The Cadillac XT4 is powered by a compact 2.0L 4-cylinder engine aided by a turbocharger. Though diminutive in size, the engine makes a stout 237 horsepower, feeding power to the front wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration on the small SUV is so good that it easily outpaces most of the non-performance oriented vehicles in its class, yet still returns respectable mileage. Cadillac estimates that owners will see around 30 mpg on the freeway in front-wheel drive versions.
The XT4 is available in three basic trims. The base trim is, fittingly for a Cadillac, simply dubbed "Luxury." Standard items on the Luxury trim include dual-zone automatic climate control, a remote starter, four USB ports, aluminum interior trim, power front seats, Cadillac's CUE infotainment system with an 8-inch color touchscreen, faux leather trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, LED tail lamps and a rear park assist system.
The midlevel trim for the XT4 is called "Premium Luxury". Stepping up to Premium Luxury adds a powered liftgate, a memory function for the driver's seat, an auto-dimming mirror, wood trim, additional ambient interior lighting, leather seating surfaces, power folding mirrors, illuminated exterior door handles with satin chrome accents and a more powerful suite of electronics for avoiding accidents. In addition to the rear park assist system, the Premium Luxury gets a lane change alert system, a rear cross-traffic alert system and a safety alert seat.
The top-of-the-line trim for the XT4 is dubbed "Sport." The Sport trim includes much of what was in the Premium Luxury trim, but adds LED turn signals, tinted taillights, a gloss black front grille, body colored door handles, carbon fiber decor and a sportier steering wheel. Active suspension is also available on the XT4 Sport, making it better to handle than any other SUV out there.
Options across the board include a sunroof, all-wheel drive, a trailering package, a cold weather package, 20-inch wheels, a navigation system and a Bose surround sound system.
Luxurious Interior
Compact Dimensions
Available All-wheel Drive
Fuel-efficient Engine
Surprising Base Price
Compact SUVs have become one of the fastest growing segments in America and now Cadillac finally has an entry into the field. The XT4 is an all-new vehicle, slotting below the XT5 and the Escalade as the smallest SUV or crossover in Cadillac's lineup. Its introduction helps broaden the Cadillac lineup, as well as move it a little downmarket, making the marque accessible to a greater variety of people.
The Cadillac XT4 is a luxury compact SUV, competing with other small SUVs and crossovers such as the Mercedes GLA and BMW X1. With a base price of under $34,000, the XT4 can even be seen as a decent alternative to a fully spec'd out Ford Escape or other non-luxury compact SUV. That base price also makes the XT4 one of the cheapest ways to get into a Cadillac, only the ATS Sedan has a lower starting price. The XT4 also combines the luxury that Cadillac has become known for with a compact footprint that should make the vehicle easy to drive in the city. Of course, it still has decent ground clearance and available all-wheel drive for those trips out of the city and into the countryside.