2019 Cadillac XT4 First Look: Opposite the Escalade
Cadillac enters a new segment
Cadillac is adding a much-needed second crossover to its lineup. Although late to the game, the XT4 enters the compact crossover market to compete against the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus NX, and BMW X1.
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 slots below the XT5 in the lineup, which is currently dominated by sedans. The cute ute sits on an exclusive architecture for compact SUVs. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four making 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission with next generation shifter technology. An Active Sport Suspension is available with continuous damping control, and electro-hydraulic braking assist replaces the traditional vacuum-assistance to boost fuel economy. Although official EPA estimates are not yet available, Cadillac is targeting 25/30/27 mpg city/highway/combined.
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The baby Caddy looks a lot like the XT5, just 8.4 inches shorter. Notably, it features the brand's updated grille design similar to the one we've seen on the CT6. All versions of the XT4 come with LED lighting front and back, and most feature metallic accents. Sport models get a black mesh grille and window moldings. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on the XT4, but 20s are available.
Inside, the look of the interior depends on the trim level and interior combo you choose. You can opt for wood or aluminum accents, and the new Sport can be had with carbon fiber and even Morello Red High-Gloss Carbon Fiber. Massaging seats are available, as is ambient white lighting.
Not everyone loves Cadillac's CUE infotainment system, but the one on the XT4 is a little different. It features a rotary controller as an alternative way to control infotainment functions. Instead of touch controls, drivers can opt to use the controller to access features on the 8-inch screen. Cadillac is using near-field communication technology that promises to make it easier to pair your phones to CUE. Other tech goodies include four standard USB ports, available wireless charging, and available embedded 4G LTE.
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 goes on sale this fall for a starting price of $35,790, well below the XT5's price of $41,590. Customers can begin pre-ordering their XT4 crossovers at the end of March.
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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