Driven: 2022 Cadillac XT4
2022 | cadillac | crossovers | reviews
We spent a week driving and living with Cadillac’s stylish and fun-to-drive XT4 compact crossover. The AWD Premium Luxury model we tested offers a smooth and engaging ride, a comfortable and upscale cabin, good cargo space, and plenty of modern technology.
The XT4 embodies the elegance of the Cadillac brand but infuses it with a youthful spirit. Our tester was bathed in a beautiful Twilight Blue Metallic paint that looks so good in the sunlight that photos can't do it justice. The Radiant Package's upgraded 20" polished alloy rims and Galvano chrome grille perfectly complement the Premium Luxury's bright chrome window trim.
The XT4 has plenty of pep in its step, offering satisfying and engaging acceleration. Under the hood, there's a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. A quick-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission sends power via an all-wheel-drive system. Cadillac's twin-clutch AWD can distribute torque individually to the rear wheels, which improves cornering and overall handling.
Its electric power steering provides good feedback, while its suspension is more sporty and less cushioned than we were expecting. That's not a bad thing, but just something to be aware of if you prefer a more isolated ride. Body roll is well controlled, providing a car-like driving experience. The cabin is well insulated and does a good job insulating against road and wind noise.
The XT4 has plenty of pep in its step, offering satisfying and engaging acceleration. Its electric power steering provides good feedback, while its suspension is more sporty and less cushioned than we were expecting. That's not a bad thing, but just something to be aware of if you prefer a more isolated ride. Body roll is well controlled, providing a car-like driving experience. The cabin is well insulated and does a good job insulating against road and wind noise.
The XT4's dashboard is serviceable and offers tactile controls for climate, drive modes, vehicle settings, and sound system volume. The 8" touchscreen is perfectly functional, though it's a bit smaller than the displays we've been seeing in other recent luxury and premium vehicles. And while a heads-up display is available, we're surprised that Caddilac hasn't gone fully digital with its dashboard yet.
The leather-trimmed seats are comfortable and provide understated luxury. While we couldn't test the heated and ventilated seats due to supply chain issues, the optional front-seat lumbar massage is a welcome feature - especially on long drives or when stuck in rush hour traffic. 
There's lots of quality safety tech on board, including forward collision alert, emergency pedestrian braking, front and rear park assist, rear seat safety alert, and a crisp HD backup camera. The infotainment system has support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a thoughtfully-placed wireless charging dock in the center armrest provides secure yet easy access to your phone. The upgraded 13-speaker Bose audio system offers clean and crisp sound with a good amount of punch.
The second row is pretty basic, but there are USB and USB-C charging ports in the center console, and heated seats are available. The legroom is tight for taller passengers but should be just fine for kids and shorter adults. The roof has a slight slope that eats into headroom, though the light from the panoramic sunroof helps provide a spacious feel.
Cargo space is good, mainly because the second row can fold fully flat, giving way to 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space. With the seats in use, the 22.5 available cubic feet is still substantially bigger and more useful than any sedan's trunk.
The XT4 is a welcome member of the family, offering a great entry point for drivers who want to drive a Caddy but don't need the space of their larger SUVs or don't have the budget for one. Our favorite things are its exterior design, spirited drivetrain, and confident handling.The 2022 XT4 starts at $37,665. The well-equipped AWD Premium Luxury model we tested sells for $54,680.
