2020 Cadillac XT4 test drive

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 SUV is a relatively new model having been introduced in 2018 as a 2019. Based on General Motor’s E2 car platform, the five passenger XT4 is the smallest of Cadillac’s three Crossover or XT models. The compact luxury SUV meets a growing need amongst aging boomers that are looking for a manageable sized crossover with seating for 4 or 5 people.  2020 Cadillac XT4 SUV

The powertrain consists of a 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder engine, utilizing stop/start technology with a power output of 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9 speed automatic transmission.

Exterior styling of the XT4 is eye catching and distinctive, as are all of the new Cadillac models introduced since 2016. The styling continues an evolution of the very popular Arts and Science design language of the early modern generations. Sharp vertical lighting and razor sharp sheet metal bring a very modern look and feel to the XT4. The detail to design is evident in small places around the XT4, note the Cadillac logo hidden in the rear light cluster. All XT4 models feature bright white LED lighting up front and at the rear.

Step inside the Cadillac XT4 and you are treated to an equally pleasing interior. The two tone black and caramel colour scheme is a classic in luxury vehicles and the high quality plastics and leather seating round out the premium appearance and feel of the cabin.

Aside from the materials, the dashboard is another story. An 8-inch touchscreen LCD panel acts as the control centre for the navigation and infotainment system, including our tester’s 4G internet hotspot.

2020 Cadillac dashboardThe interface is simple enough to use and to find the features you are looking to adjust. Many of the
relevant features are duplicated on the handsome leather clad steering wheel which boasts brushed
silver buttons and trim. The biggest issue with the steering buttons is that the markings on them are too
small for anyone over 40 to read without glasses. They are easier to see at night however as they are
backlit for identification purposes. Once you can find them by feel, this is no longer an issue.
The buttons for the climate controls and parking assist features are a dizzying cluster spread out below
the LCD screen. Other than the seat heaters and temperature settings I am not sure I memorized the
other buttons over the week I had the vehicle.

The buttons for the climate controls and parking assist features are a dizzying cluster spread out below the LCD screen. Other than the seat heaters and temperature settings I am not sure I memorized the other buttons over the week I had the vehicle.

2020 Cadillac XT4 infotainmentAs with most turbo four cylinder engines, the sound from under the hood is less impressive than what buyers have been accustomed to back in the glory days of V8 luxury. That being said, the 2 litre unit in this SUV was quiet and smooth under most driving conditions, except when you leaned in hard on the accelerator to pass traffic. Throttle response was great and with maximum torque available as low as 1500 RPM, the XT4 felt peppy in city driving. The pairing with the 9 speed transmission not only contributed to smooth driving but I was pleasantly surprised with the fuel economy provided. I only had to fill up the vehicle with fuel when it was returned to GM and I was able to observe fuel consumption matching GM’s numbers of about 9 l/100 kms combined. One note is that Cadillac suggests premium fuel instead of the cheaper, lower octane regular.

Passenger comfort was surprising good in both front and rear seats. Rear seat passengers had more than enough legroom even with the front seats set for a driver and passenger both about 6 feet tall. The XT4 comes with 637L of cargo room with the rear seat in place. The split folding rear seat can be lowered to provide up to 1385L of storage space if needed. 2020 Cadillac XT4 rear seat

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 starts in Luxury trim at a list price of $35,998. That price gets you a pretty loaded vehicle including LED front and rear lighting, leatherette seating with power controls up front, 18 inch alloy wheels, active noise cancelling in the cabin, 8 inch lcd touchscreen controller, automatic braking and parking proximity warning systems as well as rear view camera. Front wheel drive is standard, with All-Wheel-Drive being a $3,400 option.

Two higher trims levels, Premium Luxury or Sport, are both priced at $43,298 but include GM’s variable All-Wheel-Drive system as standard. Package differences revolve around trim offerings and options available on each. The big option for handling being the $2295 Sports Dynamic Package, that includes an active sports suspension with 20 inch wheels and tires. Our tester was equipped with the package and it comes highly recommended.

While we talking about option packages, the candy store list is extensive and can get pricey. Our tester priced out at $58,418 once $15,020 worth of optional equipment was added. Other than the active suspension, these were mostly trim offerings with some additional safety equipment but no powertrain changes.

Overall, the XT4 delivers a premium motoring experience in the sweet spot of the marketplace. In its lower trim level it represents good value. Just be careful adding options as you could well price yourself into another market segment.