2023 Cadillac XT4

The Cadillac XT4, short for Crossover Touring 4, is a five-seat, two-row compact SUV. The smallest model in Cadillac’s sport-ute stable, it slots below the larger XT5 and XT6 and the venerable full-size Escalade. Cadillac also offers the new Lyriq sport utility, the first full-electric vehicle in the Cadillac portfolio, which portends the maker’s plans for full model electrification by 2030.

The XT4 launched in 2018 as a 2019 model and is still in first-generation production. Three trim levels are available: Luxury (starts at $37,490, including a $1,195 destination fee), Premium Luxury ($41,420) and Sport ($41,490). The CUV gets minor updates for 2023. Lane-change and rear cross traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring are now standard on Luxury Trim models. In addition, two new paint options are available: Radiant Red Tincoat and Silver Metallic.

As the smallest Cadillac SUV, the XT4 competes with the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA, BMW X1, Lexus NX, Volvo XC40 and more in a surprisingly crowded luxury compact segment. It pales in performance compared to the BMW X1 and is soundly mid-pack when comparing fuel economy (the BMW X1 and Lexus NX are more fuel efficient), but it also does fairly well on overall value. It’s also one of the sleekest-looking designs in the class.

The only available engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that feels a bit underpowered. All trim levels feature a standard 9-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive (AWD) is a $2,500 upcharge. So equipped, zero to sixty mph comes up leisurely, barely breaking the 8-second mark. The engine and transmission are well-matched but lack the refinement or urgency of some of the segment leaders. 

Compared to direct competition, the XT4’s ace in the hole is its sharp-edged good looks and interior space. Inside, there is plenty of head and leg room for the very tall and wide up front and excellent room in the second row. If this were a Chevrolet Equinox, interior design ratings would be higher. But as a Cadillac, better interior quality and sophisticated style are expected. Keep in mind, however, that the second-generation XT4 is slated to go on sale in late 2024 as a 2025 model; we expect Cadillac to address numerous cosmetic and dynamic shortfallings. 

The 2023 XT4 has a standard suite of useful safety features, including forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and more. Cadillac’s Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system is intuitive and straightforward in operation. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. The base audio sounds good, but the optional 13-speaker Bose audio system sounds great. Choosing which trim level depends on owner desires in terms of standard safety, comfort and convenience gear, as current trim prices span just $4,000 from the base Luxury model to the Sport.

Performance: 7/15

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque is the sole engine across the XT4 lineup. That power, on all three trims, is channeled to the pavement through a standard 9-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive.

Road dynamics are decent, but the turbo-four feels underpowered when you need it the most, as in passing or highway on-ramp maneuvers. The turbo lag, unfortunately, detracts from otherwise solid, if uninspiring, handling and decent overall ride quality as long as the road surface is smooth. The engine’s unrefined aural characteristics under a heavy foot don’t do it any favors either. On a trip to a waterfront destination, traveling down a gravel and loose dirt stretch of the road into the property, the XT4 ride quality lessened, and interior noise levels were high. 

Optional 20-inch wheels ($1,100 for nine-spoke version, $2,100 for the split seven-spoke rollers in a polished or black finish) the were fitted to our AWD Premium Luxury model and undoubtedly contributed lower rough road ride quality, though they certainly did look good. XT4 base Luxury trim comes with 18-inch wheels standard. Sport trim XT4’s come standard with adaptive shock absorbers and bolstered front seats.

The twin-clutch AWD system works well, and kept the XT4 true on the loose, wet dirt portion of our mini-off-road adventure. A Drive Mode Control selector is standard on all trims and on both front-drive and AWD drivelines. Tour, Sport, Off-Road and Snow/Ice are selectable via a lower console “mode” switch.

An optional Trailering Package ($300) is available on all trims. The package adds a 2-inch hitch receiver and a heavy-duty cooling system to provide a towing capacity of up to 3500 pounds. 

Fuel Economy: 8/15 

Expect front-wheel drive XT4’s to return an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 30 mpg highway; AWD subtracts two mpg combined and one mpg city and highway. Compared to other small, AWD luxury Utes, XT4 mpg numbers are mid-pack and about the same as the Audi Q3 (24 mpg combined, 21 city and 28 highway), but Audi gets AWD as standard. Leading the pack is the BMW X1 XDrive 28i at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 34 highway; the Lexus NX is not far behind at 28, 25 and 32 in the same measures, but it also offers a much more frugal hybrid.

Premium gas is recommended but not required. Considering the XT4’s turbocharger lag at full throttle, owners would be wise to spend the extra money on premium fuel, given its performance benefits. Premium is also recommended on the alternatives from BMW, Mercedes and Volvo, but the Lexus NX250 and Audi Q3 both take regular gas.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 12/15

The XT4 received an overall 5-Star crash rating from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) and overall “Good” rating from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). IIHS ratings are based on a test on a 2019 model, but its rating applies to 2019-2023 models.

The standard Cadillac Smart System safety suite is comprehensive. It includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a high-definition rear-vision camera, lane change alert with side blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, rear park assist and lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning. There’s also a  following distance indicator, a rear seat warning that notifies you if a child or pet is left in the car and “Intellibeam” headlights with automatic high beams.  

