2024 Cadillac XT4: An upscale pleasure and a bargain

Statistics Canada reports that the average transaction price of a new car in Canada at the end of 2023 was $66,979. In that light, the Cadillac XT4 test vehicle, at $61,789 before taxes, looks a lot like a good deal. But after a week with the ‘stellar black metallic’ XT4 tester, I was thinking it was indeed a relative bargain.

Looking back over my notes from recent tests, I found a Ford, Mazda, Toyota and other so-called lesser brands carrying price tags above $60,000. I could easily lop $5,000 off the tester’s price – sunroof, wheels, paint, etc. putting it smack in the middle of that crowd.

Cadillac brand regaining lost ground

The Cadillac brand may have lost a great deal of its lustre over the last quarter of the previous century and first decade of the current one. But is has been busily regaining lost ground, sneaking up on the former glory. Granted, I am of an age that can recall when the ‘wreath and crest’ logo commanded respect.

It was a pleasure to experience a new age Cadillac that could hold its head high in the face of stiff competition, domestic or import.

From the distinctive vertical LED lighting at both ends to the attractive alloys, the entry-level Cadillac XT4 stands out.

The first thing you notice when climbing aboard is the spectacular 84-cm LED screen stretching all the way from the driver’s door to in front of the passenger’s seat.

Beauty is more than skin deep. The system utilizes the latest generation of Cadillac’s Google-based infotainment interface with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Amazon Alexa awaits your questions and there is 5G connectivity. The operating system is excellent, responsive and clear.

The clean and roomy interior feels refined, from the quality of materials used to their application.

Kudos to the interior development team for including separate and easy to decipher controls for the HVAC system. That wide dash is wrapped in a very effective stitched, faux-leather wrap. A neat touch is the variety of stitching tucked into the passenger side of the dash. It’s little touches like this that make a vehicle feel special.

The form-fitting driver’s seat proved comfy and supportive for several hours at a sitting. Visibility to the rear quarters is somewhat hampered by the pillars but no more than others.

Rear seat occupants, at least two of them, have plenty of room and the cargo space is generous considering the overall size of this compact ute – 638 litres with the rear seat back in place, and more than twice that with it folded down.

The times have indeed changed. Here I was in a four-cylinder Cadillac, not minding the fact it was missing a few cylinders.

If there is one spot where the XT4 could use improvement it would be a few more ponies under the hood. Thanks to the twin-scroll turbocharging, and maximum torque appearing at only 1,500 rpm, the four-pot acquitted itself quite well in city traffic and was not embarrassed when merging from an on-ramp or asked to pass or climb steep grades.

The nine-speed automatic ensured there was a suitable gear for every occasion and slipped into and out of them with alacrity – like a Cadillac should.

At this trim level, all-wheel-drive is a welcome standard feature.

The driver can pick Tour from the Drive mode selector, thus front wheel-drive, to save a little fuel during the warmer months. He or she can also choose AWD, Sport or off-road. Sport sharpens responses a tad, but few Cadillac drivers will be seeking out twisty back roads. Fewer still are likely to venture further off road than the unpaved lot at the club or cottage.

The Cadillac XT4 has the looks, inside and out, of an upscale, luxury vehicle. The list of standard and safety equipment is extensive – as is the ability to jack the price up with the option sheet. There is more interior space than most competitors and the 2024 model received a mid-cycle refresh inside and out, adding to its competitive edge.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2024 Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury AWD

PRICE

Base: $48,899

As tested: $61,789 including freight

SAFETY

LED headlights with automatic high beams, forward collision alert, rear park assist, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, blind zone steering assist, rear cross traffic braking, safety alert seat

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

leather seat surfaces, hands-free power liftgate, eight-way power driver seat with memory and power lumbar, heated power-folding mirrors, passive entry and keyless start, universal home remote, heated front and rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel

INFOTAINMENT

838-mm diagonal infotainment screen, Google built-in infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, OnStar services, Wireless hotspot, satellite radio

OPTIONS

Active Safety Package (adaptive cruise control, automatic speed limit assist, lane departure warning, HD surround vision, side bicyclist alert, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, reverse automatic braking, intersection emergency braking), $2,105; Technology package (heads-up display, rear camera mirror, rear camera mirror washer, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, wireless charging), $1,895; dual panel sunroof, $1,795; 20-in alloy wheels, $1,295; 13-speaker Bose audio system, $1,010; comfort and convenience package (ventilated front seats, power lumbar massage), $985; stellar black metallic paint, $900; monochromatic  Cadillac emblem, $275; all-weather floor mats, $230

MECHANICAL

Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, 235-horsepower, 258-lb. ft. of torque, regular fuel, nine-speed automatic transmission, NRCan rating (litres/100 km city/highway) 10.4/8.4

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,599 mm; width, 2,121 mm; wheelbase, 2,779 mm; weight, 1,808 kg

COMPETITION

Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA250, Volvo XC40