Cadillac latest is just right: XT4 delivers just enough space, power and luxury
The Cadillac XT4 feels a lot bigger than it is. You really feel as if you are on top of the world sitting in the driver’s bucket seat but actually, the XT4 is a a compact SUV. It’s neither too big nor too small, it is — excuse the cliche — just right. It’s bigger and more upscale than many subcompact crossovers but won’t hurt your wallet as much as others. Again, just right.
This small, tight athletic body is exactly what Cadillac was aiming for in its design when it introduced the vehicle in 2019. This car is the right size for those who don’t have a lot of stuff — kids or otherwise — but want the luxury of ample cargo and passenger space. We drove the Premium Luxury trim and we found it a delightful car. The XT4 Sport, for instance, features a grill with bright metallic accents, satin alumni window moldings and satin chrome-accented door handles. LED technology is found throughout the SUV, both front and rear, with front LED- low-and high-beam headlamps and an LED-illuminated light blade for the daytime running lamps. It is visually distinctive and you won’t get it lost among all the other subcompact luxury crossovers in the parking lot.
The XT4 brings 237 horsepower in a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front- all-wheel drive. We loved that it had a lot of pep to it and easily went on Ga. 400 with lots of energy to rev it up quickly and there’re were many features that made the drive easier such as Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert and Safety Alert Seat are now standard on all models and the Rear Pedestrian Alert is standard on the Premium Luxury.
The interior is what one would expect in a Cadillac — luxury. There is an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat and six-way for the shotgun rider. The Premium Luxury, which we drove, has ventilated front seats. A Cold Weather Package includes heated front seats (not necessarily needed in Georgia but it does help a sore back), heated rear outboard seating positions and an automatic heated steering wheel (again, not necessary but much appreciated). It has an incredible infotainment system with lots of content and a bunch of standard safety, and as we noted, driver assists.
There’s plenty of legroom with 39.5 inches for segment-leading rear leg room, and 60/40 folding rear seats bring more storage space when you’re leading up the suitcases for a road trip.
The XT4 is a good entry into the luxury compact SUV market. It has overall gotten good reviews from national car publications, citing its roominess, technology and ease of driving. At a starting price just below $40,000, the vehicle should be given strong consideration; it’s definitely competitive in its category.
— Mary Welch
