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2024 Cadillac XT4 AWD First Test Review: Fresh Look Through a New Lens

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#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
2024 Cadillac XT4 AWD First Test Review: Fresh Look Through a New Lens

A minor refresh outside and a major tech refresh inside has us viewing Cadillac’s smallest SUV in a new light

Motor Trend

Writer: Frank Markus,
Photographer:Jim Fets
December 8, 2023


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We haven't thought much of the Cadillac XT4 since its debut in 2018. That is to say, it hasn't really been on our radar, and when forced to think about it (e.g. when assigning our Ultimate Vehicle Rankings), our opinion hasn't been terribly high, as its 15th out of 15 standing suggests.

Now along comes a refreshed 2024 Cadillac XT4, Cadillac press materials touting "class-leading rear legroom," and sales near the top of its class. When we called to check the math, we learned that Cadillac considers XT4 a luxury subcompact SUV, whereas we've been lumping this tweener in with the higher-volume, more competitive luxe-compact class (Tesla Model Y, Audi Q5, BMW X3). So where does this freshened XT4 deserve to rank among the smaller Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Volvo XC40?

In the subcompact class, the Cadillac XT4, the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and the three-row Mercedes GLB-Class are all outliers in terms of exterior size, stretching more than 180 inches long. Of these, the wider Cadillac makes the best use of its larger footprint, delivering best-in-class legroom dimensions along with the largest front and rear SAE passenger space and competitive cargo space. Even better, those seats are all comfortable, providing great support all around, with ample underseat foot room and terrific visibility in back and—uncharacteristically for this class—an optional massage function in front. Don't expect Lucid Air/Mercedes S-Class-grade Swedish or shiatsu back-kneading, but the lumbar-bladder-based system absolutely reduces fatigue on a long drive, and it's activated by a single button, requiring no screen surfing.

Read more at link above…
 
#2 · (Edited)
Wow! The refresh completely changed Motor Trend’s view of the XT4. And what was the last time MotorTrend or any of the established auto media said that a Cadillac interior was ”class above”?

While it lacks the sporty drive you would find in the CT4, Motor Trend still complimented its drive.

Congrats to Cadillac! Great job!

The 2024 Cadillac XT4 model range straddles the median price of all new vehicles sold today, with entry front-drive models starting at $43,190 and our loaded AWD Sport example coming in at $57,215. The drive feels worth the money, with an interior just as tech-forward as that of a BMW X1 we had on hand for our recent SUV of the Year competition but with vastly superior ride quality (and more "relaxed" performance)
In the "design innovation" arena, check out the embroidery on the dash, the choice of black or two contrasting interior color schemes—some with upholstery ventilation holes cut in interesting patterns—and the lack of any hard plastic on or above the armrests. That's a rarity in the subcompact class, where profit margins are slimmer.
 
#5 ·
Nice job! Hopefully this good review translates to similar views in an actual comparison.

Though depends on how the comparison categorizes the XT4, which is the downside to using the "tweener" strategy. Size wise it begs to be compared to an X3, etc. but price wise it's in that X1 category. So, if they throw it into a comparison based on actual size then it's in trouble. I myself think the price should set the expectation of what you are getting, so I think it is appropriate to compare to the X1, etc.

I think at this price point most people are buying with a price point in mind. They aren't out there with a tape measure saying I'll consider this $45k XT4 along with the $65k X3 - they have $45k in their pocket and looking to see what they can get with that $$.
 
#6 ·
Nice job! Hopefully this good review translates to similar views in an actual comparison.

Though depends on how the comparison categorizes the XT4, which is the downside to using the "tweener" strategy. Size wise it begs to be compared to an X3, etc. but price wise it's in that X1 category. So, if they throw it into a comparison based on actual size then it's in trouble. I myself think the price should set the expectation of what you are getting, so I think it is appropriate to compare to the X1, etc.

I think at this price point most people are buying with a price point in mind. They aren't out there with a tape measure saying I'll consider this $45k XT4 along with the $65k X3 - they have $45k in their pocket and looking to see what they can get with that $$.

Motor Trend says it was comparing it to compacts like the X3, for example, but indicates in the article they will be placing it in the subcompact class going forward noting that the Mercedes GLB and Land Rover Discovery Sport are similar sizes and counted in the subcompact class in their rankings.

So, they do seem to suggest a comparison may be coming. Also, they had a BMW X1 on hand so they made some cursory comparisons between the XT4 and the X1. It seems to compare favorably to the X1 with the exception of the X1 sportier driving dynamics. But the XT4 had vastly superior ride quality.

The substantially improved interior design & tech, which they say is “class above,“ appears to give the XT4 the edge over the X1 in that area as well.

I remember their first test of the XT4 upon its debut and they really didn’t like it. It was one of the worst reviews the XT4 got upon its debut. This review is a complete 180 for Motor Trend in their view of the XT4.

Cadillac did a great job with the refresh.
 
#8 ·
If it were standard, they’d have to make AWD standard because it’s FWD chassis. 350-380 lb-ft of torque is a lot to send through the front wheels.

I’d love to see Cadillac make a true torque-vectoring AWD system and make an XT4-V w/the 2.7T.
 
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#18 ·
So they decided years later after a refresh that, despite these "new" competitors being out when the model debuted, it suddenly should be compared to those models instead of the ones from before? And then it's good vs. the competition?
Why now?
 
#19 ·
Didn't they always do that? We've (not you and I, but on GMI in general) of what the appropriate comparisons are. I think Cadillac has always positioned most of their vehicle's price against the size below in the German competition. I think GM just re-emphasized that and the story just picked up on that.
 
#23 ·
60-0 in 109 feet is sport sedan territory.
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#25 · (Edited)
Here’s Car and Driver‘s latest review of the XT4. It’s not as effusive in praise as the Motor Trend review. Just as MotorTrend wanted more performance so does Car and Driver. It’s a ho hum, but fair review.

It does look like Motor Trend took a more detailed examination of the XT4‘s interior than Car and Driver and their commentary contradicts some portions of what Car and Driver has to say.

I do wish Cadillac would offer the 2.7T on AWD XT4s. It would heighten appreciation for the XT4, which Car and Driver once said had concept car good looks (but not in this review). If they can make the Escalade V on AWD, they can do the same with the XT4.

 
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#26 ·
Maybe they’ll pop the 2.5T in the XT4 now that EVs aren’t taking over the world by yesterday? 328 HP and 326 lb-ft in a XT4-V doesn’t sound bad. Or maybe Caddy wants the EVs to have better performance as a selling feature. The 2.5T was “spun off” from the 2.7T for FWD/AWD like the Traverse etc.

Genesis has their 300hp 2.5T in the GV70 for example.
 
#27 ·
Robert1969
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Joined Jan 3, 2014
2,402 Posts
Discussion starter · #40 · 28m ago (Edited)

So look at Car and Driver’s test of the 2019 XT4 to the 2024 XT4 and I notice a major gap in 0-60 and 5-60 times.

2019 0-60 7.8
2024 0-60 7.0

2019 5-60 8.2
2024 5-60 7.3

Car and Driver says the BMW X1, VolvoXC 40, Lincoln Corsair, and Lexus NX 350 is faster in the 0-60 than the XT4, but the XT4 is faster in the 5-60 than the Lexus and faster and matches the Volvo.

Motor Trend notes that the trap sped in the 1/4 mile of about 92mph is better than the class average. Motor Trend and Car and Driver disagree on the quality of the interior. Motor Trend loved it and Car and Driver was lukewarm to it.

Motor Trend loved the Mondrian pattern embroidery on the dash, Car and Driver paid no attention to it. Motor Trend loved the interior upgrades, Car and Driver was unimpressed.
 
#29 ·
...

So look at Car and Driver’s test of the 2019 XT4 to the 2024 XT4 and I notice a major gap in 0-60 and 5-60 times.

2019 0-60 7.8
2024 0-60 7.0

...
The 2024 test includes .4sec for 1ft rollout, which the 2019 test doesn't seem to include. I think they changed their test procedure a few years ago. That explains .4sec...not sure about the other .4sec. Note that the EPA MPG changed from 22/29 to 23/28, maybe a bit shorter gearing?

 
#28 ·
I am on my second XT4 Premium Luxury and thought about moving up to the 2024 Model. One feature I have on both of the previous vehicles was cornering lamps. GREAT during night driving in unlite areas. The 2024 XT4's do not have this feature with their NEW Front lighting. BOOOOOO
 
#32 ·
Went to the Cadillac website to build one. Bad setup. I couldn't switch from the Sport model to the Luxury or Premium Luxury models. Clicked all over all sorts of things, no response.

That doesn't inspire confidence in buyers.
 
#33 ·
Went to the Cadillac website to build one. Bad setup. I couldn't switch from the Sport model to the Luxury or Premium Luxury models. Clicked all over all sorts of things, no response.

That doesn't inspire confidence in buyers.
I use the Cadillac website all the time and have never experienced the same. You must log out and log back in for changes