A Teen Driver function is designed to encourage better driving habits for teens. Activated when a teen-driver-designated key fob is in use, the system turns on certain safety features. Among other features, it mutes vehicle audio, including streaming devices, until front seat occupants fasten their seatbelts and allows parents to set speed warnings.

Eight airbags are standard, including driver and front passenger knee airbags designed to limit “submarining,” or sliding under seatbelts in high-impact frontal collisions.

Additional safety features are optional. For example, the $1,500 Enhanced Visibility Package includes automatic parking assist with braking, rear pedestrian alert, high-definition surround vision and rear camera mirror with washer. The $1,100 Driver Assist Package includes reverse automatic emergency braking, enhanced automatic braking and adaptive cruise control.

Comfort & Room: 13/15

XT4 seats are supportive and very comfortable. There’s plenty of head and elbow room in the front row, and three adults can travel without coming to blows in the roomy second row. USB ports are available in each row. 

Specifically, the XT4 has a generous 44.1 inches of legroom in front and 39.4 in the back. The Audi Q3 has 40- and 36.1 inches, respectively, while the BMW X1 offers 40.4- and 37 inches, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA checks in with 41- and 38.4 inches in the same metrics. Conclusion? If height is a family trait, the XT4 is your luxury compact crossover.  

Infotainment: 13/15

All XT4 trims come with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen driven by Caddy’s Cadillac User Experience (CUE) software. After some early hiccups, CUE is far more responsive, intuitive and easy to learn. OnStar telematics and a Wi-Fi hotspot capability are also standard, as is a trial subscription to Sirius/XM Radio and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. A seven-speaker audio system is standard on all trims, with a CUE embedded navigation system with Bose CenterPoint Surround System with 13 speakers, a $1,500 option. 

A 4.2-inch color driver information center is standard on all trim levels, and an 8.0-inch color driver information center is part of a $1,650 Technology Package available on Premium Luxury and Sport trims. The Technology Package also includes LED front cornering lamps and turn signals, a head-up display, an air ionizer and a wireless phone charger. In addition, there are USB ports for connection and charging upfront and charging in the second row.

Cargo Space & Storage: 11/15

XT4 interior room is competitive in its class, offering 22.5 cubic-feet with the second row in place and 48.9 cubic-feet with the second row folded flat. In comparison, The Mercedes-Benz GLA (15.4 and 50.5) and the BMW X1 (27.1 and 58.7) are at the low and high points in terms of cargo space.

There are plenty of functional storage areas, including cupholders, in the XT4. Up front, there is a lower center storage space with a sliding cover. The center armrest has a storage area with 12-volt power inside and a slot on the front for wireless charging phone storage. Front doors have cool mini-umbrella storage, as well as bottle storage. Overhead, there is room to store sun or eyeglasses. Second-row passengers have door can holders. Depending on the trim, the second row has center armrest cupholders. There is additional storage under the rear cargo area floor.

Style & Design: 9/10

The XT4 is an attractive vehicle and stands out from the competition for its superior exterior design. A rounded, trapezoidal grille is flanked by superbly styled daytime running lights and full LED headlamps; amber side markers are housed in the front wheel arches and look great. Deeply sculpted door panels sit below a character line that extends from the A to D pillars. A roof-mounted spoiler and mid-hatch lip add to the impressive overall styling. L-shaped LED taillamps and polished dual exhaust finishers in the lower rear bumper valance enhance rear styling.

Interior design is a different story. While overall the interior is organized efficiently, with all controls easy to reach and use, the dashboard and switch quality, among other items, is on par with a Chevrolet product and not up to the standards you would expect in a Cadillac. Given the lofty price on our review AWD Premium Luxury trim ($41,420 base, $56,385 as tested), and when compared to well-executed interiors in all of its competitors listed in this review, Cadillac needs to rethink XT4’s interior execution.

Is the 2023 Cadillac XT4 Worth it? Which XT4 is the Best Value?

With just over a $4,000 difference between Luxury ($37,490), Premium Luxury ($41,420) and Sport ($41,490, all prices including a $1,195 destination fee), the decision on which trim to buy is a tossup. Premium Luxury and Sport trim offer lane keep assist with lane departure warning as standard equipment and rear pedestrian alert as an option, but it’s not available on base Luxury trim. 

Overall, we think the Sport trim’s bespoke grille and gloss black exterior trim bits complement the XT4’s shape, and the available $700 adaptive suspension transforms the ride and handling. Just choose the base 18-inch wheels instead of the optional 20s to keep your dental work rattle-free. 

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Cadillac XT4?

The XT4’s insurance rates fall right in line with its competitors. According to our data, the average 30-year-old female driver with a good record can expect an average annual premium of $2,120 for the base Premium and Sport and $2,231 for the Premium Luxury. The Audi Q3 Premium is about $2,168 with the top Premium Plus S-Line at $2,259. A similar BMW X1 rings in at $2,172, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 about $2,205, the Volvo XC40 $1,850, and just under $2000 for the performance-oriented XC40 R-Design. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, see our car insurance calculator.