The 2022 Cadillac XT4 is Cadillac’s smallest SUV, and it’s a good choice among a competitive set that includes the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLB, and Volvo XC40. The XT4’s one of the roomier options among these mini utes, which will help it win over those who appreciate extra interior space, but its interior trappings fall just short of what you’ll find in rivals such as the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA– and GLB-class SUVs.
All models are powered by a 235-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and a host of infotainment features are included across the range. The XT4 performs well, particularly the Sport trim, but if you’re seeking a more playful option consider the BMW X1, which is nearly as practical but offers more driving thrills.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
Under the hood of all 2022 Cadillac XT4s is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 235 horsepower. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The 2019 XT4 Sport we tested sashayed its way to 60 mph in a lackluster 7.8 seconds—1.5 seconds behind the X1. Despite the difference, the XT4 felt spry around town and when merging onto the highway.
Ignore Cadillac’s assertion of sportiness with the XT4. It’s more of a boulevard cruiser than a sports car. The ride is okay, so long as the road is relatively smooth. Rough stretches of asphalt translate plenty of vibrations and sharp impacts into the cabin, especially when riding on the optional 20-inch wheels. The steering is similarly disappointing and is neither fearsome nor direct in its action.
The XT4’s only decisive controls are its brakes, which hauled our test car down from 70 mph in our emergency-stopping test in 172 feet with one of the firmest brake pedals we’ve encountered.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
Despite its fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation capability, the XT4 earns wholly average EPA fuel-economy estimates, with front-wheel-drive variants reaching 30 mpg on the highway. In our real-world highway fuel-economy test, our all-wheel-drive test vehicle managed just 27 of its EPA-rated 29 mpg. For more information about the XT4’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
The 2022 Cadillac XT4‘s interior, while comfortable and spacious, isn’t as high-class as we expect in this premium segment. The dashboard and upper door panels are covered in a stitched, faux-leather wrap, but lower on the doors and center console, cheaper, sharp-edged plastic persists. The buttons and switches look and feel as though they’re likely to be shared with less expensive offerings in the General Motors portfolio.
Space is great for the front-seat occupants and actually pretty decent in the back seat, too. As with its passenger compartment, the XT4’s cargo room is spacious. Behind the XT4’s rear seat we fit six of our carry-on suitcases, and with the seatbacks folded flat, we managed to fit 18—slightly more than smaller rivals such as the Mini Cooper Countryman. If you’re looking for a small SUV that can haul cargo like a larger one, the Volvo XC40—which held 23 carry-on suitcases—is worth a look.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-/all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED: $56,835 (base price: $42,790)
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 cu in, 1998 cc
Power: 237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.6-invented disc/12.4-invented disc
Tires: Continental ProContact TX, 245/45R-20 99H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 109.4 in
Length: 181.1 in
Width: 74.1 in
Height: 64.1 in
Passenger volume: 98 cu ft
Cargo volume: 72 cu ft
Curb weight: 3980 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 7.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 23.0 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 40.9 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.2 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.2 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.1 sec @ 87 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 132 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 19 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 24/22/29 mpg
