First impression

Sophisticated and powerful, the Cadillac XT4 receives a mid-cycle refresh for 2024. Styling-wise, it’s a step in the right direction. The revised styling gives the XT4 a bold, more upscale appearance and is accentuated by expressive animated lighting elements. The XT4 is nearly indistinguishable from its larger and more expensive stablemates, the XT5 and XT6. That’s a good thing for XT4 buyers, but diminishes the cachet of the higher-end models. The XT4 is a compelling combination of luxury and value.

Interior appointments

While the XT4 is Cadillac’s smallest crossover utility, front-seat occupants are treated to a spacious cabin. But it’s short on roominess for rear seat passengers. This is a couple’s crossover with a backseat suitable for short trips, smaller adults or children. The interior fit and finish is very good, but plain. The leather bucket seats look inviting but the seating surfaces are firm and lack thigh support. Cadillac needs to improve to compete with German rivals, the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA250.

Infotainment

New for the XT4 is an expansive one-piece instrument panel (IP) and infotainment display. It spans the driver’s cockpit to the passenger side, nearly three feet wide. The display dominates the vehicle’s interior in a delightfully modern and high-tech way. The display is a transplant from the Cadillac Lyriq. It improves the XT4’s luxury feeling.

My test Cadillac was equipped with a 14-speaker AKG stereo system. It’s one of the best-sounding in-vehicle audio systems I’ve experienced. The interface is slick, the functionality is intuitive, and it’s fast and responsive. I also noticed the XM Sirius satellite system has a generous buffer. While listening to satellite radio I was able to drive through a mile-long tunnel and the music never stopped. The display transplant from the Lyriq had just one small inconvenience. A couple of instrument panel indicators were hidden by the steering wheel, requiring me to crane my neck to see them; a small price to pay for a beautiful display. Other car makers would be wise to benchmark the XT4’s infotainment system.

Behind the wheel

The XT4 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with direct injection. It delivers a generous 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to get the little Caddy moving quickly. Get on the throttle hard and torque steer tugs on the steering wheel. The torque steer isn’t a deal breaker but makes the Cadillac feel unsettled at full throttle.

The XT4 is a satisfying boulevard cruiser. On the highway, the ride is firm, but not uncomfortable. When the road gets twisty, the XT4 disappoints. It doesn’t like being tossed around. The body rolls and the tires howl in protest. But that’s okay, the XT4 isn’t a sports car and most Cadillac buyers aren’t interested in carving up the backroads.

When things go wrong

While driving over the Sierra Nevadas on Interstate 80, I experienced a flat tire. As I passed a semi-truck, an object that looked like a black Rubik’s Cube skittered from under the truck and directly into my path. With little time to react, the object disappeared beneath the XT4. With a thunk, the IP lit up with a tire pressure warning and an ominous warning tone sounded. I had a flat.

Once safely stopped, I checked for a spare, but the car didn’t have one. In the spare tire’s place was a small air compressor and can of adhesive goo. While swatting at a swarm of thirsty helicopter-sized mosquitoes, I connected the pump, attached the can of slime and waited impatiently for results that never came.

Cadillac Roadside Assistance

Safely inside the car and away from the mosquitoes, I tried to use my mobile phone but there wasn’t service. My attention turned to the glowing red “On-Star” button. With a single press of the red button, I would be assisted, guided, supported, attended to, and kept company for the entire ordeal.

The On-Star system was successfully connected. I was transferred to a concierge at Cadillac Roadside Assistance and talked with Jennifer David, a young woman with a “smiling” voice. She became my assistant, advisor and advocate for the next five hours. Jennifer sent a tow truck and arranged transportation to the nearest Cadillac Dealer.

Stranded in a remote location, I waited for several hours. Every 20 minutes Jennifer called, made sure I was okay and updated me on the tow truck’s estimated arrival time. I was never transferred, never forgotten. Jennifer’s concern for my safety and security was genuine. Confident she was watching out for me, I felt like I was never alone. More important than sending a tow truck, (which Cadillac paid for), Jennifer made me feel important and attended to.

I ended up being towed to the Cadillac dealer in Roseville, CA. When I arrived Jennifer called for the last time and offered a complimentary cab ride home or lodging at a nearby hotel. It was my choice. Thank you Cadillac.

Throughout this experience I imagined members of my family in this same position. It’s the superior service I would want for them.

By the numbers

During my week with the Cadillac XT4, I averaged 19.3 miles per gallon in about 600 miles of mostly highway driving. With an EPA fuel economy of (Combined/City/Highway) of 25/23/28 mpg, I expected the XT4 to do better. My Cadillac XT4 Sport with the Cold Weather Package, 14-speaker AKG™ audio system, Technology Package, Active Safety Package, and the Comfort and Convenience Package costs $54,419., including destination and a $1,000 incentive credit. If you order an XT4, I recommend checking the box for the full-sized spare tire. It’s a $350 option and worth it.

The verdict

The Cadillac XT4 is a versatile luxury crossover. It’s handy and easy to live with. It’s a great choice as a daily driver and is competitively priced. More importantly, the quality and sincerity of Cadillac’s Roadside Assistance gave me newfound appreciation for the brand. General Motors’ commitment to Cadillac buyers is evident in its outstanding customer service. Driving a Cadillac is more than luxury transportation, it’s a luxurious ownership experience.