Cadillac has been part of General Motors' portfolio since 1909. Nowadays, except for the Escalade, Cadillac needs help finding buyers for its offerings. We will present the less-known yet outstanding subcompact XT4. Our test model had an MSRP of $60,223 and was built at the Fairfax plant in Kansas City, KS.
The Cadillac XT4 faces fierce competition in the subcompact luxury SUV segment. Our test version had the best styling in an all-black package, including monochrome badges and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Other options may need more character for a vehicle meant to appeal to the younger crowd. We liked the LED headlights, coupled with the emblematic Cadillac grille. We would've liked the chrome contour to have also been blacked out to go along with the rest of the Onyx package. In the back, the L-shaped LED brake lights contrast nicely with its competitors. If you're wondering what the numbers on the right side of the door are, it is the torque figure in Newton meters which is 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). Overall, this colour scheme brings out its best attributes.
When you're sitting inside the XT4, the contrast between the Sedona accents and the rest of the interior is striking. It provides a premium feel to the cabin and its occupants; as soon as you open the door, there is a great sense of calmness and warmth. The seats are plush and provide excellent support for the driver. The cabin's interior has been optimized for rear occupants who won't feel too cramped, especially from the shoulders and up. The ISOFIX ports are present, indicated on the seat cushion, and the rear anchors are visible when you open the trunk. The trunk space is what you would expect from a subcompact crossover; you can still fit two pieces of luggage or a stroller which are good enough for most buyers.
Back in the driver's seat, the gauge cluster is the biggest disappointment in the Cadillac XT4. The 8-inch screen between the two classic gauges displays all you need; however, in every other automaker's highest trim, you now get a fully digital gauge cluster. Otherwise, the 8-inch infotainment screen is good and includes wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, which is excellent too. The screen is placed a little far in front; Cadillac added a knob close to the center armrest so you can quickly change menus, and the volume knob is smaller to distinguish them easily without taking your eyes off the road. The climate controls are in a horizontal position under the screen, with the dual-zone temperature in the middle. The buttons have a brushed metal finish which looks premium. The controls are intuitive, and overall this is a very user-friendly environment. Also, a quick word on the wireless phone charger underneath the armrest, so the phone isn't lying around and, most importantly, keeps charging uninterrupted!
Under the hood, the Cadillac XT4 has a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering power smoothly and reducing fuel consumption as much as possible. On paper, the numbers indicate a lacklustre acceleration, with an estimated time of 8 seconds to reach 100kph. Still, the vehicle is agile and offers decent acceleration on a highway ramp. In the city, the cabin is quiet and calm while not feeling numb, quite a nice balance, actually and even though it isn't sporty, the steering is surprisingly precise. You can easily park in a tight spot with its compact size. That said, the XT4's focus is on comfort, and in that aspect, it delivers all the elements to make it a modern Caddy. GM could improve on braking and the lack of Super Cruise, their advanced cruise control. Don't worry; they should add it to the next generation of the XT4. Finally, a word on fuel consumption, we finished the week with an average of 9.2L/100km in mostly city driving, which is decent, but a hybrid option should be available.
Overall, the Cadillac XT4 is an attractive proposition from Cadillac that deserves more attention. It has competitive pricing and an ideal format for city dwellers. For 2024 the XT4 design and technology upgrades that mirror LYRIQ and Escalade. Larger 33 inch diameter touchscreens, AKG audio systems are some features coming in the updated model.
Cadillac has lent us this vehicle as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Cadillac Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion.
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