vents in the bumper, while the plate under it is now black instead of chrome. LED headlamps are standard on this limited-edition model.

Moving onto the sides, we can see darker trim above the side skirts and darker door handles. Unfortunately, the window trim continues to have a bright chrome finish, which kind of defeats the purpose of this package. Cadillac added side-assist steps as an extra feature, as well as 20-inch aluminum wheels in Technical Gray. The clear taillight lenses are the only noticeable changes around back.

While the exterior is somewhat different compared to the regular model, the cabin is pretty much the same. Cadillac only added sport pedals and diamond-cut aluminum trim. Available upholstery colors include Jet Black and Jet Black combined with Cirrus, so you don't have too many options to consider.

The good news is that because it's based on the Luxury trim, you get loads of extra features, including Adaptive Remote Start, a Bose eight-speaker audio system, leather-wrapped and heated front seats (ventilated too on Premium Luxury), automatic heated steering wheel, and a power tailgate. The SUV also comes with an eight-inch color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and Cadillac Connected Apps. The navigation system is options on the Luxury trim and standard on the Premium Luxury version. The 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot is optional on both trims.

Despite the name, there's nothing that actually makes this XT5 sportier than the standard model. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine delivers the same 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque through a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with start/stop technology. Needless to say, A V-Sport model with extra power would have been nice, but the 310-horsepower rating keeps the XT5 competitive against the BMW X3 (249 horsepower) and the Audi Q5 (248 horsepower). It's not as potent as the M40i version of the X3 though, which comes with 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of twist on tap.

The Sport Edition package is fairly affordable compared to the starting price of the XT5. The bundle costs $2,995 when selected on the Luxury trim and $1,995 with the Premium Luxury version. The Luxury model starts from $49,490, which means that the base Sport Edition SUV comes in at $52,935. Go with the Premium Luxury trim and it will set you back $57,185. The XT5 Sport Edition goes on sale in the spring of 2019.

2019 Cadillac XT5 Drivetrain Specifications

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2017 Cadillac XT5.

Read our full driven review on the 2017 Cadillac XT5.