Close on the heels of the three-row luxury crossover XT6 some months ago came its smaller sibling, XT4, from Cadillac. Debuting in 2019, it sits on a car-like framework but with all the bells and whistles you would find among competitors such as the Audi Q3 or the Volvo XC40.
The XT4 is packed with ample power — oodles of it — and luxury that only a Cadillac can offer. Under the hood resides a 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder engine that cranks out 237 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The front-wheel-drive SUV is mated to a seamless nine-speed auto gearbox. A MacPherson strut front and a five-link independent rear work well to absorb unpleasant road bumps or curves. Steering response with the electric power rack-and-pinion is swift and accurate. Tow capacity is a satisfactory 3,500 pounds. And you can pick tour, sport and snow/ice drive modes.
Bright Galvano accents on the front grille, satin-aluminum window moldings and chromed door handles lend the compact XT4 a classy appearance. Vertical L-shaped LED headlights and tail lamps further enhance the bold look. The crossover boasts an upscale and luxurious interior with exceptional fit and finish, gloss levels and materials. An eight-inch color touchscreen in the center stack includes capactive controls, haptic feedback, gestures and voice recognition (yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available). Replacing the redundant knobs is a rotary dial controller with a new jog function. There is plenty of room – 48.9 cubic feetwith rear seat folded and total passenger volume is a worthy 100.6 cubic feet. Standard goodies are dual auto a/c, eight-way power driver and six-way front-passenger heated seats, manual tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel ambient lights, piano black accents on the new gear shifter, satin aluminum roof rails, seven-speaker Bose audio, remote start, 60/40 rear seat, hands-free lift gate and hands-on CUE (Cadillac User Experience).
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, alerts for forward collision, rear-cross traffic, lane change and side blind zone, front/rear park assist, stability and traction control, rearview camera, auto emergency brakes, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.
Seating five people in comfort, the XT4 is tough to beat if you consider performance, substantial cargo capacity, impressive fuel economy and a reasonable price. Competitors in the luxury crossover segment should be wary of this highly capable and enjoyable ride.
XT4 PREMIUM LUXURY
Tires: P235/60R18 all season
Wheelbase: 109.4 inches
Length: 181.1 inches
Width: 83.5 inches
Height: 64.1 inches
Fuel capacity: 16.3 gallons
City: 24 mpg
Highway: 30 mpg
Weight: 3,691 pounds
Base price: $39,795
Price as tested: $48,935
Web site: www.cadillac.com
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.