The XT4 is the Cadillac of compact SUVs. Nailing down its
competitive set is tricky, but we'll hash that out shortly. First what is this
thing? That's right, it's a distinctly styled small SUV. This
particular XT4 is the Sport trim as indicated by its gloss black trim and
sporty wheels. A more traditional luxury aesthetic can be had with the aptly
named Luxury and Premium Luxury trims. Regardless of trim all XT4s present
a bright face with standard LED head and running lights. In back the Sport has
clear LED taillight lenses, while Luxury trims come in red before moving on. I'll
point out that this color free Cadillac crest looks like a smushed Decepticon
logo. If possible, editor, there's be a really good point for you to use the
robot voice on me. What is life like like a transformer? Oh, it's not so bad. I mean
there's a lot of sitting around interspersed, but it's the moments of
sheer terror, but you know it's a living. So, does this orange paint make my butt
look big? You can be honest.
Inside buyers can choose, okay, enough with the robot voice. Buyers can choose
from a variety of themes with wood metallic or on the Sport model carbon
fiber trim with lovely stitching, soft surfaces, and a modern design, the XT4
feels like a premium product. Defying that premise are hard plastics hidden
down low and at least in our test car janky-looking A-pillar trim. I've also
noticed that at certain angles the trim in this region reflects the sun right
into my eyes. Another visual consideration is a high beltline that
makes sitting in the XT4 kind of feel like sitting in a hot tub. There we go.
Not unlike a hot tub the XT4 is a pleasant spot to hang thanks to soft
armrests, extending sun visors, and a good driving position and back legroom is
excellent for a small SUV. At least when seated behind myself I've got plenty of
knee clearance and my feet fit way under the front seat so I can stretch out.
Headroom meanwhile is merely adequate, and the seat backs do not recline but
they're squishy enough I can't stay mad at them. Oh, that's nice. That's so cozy.
For hiding smaller items the interior offers seat back map pockets, deep center
console storage, these handy slots and umbrella holsters and the doors between.
You definitely use if it ever rained in California. For larger gear a spacious
conveniently square 22.5-cubic feet hides behind the second row expandable
via 60/40 folding seats. On a related cargo note using the OnStar system and
an Amazon key app you could have Amazon deliveries dropped right in the trunk of
your XT4, and if that sounds like a bad idea try leaving those deliveries on
your porch all day. Hey, Tim how many times have you had stuff stolen off your
porch? Twice. Twice that wouldn't be package. Yeah yeah that's true
yeah, three. Well I know, I know how math works. Another prime bit of technology is
the standard 8-inch Q infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto smartphone integration and near-field communication for simple
Android phone pairing. You just tap this spot with your phone and it connects. How
convenient, quick reacting, and cleanly arranged I don't have much to complain
about. I especially like that even though they
have a rotary control knob down here they also give you the freedom to just
push the buttons up here on the screen. I like options.
Moving the XT4 is a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with an
inoffensive yet defeatable engine start/stop system and the ability to
transparently deactivate two cylinders when cruising for improved fuel economy.
On that score front-wheel drive XT4s get up to 30 mpg when driven tamely. Gun
it and there's ample power to jump ahead of traffic. At the same time with all
that power going to the front tires torque steer rears its head. It doesn't
take much effort to counteract the steering wheels tugs but it does remind
me that some car makers have managed to exercise their torque steer demons.
Remember the fun we had in the Civic Type-R? Interestingly models equipped
with the optional twin clutch all-wheel drive system also experienced torque
steer in tour mode, power is efficiently directed solely to the front tires
helping explain a meager one mpg drop on the highway versus front drive XT4.
If you demand full-time traction enhancement just like all-wheel drive or
sport mode when rolling through the suburbs the XT4 is smooth. Enhancing
the experience is relaxed and low effort steering, a hushed cabin with active
noise cancellation, and a responsive frame shifting 9-speed automatic
transmission. By contrast the engine's personality is
abrupt and unabashedly turbocharged. Press the throttle and a short pause is
followed by a wishy turbocharged kick. Whether mellow or intense the XT4's
acceleration feels raw for a Cadillac especially at low speeds. It's hard to
ease into the power, but that measured foot input looks like I'm trying to get
my learner's permit. For the record, I have my driver's license.
I've also noticed a disconnect between the steering resistance and the rate of
vehicle turn, but there I go again complaining about steering feel.
Let's change things up and complain about the brakes. The XT4's brake
pedal is both spongy and overly sensitive. How's that possible? We will
have cut to b-roll by now if the editor has done their job. Dammit. The
prime suspect is an electoral hydraulic braking system that ditches old-school
vacuum assist for a compact electric motor. The result is odd pedal feel and
improved efficiency. On a brighter note the XT4 Sport can be equipped with
adaptive dampers elevating ride and handling by matching the suspension's
reactions to the demands of both the road and the driver. Buy a sub $36,000 XT4
base trim including destination charges and you'll enjoy four USB ports
both, A and C types, eight airbags, two zone climate control, our front each with
2-way lumbar, rear parking sensors and keyless access so you don't have to mess
with the fob when you're coming or going. Populating the option roster are heated
and ventilated seats, leather, blind spot warning, wireless phone charging, a
dazzling 360 degree camera system with a range of views a rear view camera for
unimpeded yet creepy visibility, and super adjustable seats with a massage
function, though when you first start the car up it takes the screen a little
while to boot up, and you need the screen to select the exact kind of massage that
you want. Tack that to a growing list of tedious complaints from privileged
people. As you'd expect from a modern luxury vehicle the XT4 offers active
driver assist options like dynamic cruise control, forward and reverse
automatic braking, and lane departure warning with steering assist. Load up a
sport or premium luxury trim and the MSRP can top $55,000.Heads up, the only
free color is silver, any other hue will cost you between $600 and $1200.
Pit it against compact luxury SUVs like the Audi Q5 and
BMW X3, the XT4 is a bargain though it could be argued their real competition is the
bigger Cadillac XT5. Move down a class to sub-compact SUVs and the XT4 is a
larger but pricier alternative to entrants like the BMW X1 and
Mercedes-Benz GLA. Perhaps the most direct competitors are the value priced
Lincoln MKC, the popular and similarly priced Lexus NX, or the slightly pricier
but lovely and more powerful Acura RDX. However you compare it, the XT4 is
distinct, comfortable, and practical. It's not perfect but it is the Cadillac of
compact SUVs.