Although it feels like just yesterday that the XT4 joined the Cadillac lineup, 2024 marks its sixth model year, so it was time for a refresh. It got one. Cadillac has given the XT4's exterior styling an update with a new front fascia and reworked LED lighting elements that give it a face much like those of both the larger XT6 SUV and the bold-looking Lyriq electric SUV. The result looks pretty darn good. In addition to the styling changes up front, there are also new wheel designs and a few tweaks to the XT4's rear end. Inside, the XT4 adopts the Lyriq's 33.0-inch infotainment display, which stretches from in front of the driver to the edge of the passenger's side of the dashboard. The system runs Cadillac's latest infotainment interface—which is based on Google's Android Automotive software—and features wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers can now spec a 13-speaker AKG stereo system as an option, and the XT4's onboard Wi-Fi hotspot has been upgraded to 5G. The Premium Luxury and Sport models both cost about the same, but since the former doesn't live up to its name and the latter is better to drive, we'd recommend the XT4 Sport. It has unique wheel designs, blacked-out exterior trim, and exclusive interior accents. The Sport model also has a suspension with adaptive dampers and better-bolstered front seats. Under the hood of all XT4s is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 235 horsepower. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The 2019 XT4 Sport we tested sashayed its way to 60 mph in a lackluster 7.8 seconds. Despite that, the XT4 felt spry around town and when merging onto the highway. Ignore Cadillac's assertion of sportiness with the XT4. It's more of a boulevard cruiser than sporty SUV. The ride reasonable so long as the road is relatively smooth but rough stretches of asphalt translate plenty of vibrations and sharp impacts into the cabin—especially when riding on the optional 20-inch wheels. The steering is similarly disappointing and is neither feelsome nor direct in its action. The XT4's only decisive control is its brakes, which hauled our test car down from 70 mph in our emergency-stopping test in 172 feet with one of the firmest brake pedals we've encountered. The XT4's interior, while comfortable and spacious, isn't as high-class as we expect in this premium segment. The dashboard and upper door panels are covered in a stitched, faux-leather wrap but lower on the doors and center console, cheaper, sharp-edged plastic persists. The buttons and switches look and feel as though they're likely to be shared with less expensive offerings in the General Motors portfolio. Space is great for the front-seat occupants and decent in the back seat, too. As with its passenger compartment, the XT4's cargo room is spacious. Behind the XT4's rear seat, we fit six of our carry-on suitcases, and with the seatbacks folded flat, we managed to fit 18—slightly more than smaller rivals such as the Mini Cooper Countryman. If you're looking for a small SUV that can haul cargo like a larger one, the Volvo XC40—which held 23 carry-on suitcases—is worth a look.
