Thursday, December 22, 2022

2022 Cadillac XT4 Sport AWD: The Brand’s Entry-Level Crossover

Highlight: The vehicle is outfitted with a turbo engine.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $56,455 (Base Model: $37,440)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; automatic emergency braking; a forward collision braking system; a forward collision alert system; front pedestrian braking; a rear parking assist system; rear camera; a lane change with blind spot; OnStar; and a tire pressure monitoring system


Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; a 9-speed automatic transmission; front wheel drive; an 8-inch infotainment screen; bright metallic grille accents; power liftgate; pseudo leather seats; power front seats; and a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Standard Equipment (Sport): all-wheel drive; alloy wheels; Gloss black mesh grille; satin aluminum window moldings; red brake calipers; a keyless entry system; rear cargo shade; driver’s memory operated front seat; automatic dimming rearview mirror; lane keep assist with lane departure warning system; sport alloy pedals; driver power seatback bolster; active area shutter; a hands free liftgate; and a power folding outside mirror

Options:

20-inch gloss black wheels; leather seats; power 8 way seats; power dual panel sunroof; a navigation system; a 13-speaker BOSE audio system; rear camera mirror with washer; automatic parking assist with braking; a rear pedestrian alert system;  HD surround vision; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a heads up display center; a wireless phone charger; a reverse automatic braking system; a cold weather package; lane keep assist system; a departure warning system; automatic high beams; a lane changing alert system; a side blind alert system; and a rear cross traffic alert system

Other Trims:

Premium Luxury

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 7-speaker AM/FM/HD radio with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine/235-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 24-cty/30-hwy

What’s New: Apart from a few color additions, the vehicle is literally a carryover model for 2022.



Why: 

Sporty styling

Easy-to-maneuver

A contemporary interior layout

All wheel drive available

Comfortable seating

Roomy rear seating with legroom

Easy to use infotainment system

An affordable entry level price, before adding on options

Dual panel panoramic roof available

20-inch wheels available

Latest safety driving aids available

Bose audio system

OnStar service

 

But: 

Firm ride

An inconvenient location for gas release door switch

With options, the vehicle can be pricey

Navigation system is optional

No co pilot assist steering available like on many of the Kia and Hyundai products

Only one powertrain is available

No plug-in model available


Verdict: 

The five-seater Cadillac XT4 is the luxury brand's entry-level crossover with a starting price just shy of $38,000. While the base price of the compact vehicle is on par with the competition, one has to forego many features that should be standard for a vehicle in this segment. However, to provide consumers access to many of the features they desire, the price of the XT4 can easily approach $60,000. At that price point, one can secure the brand's all-new electric vehicle, the Lyriq. Moreover, for those seeking a larger vehicle packed with more luxury like features, they can look to some of the Korean vehicles. Yes, one loses the prestige of the Cadillac name for more feature rich options at a lower price point.

Furthermore, unlike some of its class competitors, the XT4 has yet to go electrified. Currently, the baby Cadillac is only available with one powertrain. Cadillac is going to need to reposition this vehicle by adding more features, without increasing the price -- making it a better value.


Competition: Acura RDX; Audi Q3; BMW X1; Genesis GV70; Lexus NX; Lincoln Nautilus; Mercedes-Benz GLA; and Volvo XC40

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