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9 speed, Automatic
Turbocharged Gas I4
All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive
The Cadillac XT4 resides at the entry point in the luxury brand's extensive range of SUVs, but its high level of premium features and performance ensures it doesn't feel like an entry-level model. For the 2024 model year, this compact crossover gets its first significant refresh since its introduction in 2019.
Photo: Perry Stern
In an effort to keep the XT4 relevant and current, Cadillac has made some important changes to this popular model. Updates for 2024 include:
The 2024 Cadillac XT4 is available in three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on all trims, with the option of upgrading to all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices range from around $39,000 for the XT4 Luxury FWD to just over $46,000 for the XT4 Sport AWD.
Previously, JD Power reviewed the 2020 Cadillac XT4. This review focuses on the XT4's updates for 2024 and how they potentially impact its overall consumer appeal.
In the following sections, our independent expert analyzes a 2024 Cadillac XT4 AWD Premium Luxury equipped with the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $54,515, including the $1,195 destination charge to ship the SUV from the Kansas City, Kansas, assembly plant to your local dealership.
Photo: Perry Stern
With a design that was five years old, the XT4 was beginning to show its age, so this styling refresh is most welcome. The wider front grille features a detailed pattern for a sophisticated look, while the vertical LED running lights carry Cadillac's signature style. LED headlights integrate into the bodywork at the edges of the front fascia, remaining hidden until they light up.
While the new exterior styling garners attention, the XT4's interior updates are equally noteworthy. As I slid into the comfortable, leather-trimmed front seats, the beautiful 33-inch high-resolution color display that appeared to be floating atop a carved-out section of the dashboard grabbed my attention.
The large screen curves toward the driver, incorporating the digital instrument display and the infotainment touchscreen. An additional touchscreen section on the far left provides trip information and controls for the head-up display. Slim horizontal vents and a strip of brushed aluminum spanning the lower dashboard give the cabin a wide, clean look.
Unfortunately, the steering wheel partially blocks the view of the screen from the driver's seat. I appreciate that Cadillac has used the entire display, but it was frustrating that I had to move my head back and forth to see sections blocked by the steering wheel. I spent several days and hundreds of miles behind the wheel of the XT4, and this annoying issue never got better.
While the trend in many newer models is to eliminate all physical controls from the cabin, I was pleased to see that Cadillac has not taken this step. Climate functions are separate from the display screen and operated with buttons and switches. Additionally, there is a center controller next to the gear selector with shortcuts to navigation, vehicle information, communications, and media, along with a volume control knob.
The Cadillac XT4 joins a growing number of new models adopting Google Built-in as its infotainment operating system. While GM's native infotainment system has always been very good, this update makes interaction easier and more intuitive.
Google Maps is the most downloaded mapping app in the United States by a large margin, and this popular mapping application powers the native navigation system in the XT4. The integrated version works just as it would on a smartphone. Logging into the system with your Google ID loads your saved destinations and recent queries.
Other applications are available via the Google Play store, including Spotify and other streaming music services, as well as Waze, a popular alternative to Google Maps. Logging in to these applications in the XT4 creates a seamless experience between the home, mobile device, and vehicle.
Google Assistant is now the voice interface, and it is one of the best on the market. A true natural-language system, Google Assistant activates via a button on the steering wheel. When I said I needed some coffee, the system provided coffee house choices near me and the option to navigate to one. I was also able to adjust the thermostat, turn on the defroster, select an audio source, and make a phone call. The system worked flawlessly, and there was no need to repeat myself.
It was convenient to tell Google Assistant exactly what I wanted to listen to and have it play through my Spotify account on the outstanding high-end AKG 14-speaker audio system.
While this is a Google-based system, Apple CarPlay is still available for those who prefer the iPhone interface. And while it seems superfluous, Android Auto is also standard. Both connect easily via a wireless connection.
Photo: Perry Stern
For the 2024 model year, Cadillac enhances the XT4's feature set with technology, comfort, and safety updates. Every new XT4 now comes standard with Cadillac's Smart System, which includes features like a rear-seat reminder system, vehicle diagnostics, Teen Driver, and the expected automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and HD rearview camera.
Other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include rear cross-traffic warning, blind-spot warning with steering assistance, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional ADAS include rear pedestrian alert, intersection turn assistance, side bicyclist alert, and reverse automatic braking.
The XT4 also comes with six months of the OnStar Premium Plan. This connected services plan features roadside assistance, automatic crash response, and Alexa voice service.
The 2024 Cadillac XT4 comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. Cadillac does not currently offer the XT4 as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. All trims come standard with FWD; however, my test vehicle featured AWD.
While the XT4's power output is lower than many competitors, it feels quick and agile—not what I expected from this entry-level Cadillac SUV. Tackling the twisty roads north of Dexter, Michigan, on the “Road to Hell” (Michigan), the XT4 delivered a confident ride with excellent steering feedback and a suspension that kept the small SUV stable, even when pushed in the corners.
I also took the XT4 on a 200-mile road trip to Indiana. On the morning of departure, a surprise Michigan snowstorm hit, dropping about 5 inches of snow. The XT4's remote engine start was a welcome feature—starting the vehicle before heading out of the house resulted in a toasty warm cabin and most of the snow and ice melted off the windows.
The test XT4 had AWD, but it defaults to FWD unless you select AWD via the drive-mode button. The system does not engage automatically like most of its competitors. My test vehicle had all-season tires. It handled the snow well, providing a stable, confident ride even when cruising at highway speeds on snow- and slush-covered roads.
Further south, the weather cleared, and I was able to set the adaptive cruise control at 70 mph for the remainder of the trip. While no lane-centering system is available on the XT4, the adaptive cruise worked well, smoothly accelerating and decelerating the SUV as needed when traffic got heavy.
While the firm suspension provided a fun ride on the back roads, it made the ride less comfortable at highway speeds on rougher roads. This may have also contributed to the louder-than-expected road noise, which was quite noticeable in the cabin.
According to the XT4's trip computer, my drive resulted in an average of 25 mpg. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the 2024 Cadillac XT4 at 25 mpg combined with AWD, so my experience closely matched the EPA estimates.
Photo: Perry Stern
With more expressive exterior styling and a significantly upgraded cabin, the 2024 Cadillac XT4 receives some welcome changes for the new model year. Newly standard advanced safety features and the Google Built-in infotainment system highlight the updates that should keep this luxury SUV relevant in a competitive luxury crossover market.
Although the XT4 may not deliver the level of performance found in the BMW X2, Lincoln Corsair, or Mercedes-Benz GLB, the small Cadillac SUV is still enjoyable to drive. It may be a bit stiff when cruising on the freeway, but its surprisingly good handling and fun-to-drive characteristics make it worthy of consideration.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for jdpower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
