While the Cadillac luxury car brand has been around since the beginning of time, or 1902, whichever one is most realistic, the first Cadillac SUV was not introduced until 1999, almost 100 years later. The Cadillac Escalade started out as a highly admired and desirable luxury SUV, and that reputation still stands today. However, there is still a large percentage of the population that wants the luxury of the Escalade without the great size and expense. If you count yourself among that crowd, then there is no better option than a used Cadillac XT4.
The Cadillac XT4 was first introduced in 2019 as a small yet luxurious SUV. While this relatively recent introduction means that the XT4 is just beginning to show up on the used market in numbers, it also means that the XT4 is a thoroughly modern vehicle and that most of the used models that you will find are lightly used. As a compact design, the XT4 is a highly versatile vehicle that will find itself at home in nearly any role, from daily commuting to family road trips. But more importantly, inside and out, it is undeniably a luxury model from one of the oldest luxury vehicle manufacturers in the world.
What to Look For in a Used XT4?
There are a number of things to look for when shopping for a used Cadillac XT4. First, you must consider where you plan on driving your vehicle. If you usually find yourself cruising city streets or live in a warmer area, then the front-wheel drive variant will allow you to save some money. However, if you need an SUV for back road adventures or handling winter storms, then make sure to find an XT4 with all-wheel drive. In keeping with Cadillac’s high standards, the all-wheel drive XT4 offers exceptional bad weather performance because its advanced twin-clutch system can transfer power to the individual wheel that needs it the most.
However, the choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is the only powertrain decision that you will need to make – every used Cadillac XT4 comes with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This motor is quite powerful for a vehicle of this size, producing no less than 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque for responsive acceleration at all speeds. Further, its relatively small displacement makes it an efficient engine as well, scoring a solid 26 MPG combined in front-wheel drive and 24 MPG combined in all-wheel drive. So while you may not have a bunch of engines to choose from, the standard 2.0-liter covers every base with both power and efficiency.
Used XT4 models may also include a variety of other features from a sunroof to roof rails, so it is a good idea to all the details of the individual SUVs that you are considering. If you are an avid camper or traveler, finding a vehicle with roof rail options is advisable. You’d be surprised how useful that extra cargo space can be when packing for a vacation or a road trip adventure. If extra cargo space is not an issue for you, then perhaps you want to find an XT4 with a sunroof option for increased comfort and luxury while driving. Sunroofs are a great way to increase the feeling of space inside the vehicle without needing to drive a larger, bulkier vehicle.
XT4 Technology
The technology features in the Cadillac XT4 are especially impressive, and even used XT4 shoppers can take advantage of these amazing options. If your XT4 was equipped with the Visibility Package, it has features such as automatic parking assist and 360-degree cameras. Automatic parking assist is a great addition for anybody who ever plans to park their SUV in a small parking space or along a busy road. Nothing will ruin your day faster than sliding into a neighboring car, and the XT4’s visibility package will help to ensure this never happens.
The climate you live in should also be considered when used car shopping. Some XT4 models come with a cold weather package that includes both front and rear heated seats as well as a heated steering wheel. This cold weather package is absolutely wonderful for anybody who lives in an area that regularly experiences frigid winter temperatures. However, if you live in a warmer or more temperate climate, the cold weather package might not be as necessary.
If music is your thing or if you love listening to audiobooks when you drive, look for a used Cadillac XT4 that comes with an upgraded sound system. While not everyone finds this option important, if a good sound system is a key part of your ideal vehicle, then the Bose audio option is something you don’t want to miss. The Bose audio system not only includes several extra speakers that make for a better surround sound experience, its upgraded speakers are also superbly engineered to give out only the best in audio performance. The AudioPilot system also adjusts your music volume automatically depending on road noise.
Now let’s talk towing. For drivers whose lifestyles demand a large towing capability, the XT4 is not the vehicle for you. Nobody buys an XT4 to pull a large boat or a horse trailer. If that’s what you are looking for, then it’s time to bite the bullet and purchase a used Cadillac Escalade with its towing capacity of over 8,000 lbs. However, if you are interested in doing small towing jobs, be aware that some XT4 models come with a fairly capable trailering package. While the max towing capacity of 3,500 lbs is not impressive when compared to an Escalade, it is enough for a couple of jet skis or other light loads. Just make sure that the XT4 in question has the actual Cadillac trailering package that includes the heavy-duty cooling and not simply an aftermarket trailer hitch.
You Can’t Go Wrong with a Used Cadillac
When you consider the target demographic of the original Cadillac XT4, as well as the age of the oldest XT4 on the road today, the odds are good that any used Cadillac XT4 available for sale is going to be in pretty good condition. The track record of Cadillac’s reliability combined with the care that Cadillac owners tend to give their cars means you’ll likely be driving your used Cadillac for a long, long time. And that’s a good thing because the longer a used car lasts, the better value you get for your money.
When looking for your used XT4, aim for a vehicle with medium to low mileage. This will improve the odds that the vehicle you have found will be dependable for many years to come. If you find an XT4 that was well-maintained by its previous owner, you can rest assured that your family will drive safely and in style for a long time to come. However, given Cadillac’s excellent build quality, even a higher mileage vehicle isn’t necessarily a bad purchase if you have a mechanic check its condition before you buy it. With more than 100 years of successful car manufacturing history, how could you be anything less than safe and happy in your new, used Cadillac?
