2019 Cadillac XT4

  Luxury as a Small Sport Utility Vehicle!

By Charles Donaldson

For 2019, Cadillac enters the industry’s fastest-growing luxury segment – Luxury Compact SUV - with the introduction of the All-New 2019 XT4. It has been tailored for the next generation of luxury customers, and also debuts Cadillac’s new global “Y” trim strategy, which embodies distinctive Premium Luxury and Sport models built on the well-equipped Luxury (base) trim. The content and styling cues are custom-made for the Premium Luxury and Sport trims for customers based on their different tastes and preferences.

Pricing and Trims
The 2019 Cadillac is available in three trim levels: Luxury FWD ($34,795) AWD ($37,295), Sport FWD ($39,295) AWD ($41,795), and Premium Luxury FWD ($39,295) AWD ($41,795).

What’s new for 2019?
Everything!  This is the first year for the XT4, and we can safely say – it’s all new! With that said, a few of the highlights of the XT4 are:  Cadillac’s first integration of Near-Field Communication, which enhances the process of pairing a phone with the Cadillac user experience, a new electro-hydraulic braking assist system, and next-generation 15-watt wireless device charging.

Interior Highpoints
The XT4 comfortably accommodates 5 passengers into their well-bolstered and soft-cushioned seats. The rear passengers are greeted with plenty for legroom, USB and Apple® connection ports, and if the Cold Weather Package ($850) is purchased they will be warmed with heated seats. My test vehicle was the Sport AWD with multiple packages, so it was fully equipped with everything from massaging seats to heads-up display.

After reviewing the packages included with my vehicle, I would recommend the following based on what I might call “required features” for a luxury vehicle: Comfort and Convenience ($2450), Cadillac User Experience with Embedded Navigation ($1500), Enhanced Visibility Package ($1500), Technology Package ($1400),Driver Assist Package ($1100), Cold Weather Package ($850), and Driver Awareness Package ($770). These increased the price of the XT4 by $9570.

The interior is beautiful and well-appointed, with soft touches throughout highlighting the elegance and luxury status of the XT4. I showed the XT4 to my Aunt and she replied, “We’ll take two!” The fit, finish and design elements hit the mark! There is an abundance of technology and storage intelligently placed throughout the vehicle.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior of the XT4 is sculptured indulgence with thin LED headlights flowing from the front facia into the fender and back towards the grille. Since Cadillac is aiming for the younger buyer with the XT4, their very bold lines have been detuned and replaced with softer creases.  The doors are carved with concaved panels while the roofline curves back creating a coupe-like profile. The real taillamps ascend up the side edges of the hatch with descriptive definition.

Performance Specs
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with active fuel management, direct injection and auto stop/start and generates 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The power is enough for this small family-style vehicle. The fuel economy is 30/29-mpg highway (FWD/AWD) and 24/22 miles per gallon city (FWD/AWD). The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 9-speed automatic transmission that allows for cruising at maximum efficiency. The ride was comfortable and the XT4 controlled the road.

Cool Features:

·         Massaging seats (optional feature)

·         Next-generation 15-watt wireless smart phone charging (optional feature)

·         Multiple USB outlets

Safety & Integrity
The safety features in the 2019 XT4 were abundant between the standard and optional features. Going beyond the multiple air bags and standard HD Rear Vision Camera and Rear Park Assist, the optional packages complete the total safety check-off list with great technology including, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist with braking, rear camera mirror with washer, and HD surround vision (replaces the standard rear camera with a 360-degree view).

In Summary – The 2019 Cadillac XT4 provides a reasonable offering into the entry-level luxury group. The base sticker is only the beginning, and to complete it properly - it will cost you an extra 10 grand. When all was said and done, my test vehicle priced out at slightly over $57,000, but had every option that I wanted. The XT4 hits the mark for its style, luxury, performance, ride and technology; which luxury buyers have come to expect. The attention to detail and interior design attributes are amazing. Cadillac did a great job pairing luxury with fun!

Specifications

2019 Cadillac XT4 Sport AWD

Base price:	$41,795 as driven: $57,135 (including destination & optional features)
Engine:	2.0-Liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower:	237 hp @ 5000 RPM
Torque:	258 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
Transmission:	Hydra-Matic 9-speed automatic transmission
Drive:	All-Wheel Drive
Seating:	5-passenger
Cargo space:	22.5/48.9 cubic feet (rear seat up/down)
Curb weight:	3,896 pounds
EPA mileage:	City 22/Hwy 29 MPG
Fuel Capacity:	16.3 gallons
Turning Circle:	38 ft.
Wheelbase:	109.4 inches
Warranty:	4 years/50,000-miles
EPA Size Class:	Small Sport Utility Vehicle
Also consider:	Acura RDX, Audi Q3, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Lincoln MKC, Mercedes-Benz GLA Class