The Cadillac XT4, or the Crossover Touring 4, is a two-row, five-seat small SUV. The most miniature model in Cadillac’s sport-ute lineup follows the more substantial XT5 and XT6 and the classic full-size Escalade. The new Lyriq sport utility, which Cadillac also offers, is the brand’s first all-electric car and heralds the company’s aspirations to electrify all its models by 2030.
The XT4 was introduced as a 2019 model in 2018 and is still being produced in first-generation form. There are three trim levels: Sport ($41,490), Premium Luxury ($41,420), and Luxury (starting at $37,490, plus a $1,195 destination tax). For 2023, the CUV will receive minimal modifications. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-change alert are now standard equipment for Luxury Trim cars. Radiant Red Tincoat and Silver Metallic are two more color finishes available.
The Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA, BMW X1, Lexus NX, Volvo XC40, and other vehicles compete with the XT4 as the smallest Cadillac SUV in this unexpectedly congested premium compact sector. It performs poorly compared to the BMW X1 in terms of performance. It is solidly in the middle of the pack regarding fuel efficiency (the Lexus NX and BMW X1 are more fuel efficient) but generally offers decent value. Additionally, it has one of the class’s sleekest designs.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque is the only available engine, and it seems a little underpowered. All trim levels come standard with front-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic gearbox; all-wheel drive (AWD) costs an additional $2,500. With such equipment, the acceleration from 0 to 60 mph occurs gradually and takes under 8 seconds. Despite being well matched, the engine and transmission don’t have the sophistication or urgency of some of the industry leaders.
The XT4’s interior room and sharp-edged, attractive aesthetics set it apart from direct competitors. There is enough head and leg room for the tall and broad up front, and the second row has good space. The interior design score would be more excellent if this were a Chevrolet Equinox. However, higher internal quality and upscale design are anticipated for Cadillacs. Remembering that the second-generation XT4 will be sold as a 2025 model in late 2024, we hope Cadillac will fix several aesthetic and dynamic shortcomings.
The 2023 XT4 has several helpful safety features as standard equipment, such as front pedestrian braking, front collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and others. The infotainment system in Cadillacs is called Cadillac User Experience (CUE) and is simple to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard. Although the optional 13-speaker Bose audio system sounds fantastic, the standard audio quality is decent. Given that current tidy costs range from only $4,000 for the basic Luxury model to the Sport, owners pick which trim level based on their preferences for standard safety, comfort, and convenience equipment.
What’s New
- Lane change, rear cross-traffic warning, and blind-spot monitoring are now included as standard equipment on vehicles Luxury Trim.
- Two fresh paint choices are available: Radiant Red Tincoat and Silver Metallic.
Performance: Cadillac XT4
The only engine available throughout the XT4 series is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic gearbox that comes standard on all three trims and either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive are used to transfer this power to the ground.
Although the turbo-four seems underpowered when you need it most, such as when overtaking or doing freeway on-ramp maneuvers, the road dynamics are passable, unfortunately, the turbo lag detracts from generally reliable, albeit boring, handling and good overall ride quality when the road is calm. The unrefined auditory features of the engine under a strong foot also work against it. On a journey to a beachfront location, the XT4’s ride quality degraded, and the interior noise levels were high as we descended a gravel and loose soil length of the road toward the property.
Our AWD Premium Luxury model was equipped with optional 20-inch wheels ($1,100 for the nine-spoke version and $2,100 for the split seven-spoke rollers in a polished or black finish). Although attractive, they indeed decreased the ride quality on rocky roads. Standard 18-inch wheels are included with the XT4 basic Luxury level. Adaptive shock absorbers and padded front seats are standard on sport specification XT4s.
The XT4 remained precise on the rough, damp dirt section of our mini-off-road trip thanks to the performance of the twin-clutch AWD system. All trims, front-drive drivelines, and AWD drivelines have a Drive Mode Control selection. Through a lower console “mode” switch, you may choose between Tour, Sport, Off-Road, and Snow/Ice.
On all trims, a $300 trailering package is an option. A heavy-duty cooling system and a 2-inch hitch receiver are added to the package to increase the towing capability to 3500 pounds.
Fuel efficiency: Cadillac XT4
The EPA rates front-wheel drive XT4s at 26 mpg combined, 23 mpg in cities, and 30 mpg on the highway; AWD deducts two mpg combined and one mpg from city and highway ratings. The XT4 gets nearly the same gas mileage as the Audi Q3 (24 mpg combined, 21 cities, and 28 highway) and is in the middle of the pack when compared to other compact AWD luxury SUVs; however, the Audi comes standard with AWD. The BMW X1 XDrive 28i leads the group with 28 mpg linked to 25 cities and 34 lanes; the Lexus NX is close behind with 28, 25, and 32 mpg in the exact measurements but has a much more economical hybrid.
Although not essential, premium fuel is advised. Owners of the XT4 would be advised to spend the additional money on premium gasoline, considering its performance advantages in light of the turbocharger lag the XT4 experiences at maximum power. Premium fuel is likewise advised for the BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo alternatives, while standard energy is OK for the Lexus NX250 and Audi Q3.
Safety and driver support technology:
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) awarded the XT4 a 5-star overall crash rating, while the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gave it a general “Good” grade. IIHS ratings are based on testing a 2019 model. However, they apply to vehicles from 2019 through 2023.
