The Cadillac XT4 is an all-new model for 2019 and it’s a strong contender among luxury subcompact SUVs and crossovers with its handsome looks, long list of standard features and comfy ride.
The five-passenger XT4 comes in Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport trims. Starting prices range from $34,795 to $41,795 which is about average for the class. Front-wheel-drive is standard, or for an additional $2,500 you can get all-wheel-drive.
The XT4 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates quickly, and merging and passing at freeway speeds is a breeze. Visibility is good all the way around.
The brakes can feel a little different. Cadillac put a new electro-hydraulic braking system in the XT4 which makes for a firm feeling when you brake.
All in all, the XT4 is very comfortable as a daily driver and freeway cruiser, and is easy to drive in stop and go traffic. While it’s not as performance-oriented as some competitors, it excels at delivering a smooth and comfortable ride.
Fuel efficiency is decent for the class. EPA ratings for my tester are 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for a combined rating of 24 mpg. I got 23 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The interior is upscale and modern but not as posh as some competitors. The design is clean with controls well laid out. Most materials are soft-touch but there are some hard plastics. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Adults in both rows will have excellent legroom; in fact, the second row boasts more legroom than just about any other vehicle in the class. However, taller adults in the backseat could use a little more headroom.
Standard features include proximity key entry, remote start, rearview camera, leatherette upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, six-way power-adjustable passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, Cadillac’s User Experience infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen, seven-speaker audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, four USB ports, Wi-Fi hot spot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Standard driver assistance technologies include rear parking sensors and the General Motors Teen Driver System which lets you set speed and audio volume limits for your young drivers.
Available features include a surround view camera, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, massaging front seats, four-way power front-seat lumbar adjustments, eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, power tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated steering wheel, sport steering wheel, navigation, wireless device charging, sunroof, power liftgate, hands-free liftgate, and 13-speaker Bose audio system.
Available driver assistance technologies include a head-up display, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, a following distance indicator, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, a safety alert seat, a rearview mirror camera, a surround-view parking camera, front parking sensors, automatic parking assist, pedestrian detection, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams.
The infotainment system can be controlled via the touchscreen or by a knob on the center console located near the gear shift. It responds quickly to voice and physical commands, and the graphics look great. Buttons located below the touchscreen are used to control the climate and seat heating and cooling functions, and there’s a volume knob and tuning buttons on the center console. It’s nice not to have to go through the touchscreen for these frequently used functions.
Storage room is above average for the class. The XT4 has 22.5 cubic feet of storage with both rows in place, and 48.9 cubes with the second row folded. The back has a wide, rectangular opening so it’s easy to load large items.
The good:
Smooth ride
Plenty of power for everyday driving
Decent fuel efficiency
Comfortable, roomy cabin with great legroom in both rows
Lots of standard features
Many available driver assistance technologies
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Brakes can feel firm
Some rivals have sportier handling
Interior not as luxurious as some competitors
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $41,795. The Comfort & Technology Preferred Package is $3,850 and adds leather seating, eight-way power passenger seat adjuster, ventilated front seats, massage control front seats, hands-free liftgate, wireless charging, air ionizer, power tilt and telescopic steering column, eight-inch color gauge cluster, and head-up display. The Cadillac User Experience infotainment system with embedded navigation, Am/FM stereo with connected navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 13-speaker Bose audio system with surround sound and auxiliary amplifier is $1,500. Red horizon Tintcoat paint is $1,225. 20-inch Alloy wheels with diamond cut/titan satin finish are $1,100. Cold Weather Package is $850 and adds driver and front passenger heated seats, heated rear outboard seats, and heated steering wheel. The Driver Awareness Package is $770 and adds Intellibeam auto high beam control, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, low speed forward auto braking and front pedestrian braking. Destination charge is $995 bringing the grand total to $52,085 less a $500 comfort & technology preferred package savings. Final price is $51,585.
Bottom line:
Smaller luxury SUVs and crossovers are super popular, and the Cadillac XT4 joins this competitive category with smooth handling, an attractive interior, great legroom in both rows of seating, and decent room for cargo.
