If you are looking for a subcompact crossover SUV but want a little more—more size, more cargo capacity, and more luxury and performance features—but don’t quite need to move up to the next segment, searching “Cadillac dealer near me” is the best place to start. This is because the Cadillac XT4, straddling the subcompact and compact segments while offering a great deal of affordability, is likely the vehicle you are searching for. You’ll find the XT4 is priced between segments as well, so if you find you need an SUV that is ideal for navigating the city yet can still tow your family and friends around town, the XT4 is a great option.
You might not have heard of the Cadillac XT4 since it is only in its second model year, having debuted in 2019. And while there is no direct comparison for the XT4, for perspective, consider that if an Audi Q3 is too small and the Q5 is a bit too big, well, then the XT4 is just the right size. That’s part of what is so exciting about the XT4. It is the ideal size for young couples and small families. When there’s no reason to be looking in the compact segment, but the subcompacts you’ve found are just too small, then the XT4 might be the perfect SUV for you and your growing family.
Price
With the 2019 and 2020 models starting at under $36,000, you will definitely be able to find a great deal, as this is priced affordably for a luxury SUV. If you consider that what might be its only direct competition—the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class—starts at $1,000 more than a well-equipped XT4, then the choice gets even easier. Both are premium subcompact-compact SUV’s that feature luxury amenities, yet the XT4 offers much more value for the price. This affordability also makes the XT4 an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade from a volume car manufacturer where there is much less emphasis on luxury and performance. If you want to take the next step and buy a luxury SUV but would rather a domestic crest than an overpriced foreign badge, luckily, there’s the Cadillac XT4.
Performance
So what can you expect to find in an XT4? A great engine, for one. This is an engine built with the family in mind—the whole family. If you want to open it up and drive—this is a Cadillac, after all—the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 supplies a spirited 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine also features a fuel-saving start/stop function as well as cylinder deactivation. Even with all of this power, the engine returns 24/30 MPG. Your family will appreciate both the fuel efficiency and the available power. While you can tow up to 3,500 lb, you can also take the XT4 on road trips, with such great fuel economy, and you’ll undoubtedly be tempted to take it out on the weekends for a drive through the country.
For those looking for even higher performance, there’s a Sport trim available. This builds on the already incredible and refined driving dynamics by adding Active Sport Suspension. This feature monitors road conditions continuously and can make 500 damping adjustments every second. This, in combination with the excellent build quality and engineering, makes for a confidence-inspiring drive in any condition. And now, there are four different drive settings to make sure you are prepared to tackle these conditions: Touring, AWD, Off-Road, and Sport. The Sport setting provides sharper changes to transmission shift points, steering feel, as well as the Active Sport Suspension. For off-road conditions, close to 100 percent of available torque is sent to the wheel or wheels with the best purchase. As you can see, this is not your average SUV. The engineering alone provides tremendous added value, and the additional capability makes this SUV a great option no matter where you choose to live and play.
Another great feature of this powertrain is the 9-speed automatic transmission. The transmission can function at low engine speeds on the freeway while still allowing for enough power to pull away. And first gear is accordingly short, so you have the ability to move quickly off the line. This is another example of the refined engineering you will find with the XT4. And clearly, Cadillac stands behind their product as they offer a six-year/70,000-mile warranty for powertrain coverage, plus one free maintenance visit.
Technology and Safety
All Cadillac XT4 models come with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that uses Cadillac’s CUE software. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 7-speaker audio system are all standard. You’ll also find safety features such as forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking standard across the board. That’s a lot of value for the base-level trim, especially when you consider that a loaded XT4 costs less than the base-model Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, as mentioned earlier, so you will have plenty of room to add even more luxury and tech features. Some of these features include navigation and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. If you select the available Technology package, you can add a digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Another exciting feature is the optional rearview camera mirror. This is as cool as it sounds. While a typical rearview mirror will merely reflect what’s behind you, the camera mirror displays what a rearview camera is seeing directly behind you. This way, your view is not obstructed by the seats or passengers, and you are afforded a real-time view of everything behind the vehicle. This will definitely make for a much safer drive with the heightened awareness this feature provides. Safety Alert Seat is another excellent safety feature, and this one is standard. Here you’ll be glad to know that when the system detects a hazardous situation, even when your attention strays from the road, you will be alerted by a vibration in the driver’s seat cushion. This way, you’ll be prepared so that you can avoid an accident- waiting-to-happen scenario, such as someone veering into your lane.
If you are considering the XT4, like many people, for your primary family vehicle, then Cadillac’s Teen Driver system is another must-have safety feature. With this system, you can program pre-selected limits, so that you know your kids—or anyone else—are driving safely when you’re not in the XT4. You’ll be able to program road speed and audio volume, for example, and ensure that everyone onboard is using their safety belt. You’ll also be able to monitor their driving habits, and they won’t be able to disable the system.
Interior
Again, if you’re looking in the subcompact segment but need more space, the XT4 should be at the top of your list. The rear seats can accommodate taller adults (6-foot-plus), and there is plenty of cargo space, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. So if you’re looking for a small SUV that has the space of a larger one, this is a great option. With the back seats folded down, you have 48.9 cubic feet of space to work with.
Looking for a Little More
When you need a little more from your SUV—a little more value, a bit more room, and a little more luxury and performance—luckily, there’s the Cadillac XT4 to fill the gap. But the best way to believe it, is to see it. So, go try one out for yourself!
