Searching for a new SUV can be intimidating, especially with so many great options out there. When you want a compact, luxurious SUV that can get you where you need to go safely and efficiently while looking great doing it, you might find yourself stuck between two popular choices: the 2023 Cadillac XT4 vs 2023 Acura RDX. Which option is best for you will ultimately come down to your unique driving needs, but let’s take a look at the two side-by-side to see which comes out on top in key categories.
As you can see, the 2023 Cadillac XT4 and the 2023 Acura RDX are not dissimilar, but we found a few important differences. The first one that may jump out at you is that the 2023 Cadillac XT4 is the cheaper option; saving that extra $200 or so a month can go an incredibly long way. You also get more bang for your buck from the 2023 Cadillac XT4; it has greater fuel efficiency than the 2023 Acura RDX, so you can spend less time pumping more gas and hitting the open road.
The 2023 Acura RDX does have some advantages when it comes to sheer power and performance, however. The XT4 comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the RDX comes with a ten-speed automatic transmission. But numbers aren’t everything: let’s break down, in some critical areas, the comparison between these two SUVs and determine which is best for you.
Exterior Design
Who said looks aren’t important? While your main goal in looking for a new SUV is to find something you can depend on, that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice visual appeal. You can find a dependable, reliable SUV and still hit the road in a crossover that will draw attention. In terms of their exteriors, both the 2023 Cadillac XT4 and the 2023 Acura RDX have signature looks and feels that will make your driving experience unique and exciting.
Cadillac aptly describes its all-new XT4 model as a model that “comes with an aesthetic that impresses.” And that’s not just a tagline; you can see for yourself that there are few SUVs, even the more luxurious ones, that look quite like the XT4. You’ll immediately notice that the 2023 XT4 features Cadillac’s signature crosshatch grille, allowing you to stand out and be, as Cadillac puts it, “aggressively stylish.” There are also some distinctive LED lights in both the front and rear of the vehicle, which will keep you driving smoothly even in the darkest of nights. The XT4 even comes with optional IntelliBeam technology, automatically setting your high beams on or off depending on the conditions around you.
The Acura RDX, on the other hand, has a slightly more conventional exterior design. It has a bigger, bolder appearance with sharper edges and sleek, angular lines. Its grill is more spider-web-like, spanning outwards from that central Acura logo. We were impressed by their Jewel Eye LED headlights, which feature their own Auto High-Beam Headlights, as well. While it’s no slouch in the exterior looks department, we can’t help but notice that the Cadillac XT4 stands out from the crowd just a bit more than the Acura RDX. That’s not to say the RDX is plain-looking by any means, but we prefer the eye-catching allure of the Cadillac XT4.
Interior Design
Once you get behind the wheel of a luxurious SUV like the Cadillac XT4 or the Acura RDX, you’ll want to make sure the vehicle you’re in has all the comforts and affordances you’d expect from a modern crossover. Rest assured that the 2023 Cadillac XT4 and the 2023 Acura RDX both contain some glamorous features that will make your experience as a driver more enjoyable than ever.
You’ll find the 2023 Cadillac XT4 is spacious and roomy for you and your passengers. Nearly 40 inches of legroom for your rear passengers means you’ll be able to fit all your friends and family and still have room for any luggage they might be bringing along. You’ll also find all the tech features you’d want in the XT4, including USB charging ports, Bluetooth integration, and the audiophile’s dream: an available AKG 14-speaker audio system. You can blast your favorite tunes and get excellent surround sound for you and all your passengers. What stood out to us is the unique Rotary Infotainment Controller, a handy dial that’s easy to use while driving and lets you operate all your favorite XT4 features without taking your eyes off the road. We find it makes the XT4 a bit more user-friendly compared to the RDX.
Speaking of the 2023 Acura RDX, we’d hate to forget its own unique interior and how it could be the right cabin for you. A nice advantage of the RDX is the 10.2-inch full HD center display, which is the perfect size for us; big enough to be easy to read and small enough to not be distracting while driving. Their counterpart to the XT4’s Rotary Controller is the True Touchpad Interface.
According to Acura, this means that “every spot on the touchpad corresponds to a specific spot on the screen,” but we expect the XT4’s Rotary Controller may end up being a bit more reliable; you don’t want to focus your attention on where your finger is exactly while you’re on the highway. It’s much easier just to turn the dial to the right spot. The Acura RDX rounds out the interior with some nice perks, like wireless charging and built-in Alexa voice capabilities. But at the end of the day, we prefer the spacious and easier-to-use XT4’s interior features over the Acura RDX’s.
Under the Hood
As much as we love fancy technology and fashionable design, the most important part of any vehicle is the engine, and that’s no different for the 2023 Cadillac XT4 and the 2023 Acura RDX. Both have impressive machinery working for you under the hood; let’s look inside and see which one will work best for you.
The 2023 Cadillac XT4 has a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. According to Cadillac, it can carry just under 16 gallons of gas and has an estimated combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. What that means is the 2023 XT4 is all about efficiency; you’ll save money at the gas pump and save time on your trip, as you won’t have to stop and refuel as much.
Where the 2023 Acura RDX really shines is in its engine power. It produces more horsepower and torque than the XT4, getting 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque in its turbocharged 2.0L, compared to the XT4’s own turbocharged 2.0L, which only gets 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This means you can bring along a bigger payload and hit the road faster. It also has a ten-speed transmission, letting you hit that extra gear on the highway for when you really need that additional power. However, it has a lower fuel efficiency rating than the XT4, offering a combined fuel economy of 24 MPG, meaning you’ll be burning up more fuel as you speed along.
It’s hard to go wrong with either option here, as both the 2023 Acura RDX and the 2023 Cadillac XT4 have stellar driving power and performance. Ultimately, it will come down to what you need as a driver. If you’re looking for optimal speed and towing capacity, we recommend the 2023 Acura RDX, as it has superior power in its engine.
So Is One Model Better Than the Other?
As we see it, the 2023 Cadillac XT4 has the 2023 Acura RDX beat in this matchup, two to one. If you prioritize a more efficient luxury SUV that’s easy on your gas tank and wallet while still wanting a stylish, high-tech crossover, the 2023 Cadillac XT4 might be a perfect choice. The 2023 Acura RDX is still a decent choice; it has more power and torque than the XT4, which means you’ll have quicker acceleration and slightly better towing power. Depending on what your priorities are in an SUV, each model showcases a variety of desirable features that are sure to take your driving experience to the next level.
