2022 Cadillac XT4

Overview

Small premium crossovers like the 2022 Cadillac XT4 are all the rage, with many drivers drawn to their upright driving position, practical cabins, and upscale images. The XT4’s one of the roomier options among these mini utes, which will help it win over those who appreciate extra interior space, but its interior trappings fall just short of what you’ll find in rivals such as the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA- and GLB-class SUVs. All models are powered by a 235-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and a host of infotainment features are included across the range. The XT4 performs well, particularly the Sport trim, but if you’re seeking a more playful option consider the BMW X1, which is nearly as practical but offers more driving thrills.

What’s New for 2022?

Other than three new exterior colors—Galactic Gray, Latte, and Rosewood—the XT4 sees few changes for 2022. The Sport model will come with red-painted brake calipers, and the turbocharged four-cylinder engine now makes 235 hp rather than 237. Buyers will no longer receive the standard carpeted floor mats in addition to the optional premium carpet mats if that option is added to their XT4, and none of the SUVs will have the Near Field Communications wireless phone-pairing feature.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Premium Luxury and Sport models both cost almost the same, but since the former doesn’t live up to its name, and the latter is even better to drive, we’d recommend the XT4 Sport. It has unique wheel designs, blacked-out exterior trim, and exclusive interior accents. The Sport model also has an exclusive active suspension with adaptive dampers and better-bolstered front seats. To that we’d add the Comfort and Convenience package (leather interior, ventilated and massaging front seats, etc.) and choose the Active Sport suspension (adaptive dampers) to avoid the ride-quality-reducing 20-inch wheels that are required with the Sport Dynamics package.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of all XT4s is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 235 horsepower. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The 2019 XT4 Sport we tested sashayed its way to 60 mph in a lackluster 7.8 seconds—1.5 seconds behind the X1. Despite the difference, the XT4 felt spry around town and when merging onto the highway. Ignore Cadillac’s assertion of sportiness with the XT4. It’s more of a boulevard cruiser than a sports car. The ride is okay, so long as the road is relatively smooth. Rough stretches of asphalt translate plenty of vibrations and sharp impacts into the cabin, especially when riding on the optional 20-inch wheels. The steering is similarly disappointing and is neither feelsome nor direct in its action. The XT4’s only decisive controls are its brakes, which hauled our test car down from 70 mph in our emergency-stopping test in 172 feet with one of the firmest brake pedals we’ve encountered.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Despite its fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation capability, the XT4 earns wholly average EPA fuel-economy estimates, with front-wheel-drive variants reaching 30 mpg on the highway. In our real-world highway fuel-economy test, our all-wheel-drive test vehicle managed just 27 of its EPA-rated 29 mpg. For more information about the XT4’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The XT4’s interior, while comfortable and spacious, isn’t as high-class as we expect in this premium segment. The dashboard and upper door panels are covered in a stitched, faux-leather wrap, but lower on the doors and center console, cheaper, sharp-edged plastic persists. The buttons and switches look and feel as though they’re likely to be shared with less expensive offerings in the General Motors portfolio. Space is great for the front-seat occupants and actually pretty decent in the back seat, too. As with its passenger compartment, the XT4’s cargo room is spacious. Behind the XT4’s rear seat we fit six of our carry-on suitcases, and with the seatbacks folded flat, we managed to fit 18—slightly more than smaller rivals such as the Mini Cooper Countryman. If you’re looking for a small SUV that can haul cargo like a larger one, the Volvo XC40—which held 23 carry-on suitcases—is worth a look.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

All XT4 models come with an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Cadillac’s CUE software. The touchscreen looks nice and crisp and is tucked slightly into the dashboard. The interface is reasonably easy to use, too, and in addition to touching the screen, the user can also interact via a console-mounted knob. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and a seven-speaker audio system are all standard; navigation is optional, as is a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Selecting the available Technology package (Premium Luxury and Sport models only) adds a digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and a wireless smartphone-charging pad.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Cadillac does offer it with a plethora of driver-assistance features, but few of them are standard fare. For more information about the XT4’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Cadillac warranty outdoes several of its rivals with powertrain coverage that lasts six years or 70,000 miles. Cadillac offers one free maintenance visit with the purchase of any 2022 model.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 12,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications:

2019 Cadillac XT4 Sport AWD

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-/all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED: $56,835 (base price: $42,790)

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 122 cu in, 1998 cc

Power: 237 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink

Brakes (F/R): 12.6-in vented disc/12.4-in vented disc

Tires: Continental ProContact TX, 245/45R-20 99H M+S

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 109.4 in

Length: 181.1 in

Width: 74.1 in

Height: 64.1 in

Passenger volume: 98 cu ft

Cargo volume: 72 cu ft

Curb weight: 3980 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

Zero to 60 mph: 7.8 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 23.0 sec

Zero to 120 mph: 40.9 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.2 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.2 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.4 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 16.1 sec @ 87 mph

Top speed (governor limited): 132 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 19 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 24/22/29 mpg

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