2020 Cadillac XT4 Review

　　

2020 Cadillac XT4 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Like the midsize XT5 and the all-new XT6, the 2020 Cadillac XT4 cuts a dashing figure true to Cadillac form. You also get a modern interior and an impressive technology interface. And for such a small size, the XT4 feels surprisingly spacious inside, with generous rear legroom not unlike what's offered in a sedan.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Cadillac XT4 Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$177/mo  for XT4 Luxury

　　XT4 Luxury

　　Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $35,695 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $38,195 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $39,795 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $42,295 MSRPSport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $39,795 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $42,295 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The XT4, however, misses the mark in some key areas. An underpowered engine and lackluster handling dull what could otherwise be an enjoyable driving experience. There's also a lack of refinement. The engine makes a constant diesel-like chattering sound, and the ride quality is unnecessarily firm. Rivals are similarly priced and triumph where the XT4 falters.

　　Overall, we find the XT4 to be a mixed bag. It's worth a look if space and style are priorities for you. Otherwise, you might be happier checking out rival crossover SUVs such as the Acura RDX, BMW X1 or Volvo XC40.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the XT4 drive? Even if our test car lacked the word "Sport" in its name, the XT4 would still come up a bit short. Although there's ample power, enough for quick passing maneuvers, it's slow off the line (0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds in our tests) and it gets winded at higher speeds. A distinct lack of steering feel and an often slow-witted transmission further hamper the XT4's sporting pretensions. Other qualities, such as braking, are average.

　　

Comfort

6.0/10

　　How comfortable is the XT4? With a busy, often unsophisticated ride and a surprisingly noisy engine, the XT4 does not represent Cadillac's best effort. There's constant jitter from all four wheels on less-than-perfect roads and a never-ending stream of impacts on rough patches. This look isn't good for a luxury SUV.

　　Thankfully, the seats are comfortable for a wide variety of body types and offer plenty of lower lumbar support. Uniform air circulation keeps the cabin evenly warm or cool, aided by the optional heated and ventilated front seats. (The rear seats can also be heated). But the XT4's engine is loud and unrefined, and in combination with excessive road noise at highway speeds, hardly seems up to traditional Cadillac standards.

　　

Interior

7.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The XT4 makes a strong initial impression with a stylish and modern interior. But some of the controls seem unnecessary or overthought and difficult to use without errors and frustration. The dash controls are easy to figure out, but the steering wheel buttons and multimedia knob are clumsy.

　　Hopping in and out of the XT4 is easy, though, thanks to wide front door openings. The rear door openings aren't as generous, but there's plenty of legroom back there. Headroom gets a bit pinched in the rear seat, especially with the optional panoramic sunroof, but there's enough room for two adults to sit comfortably. The front of the cabin feels open and airy, and it's easy to find a comfortable driving position with good visibility.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The XT4's infotainment system is quick, sharp and easy to use. The navigation looks a bit like Android Auto -- a good thing -- and the optional Bose audio system is impressive even at high volume. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto come standard, along with USB and USB-C connections. There's also a wireless charging pad and Bluetooth if you prefer to go cable-free. The main drawback here is that the multimedia control knob is clumsy and unnecessary; it can only scroll and doesn't work in some menus.

　　The forward collision warning and adaptive cruise systems are well-calibrated and not overly sensitive. However, Cadillac has chosen to bundle electronic driver aids like those into option packages that aren't available on the base trim level. That's disappointing for this class of vehicle.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Cargo space is about average for the class. Split-folding rear seats fold nearly flat and enhance versatility. There's also plenty of small storage spaces for drink bottles and personal items up front but less so in the back.

　　Child seats are easy to install thanks to easily accessible car seat anchors cleverly concealed under the leather upholstery. Large rear-facing seats may require taller drivers or front passengers to scoot up some. An inexpensive optional towing package allows the XT4 to pull up 3,500 pounds, which is about average for the class.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The XT4's EPA-estimated fuel economy is about average for the class. We struggled to achieve the EPA numbers in our own testing, however, even with a substantial amount of highway driving. Like many other vehicles in this class, the XT4 requires higher-priced premium fuel.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the XT4 a good value? Luxury-car value comes from intangibles that create a premium experience, with price often a secondary concern. But the XT4 competes in a more affordable luxury class, where money is expected to go a bit further. Here, the Cadillac doesn't do much to distinguish itself. Interior quality is a mixed bag, with leather upholstery that feels rich and pliable, but accompanied by low-grade plastic panels. Fully loaded, this baby Cadillac can cost almost as much as more luxurious SUVs such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC.

　　Warranty coverage (four years/50,000 miles) is consistent with the class, but powertrain coverage (six years/70,000 miles) is better than most. Roadside assistance coverage is also above average.

　　

Wildcard

6.0/10

　　With distinctive styling and sleek interior, the XT4 does a good impression of a compact luxury SUV. But its performance and refinement come up short compared to European and Asian rivals, which are quieter, ride smoother and offer more dynamic performance. There's just not a lot of compelling evidence to land on the XT4. It's a good choice for buyers who prefer to buy American. Although at this price, we'd give serious thought to a fully loaded Buick Encore instead.

　　

Which XT4 does zzdcar recommend?

The base Luxury trim has an attractive price, but it's missing some features you might expect. As such, we'd recommend going with the Premium Luxury, which comes with niceties such as leather upholstery, auto-dimming mirrors and a power liftgate. The Sport trim level is similarly equipped and priced, but be aware that it's sporty in the cosmetic sense only.

　　

2020 Cadillac XT4 models

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 is available in three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport. Though the base Luxury boasts solid entertainment and phone integration features, it's light on some features. The Premium Luxury and the Sport come with upgrades that match their names, such as leather for the former and additional seat bolstering for the latter.

　　All trims come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (237 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

　　The base Luxury lacks some features you might expect of a "luxury"-dubbed trim level, such as heated front seats or a power-adjustable steering column. But it still comes decently equipped with alloy wheels, simulated-leather upholstery, comprehensive infotainment features that include an available Wi-Fi connection, and basic driver safety aids such as automatic emergency braking.

　　Stepping up to the Premium Luxury adds useful extras such as a hands-free liftgate, driver-seat memory functions, and additional driver safety aids (blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert).

　　The Sport is similarly equipped but offers black trim-specific details with different interior features (sport front seats and a different style steering wheel).

　　Additional options are available for the Premium Luxury and the Sport. As part of a couple of optional packages, you can add features such as heated and massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging and adaptive cruise control.

　　

2020 XT4 Highlights

Trim: LuxuryPremium LuxurySportLuxury

　　

Base MSRP	$35,695
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$177/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	22.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles