Cadillac. The name itself conjures images of luxury, innovation, and American automotive excellence. For generations, “Cadillac” was synonymous with the best – “the Cadillac of things.” So, when stepping into the Cadillac XT4, a compact crossover SUV, expectations are naturally high. This review delves into whether the XT4, particularly its touted 350T engine, lives up to this prestigious legacy, or if it merely represents a more ordinary standard. Having spent time with the XT4, the question remains: does this vehicle embody the Cadillac of old, or has the standard shifted?
Design and Initial Impressions
From an aesthetic perspective, the XT4 is undeniably a modern Cadillac. The front fascia proudly displays the brand’s signature vertical grille, flanked by headlights reminiscent of its CT4, CT6, and XT5 siblings. The rear echoes this contemporary Cadillac design language with familiar taillight shapes. Overall, the exterior styling is generally pleasing and aligns with the current Cadillac design ethos.
However, closer inspection reveals some design choices that are less convincing. The side profile appears somewhat truncated, the rear seeming abruptly cut off behind the wheels. This abbreviated rear section eliminates the possibility of a traditional side window over the cargo area, lending the XT4 a hatchback-like silhouette rather than a conventional SUV profile. Furthermore, the inclusion of a purely stylistic, window-esque extension into the C-pillar feels somewhat contrived. Another debatable styling element, common across various brands, is the extensive black plastic trim that encircles the lower portion of the vehicle, extending over the wheel arches and around the rear. While intended to project an image of robustness and ruggedness, its execution on the XT4 feels somewhat generic.
Image: Side view of the Cadillac XT4 showcasing its design profile and black trim elements.
The 350T Driveline: Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Cadillac XT4 lies what Cadillac refers to as the 350T engine. This designation highlights a key aspect of Cadillac’s modern powertrain strategy. The 350T signifies a turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing a respectable 237 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The “T,” as expected, denotes Turbo, while the “350” corresponds to the torque output in newton-meters (350 Nm). While Newton-meters are the basis for the 350T nomenclature, this metric is not commonly used for power figures in North America, Cadillac’s primary market. This engine choice reflects the industry-wide trend towards smaller displacement, turbocharged engines for improved efficiency and performance balance.
Power from the 350T engine is channeled through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels in standard configuration. All-wheel-drive (AWD) is available as an option, and interestingly, it’s an on-demand system. Unlike permanent AWD systems, the XT4’s AWD engages via a drive mode selector button and can be left in AWD mode for continuous operation. This type of on-demand AWD engagement is relatively uncommon in front-wheel-drive based vehicles, with Mitsubishi being one of the few other brands employing a similar approach.
In terms of real-world performance, the XT4 powered by the 350T engine delivers what can be best described as adequate. Acceleration is neither sluggish nor particularly brisk; it resides firmly in the average category. Fuel economy mirrors this “standard” performance, achieving a respectable 30 MPG on highway driving but not standing out as exceptionally fuel-efficient. The 350T engine provides sufficient power for daily driving needs, but it doesn’t deliver the exhilarating performance one might expect from a luxury marque.
Image: Interior view of the Cadillac XT4’s center console and gear shifter, highlighting the driver controls.
Ride Comfort and Handling
Historically, Cadillacs were renowned for their exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride quality. While the advent of performance-oriented “V” models shifted Cadillac’s focus somewhat, a comfortable ride remains a core expectation for the brand. While the XT4 generally provides a comfortable experience on well-maintained roads, its suspension reveals limitations when encountering rougher surfaces. Larger potholes and road imperfections are transmitted into the cabin more abruptly than expected in a luxury vehicle. While some manufacturers employ sophisticated suspension technologies to mitigate such impacts, the XT4’s suspension setup feels relatively conventional in this regard.
On freeway on-ramps and during typical cornering maneuvers, the XT4 handles with reasonable confidence, comparable to most modern compact crossover SUVs. However, it doesn’t offer any particularly distinguishing handling characteristics. Vehicles like the Acura RDX, with its torque-vectoring AWD system, offer a more engaging and dynamically rewarding driving experience. Ultimately, the XT4’s ride and handling are competent but fall into the realm of average for its segment, again reinforcing the notion of a “standard” rather than exceptional performance.
Image: Dashboard and interior of the Cadillac XT4, showcasing the infotainment screen and interior design.
Interior and Features
Stepping inside the XT4, two aspects immediately stand out: the generous rear-seat legroom and the user-friendly, feature-rich infotainment system. The rear passenger space is surprisingly ample for a compact SUV, providing comfortable accommodation for adults. The infotainment system is intuitive to operate and offers a comprehensive suite of features. The tested model included heated and ventilated front seats with a massage function; however, the massage feature feels somewhat rudimentary, essentially relying on inflating and deflating air pockets, lacking the sophistication of more advanced massage systems.
Notably absent as standard features are a wireless phone charger and a sunroof, both commonly expected in the luxury segment. In terms of overall interior design and material quality, the XT4’s cabin arguably leans closer to Chevrolet levels than traditional Cadillac luxury. While the interior might appear acceptable in isolation, direct comparisons to vehicles in and even below its class, such as the Mazda CX-5, reveal shortcomings in perceived quality and refinement. When juxtaposed with similarly priced and positioned new vehicles, the XT4’s interior simply doesn’t measure up to the prevailing standards of luxury and material execution.
Image: Rear taillight and hatch design of the Cadillac XT4, highlighting the brand’s signature lighting elements.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The 2020 Cadillac XT4 starts at a base price of $35,695. However, opting for all-wheel-drive and adding desirable features quickly escalates the price beyond $50,000. At this price point, consumers could consider a well-equipped Volvo XC60, a larger vehicle in a higher segment. The XT4’s size is more comparable to the Volvo XC40, which, even in top trim levels, remains significantly more affordable than a loaded XT4. Within the American luxury market, Lincoln, Cadillac’s primary domestic competitor, does not offer a direct XT4 rival in terms of size. However, Lincoln’s entry-level vehicle, the Nautilus, is considerably larger and more powerful than the XT4 and starts at a comparable $41,040. This pricing context raises questions about the XT4’s value proposition within the competitive luxury SUV landscape.
Image: Rear cargo area of the 2020 Cadillac XT4, showing trunk space and accessibility.
Conclusion: A Standard Bearer or Just Standard?
The aspiration was for the XT4 to embody the “recognized and permanent value” associated with the Cadillac name – to be “the Cadillac of” compact luxury crossovers. While the XT4 achieves a certain level of competence, it ultimately lands as a “standard” vehicle in the less flattering sense of the word: “sound and usable but not of top quality.” The XT4 gives the impression of being conceived and executed with undue haste, lacking meticulous attention to detail. However, it is precisely these nuanced details and distinctive features that elevate premium vehicles and justify their premium positioning. The Cadillac XT4, powered by its 350T engine, is a capable vehicle, but it doesn’t fully recapture the essence of Cadillac’s historical reputation for unparalleled luxury and groundbreaking innovation. Perhaps the resources allocated to the XT4 were redirected towards the development of the new Escalade, a vehicle more representative of Cadillac’s iconic status.
