It’s an open secret that an automotive company that does not sell SUVs loses out greatly in an SUV-crazy automotive market. Luxury sedan automakers were last to recognize this but while the likes of Audi, Mercedes and BMW have since established their SUV lineups, the likes of Cadillac have entered the party quite late; Cadillac has a single SUV i.e. the XT5. The upcoming XT4 is the automaker’s second SUV which targets the younger generation with its styling and pricing. The 2019 Cadillac XT4 was introduced at this year’s New York Auto Show; it will slot below the XT5. The XT4 will be offered in Luxury, Premium Luxury as well as Sport grades.
2019 Cadillac XT4 Exterior
The XT4 is more attractive and aggressive than the XT5. In terms of size, the XT4 is smaller than the XT5 by 8.4 inches in length, 2.0 inches in height and its wheelbase is shorter by 3.1 inches. The XT4 is also much lighter at 3,660 lbs compared to the XT5’s 3,985 lbs. In terms of design, the XT4 derives inspiration from the bigger XT5. It features the same huge trapezoidal grille and swept-back headlights that also feature vertical DRLS. Below the grille is a muscular bumper that adds aggressiveness and sportiness to the front fascia. However, the model has its own unique cues that include higher mounted side intakes and its vertical LED strips of the headlights are shorter than those of the XT5. Compared to the XT5, the XT4’s engine hood sits lower for a sportier stance. The XT4’s trapezoidal grille features V-sport-inspired honeycomb grille which makes the front fascia appear more aggressive.
The flanks look subdued without the usual chrome treatment common with other Cadillac models including the XT5. The Cadillac crossover rides on 10-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels as standard but Premium Luxury, as well as Sport trims, have an option for 20-inch wheels.
At the rear, the tailgate and bumper design is inspired by the XT5. The taillights are new; the units are inspired by those of the Escalade but they are mounted on the D-Pillars and stretch into the model’s tailgate. Unlike on the XT5, the XT4 does not feature any chrome trim on the rear fascia setting it apart from the rest of Cadillac vehicles.
The XT4 also features Cadillac’s new “Y” trim strategy which sees each of the three trims get unique styling cues. To stand apart as the sporty model of the three trims, the Sport trim gets a glossy black treatment on its mesh grille, a design inspired by the automaker’s V-Series models. It also features unique alloy wheels and black window moldings. The Luxury and the Luxury Premium grades get black metallic accenting on their grilles, satin chrome door handles and satin aluminum trim on windows. As for the taillights, the Sport trim features clear and tinted lenses while the other two trims get traditional red lenses.
The XT4 is available in 8 exterior colors: Autumn Metallic, Atlantic Metallic, Twilight Blue Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, Red Horizon Tincoat, Shadow Metallic, Radiant Silver Metallic, and Stellar Black Metallic.
Interior
Although the cabin features familiar Cadillac features, the automaker has added new cues to make it unique. The dashboard is very attractive; it features a multi-tier design where the central piece supports the model’s 8.0-inch infotainment display at the center and controls below it. The controls have a horizontal design. The lower fascia of the dash has horizontal A/C vents at the edges. Above the glove box on the passenger side is a black trim that makes the front look stylish. The upper tier of the dashboard has large A/C vents above the infotainment screen; the vents enlarge towards the instrument cluster. The model has a 3-spoke steering wheel with large grip handles set at two and ten o’clock making it look and feel sporty. The steering wheel is also wrapped in premium leather.
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 seats are also wrapped in leather and feature side bolstering and a buyer can add a massage feature. The cabin has white ambient lighting.
As for technologies, the XT4 features a smart-phone-like infotainment system with an intuitive interface. The system supports voice recognition and offers fast responses. The vehicle has a 15-watt wireless pad for charging smartphones.
The automaker says the cabin is very spacious offering 39.5 inches of legroom for rear passengers and 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space when rear seats are lowered.
There are several upholstery combinations to choose from across the model’s three trims.
Engine and performance
Under the hood, Cadillac has equipped the XT4 with a 2.0 L, turbocharged inline-4 powerplant that produces 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and the model can be had in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive, particularly in areas with harsh weather conditions. The transmission system features next-generation shifting technology.
Official EPA fuel economy ratings are not yet released but Cadillac claims the XT4 crossover returns 25 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on highways and 27 mpg on combined drives. During ideal driving conditions, the AWD system disconnects the rear axle to boost the crossover’s fuel efficiency.