The safety features included in the Cadillac Smart System are extensive. It has a high-definition rear-view camera, automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, front collision warning, lane change alert with side blind spot warning, and lane keeping aid with lane departure warning. There are also “Intellibeam” headlights with automatic high beams, a following distance indicator, and a rear seat warning that alerts you if a kid or pet is left in the vehicle.
A Teen Driver feature is intended to promote safer driving practices among teenagers. The system activates various safety measures when a key fob designated “teen driver” is used. Its features include the ability for parents to set speed alerts and the muting of car audio, including streaming devices until front seat passengers buckle their seatbelts.
In high-impact frontal crashes, there are at least eight airbags, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, to prevent “submarining” or slipping beneath seatbelts.
It’s optional to add further security measures. For instance, the $1,500 Enhanced Visibility Package comes with a rear pedestrian warning, high-definition surround vision, an automated parking assist with brakes, and a rear camera mirror with a washer. Reversing mechanical emergency braking, improved automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control are all included in the $1,100 Driver Assist Package.
Comfort and Space
The seats of the XT4 are highly supportive and cozy. Three people can ride in the spacious second row without bumping into each other, and the front seat has plenty of head and elbow space. There are USB ports in each row.
Notably, the XT4 offers 44.1 inches of front legroom and 39.4 inches of rear legroom. The BMW X1 delivers 40.4 and 37 inches, the Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 41 and 38.4 inches, and the Audi Q3 has 40 and 36.1 inches, respectively. Conclusion? The XT4 is your premium compact crossover if height is a family trait.
Infotainment: Cadillac XT4
An 8.0-inch infotainment screen powered by Cadillac’s Cadillac User Experience (CUE) software is standard on all XT4 grades. After a few minor glitches, CUE is much more responsive, logical, and simple to use. Standard features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, OnStar telematics, and a Sirius/XM Radio trial subscription. All trims come standard with a seven-speaker audio system, and a CUE integrated navigation system with a 13-speaker Bose CenterPoint Surround System is a $1,500 option.
All trim levels come with a 4.2-inch color driver information center as standard equipment, while the Premium Luxury and Sport trims may add an 8.0-inch color driver information center for $1,650. The head-up display, an air ionizer, a wireless phone charger, and LED front cornering and turn signals are all included in the technology package. The front row and the second seat each have USB connections for charging and connecting devices.
Storage & Cargo Space:
With 22.5 cubic feet of internal space with the second row in place and 48.9 cubic feet with the second row folded flat, the XT4 is competitive. Regarding cargo capacity, the Mercedes-Benz GLA (15.4 and 50.5) and the BMW X1 (27.1 and 58.7) are at low and high points.
The XT4 has a ton of practical storage compartments, including cupholders. A lower center storage area with a sliding cover is included. 12-volt storage space and a wireless phone charging slot are on the middle armrest. The front doors provide great bottle storage and mini-umbrella storage. There is space above for storing sunglasses or eyeglasses. Entries contain can holders for second-row passengers. Depending on the trim, the second row includes cupholders in the middle of the armrests. Under the floor of the rear cargo space, there is extra storage.
Design: Cadillac XT4
The XT4 is eye-catching and distinguishes itself from the competition thanks to its exceptional external styling. Amber side markers are located in the front wheel arches and look terrific. Daytime running lights and full LED headlights are mounted on each side of a rounded, trapezoidal grille. Underneath a character line that runs from the A to D pillars are door panels with intricate carvings. A mid-hatch lip and a roof-mounted spoiler enhance the striking overall appearance. The rear appearance is improved with polished twin exhaust finishers in the lower rear bumper valance and L-shaped LED taillamps.
Different things apply to interior design. While the inside is mainly well-organized and straightforward, the dashboard and switch quality, for example, are on pace with a Chevrolet product and fall short of what you would expect in a Cadillac. Cadillac needs to reevaluate the XT4’s interior design given the high price of our study AWD Premium Luxury trim ($41,420 base, $56,385 as tested) and when contrasted to the excellent interiors in all of its rivals featured in this review.
Is the Cadillac XT4 from 2023 worth it?
The choice of which trim to choose is a tossup since there is just a little more than $4,000 between Luxury ($37,490), Premium Luxury ($41,420), and Sport ($41,490; all prices include a $1,195 destination tax). Lane-keeping assistance with lane departure warning is standard on the Premium Luxury and Sport trims, while rear pedestrian alert is an option. Still, the standard Luxury trim is not equipped with it.
Overall, we feel that the XT4’s silhouette is complemented by the Sport version’s custom grille and gloss black external trim pieces, and the optional $700 adaptive suspension significantly improves the ride and handling. Use the standard 18-inch wheels rather than the extra 20s to prevent rattles in your dental work.
How Much Does the Cadillac XT4 Cost to Insure?
The XT4’s insurance costs are on par with those of its rivals. The average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record is $2,120 for the standard Premium and Sport and $2,231 for the Premium Luxury. The highest Premium Plus S-Line model of the Audi Q3 Premium costs $2,259. A comparable BMW X1 costs $2,172, a Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 costs about $2,205, a Volvo XC40 costs $1,850, and the performance-oriented XC40 R-Design costs just under $2,000.
Verdict
The 2023 Cadillac XT4 made its debut in 2019. Despite its attractive looks, it must improve interior quality and engine refinement to compete with European vehicles. To demonstrate what the brand is capable of, one has to glance at the Cadillac Lyric BEV. Although we don’t anticipate the XT4 to have the same open checkbook budget, adding interior design cues from the Lyrics might improve it. Despite its flaws, the small luxury utility vehicle’s reasonable starting price ($37,490) and roomy cabin make it a desirable choice.
