The Cadillac XT4 is ready to take on one of the fastest-growing and most competitive segments in the U.S.: small luxury SUVs. However, it faces more challenges than, say, its big brother, the Cadillac Escalade in the full-size SUV class. Since its introduction in 2019, the original XT4 has been far from class-leading, but know this—which annoyed the heads at Cadillac. Cadillac Global Vice President Rory Harvey was unhappy with third place in the segment and wanted a higher spot on the podium.
But let's be realistic here. While the Escalade is a storied nameplate that built a legacy of dominance over its more than two decades of service, the XT4 is much newer, with a name that's harder to remember. It's now outdated, so General Motors is giving the crossover a refresh for the 2024 model year to try to increase its sales over the next decade as Cadillac transitions to an all-electric brand in 2030.
The XT4's base dimensions and powertrain remain unchanged for the 2024 model year. The big upgrade, and surprise for a mid-cycle update, is a 33-inch curved LED color touchscreen borrowed from the Cadillac Lyriq electric midsize SUV. The XT4 will also have 5G WiFi hotspot capability, Google's suite of built-in apps and help, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatibility, including Amazon Alexa.
Relax Inside the Cadillac XT4
The cabin surrounds a new large screen with upgraded wood brushed aluminum and carbon fiber trim pieces, a new leather seat pattern, and a 13-speaker AKG Studio audio system now available on all trims.
There's additional safety equipment for the 2024 XT4, with more than a dozen standard safety and driver assistance technologies including Blind Zone Steering Assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and lane keeping assist with lane departure warning. The Active Safety Package adds additional features including adaptive cruise control, reverse automatic braking, rear pedestrian alert, enhanced lane-keeping assist, speed limit assist, and traffic sign recognition.
GM's Super Cruise semi-autonomous highway driving assistant and hands-free is still not available on the XT4, even as hands-free systems continue to be implemented across Cadillac's lineup. The XT4 isn't high on the priority list, and Harvey wouldn't say when a number might appear. An enhanced version known as Ultra Cruise will debut on the Cadillac Celestiq supercar—the first of the $300,000 hand-built limousine-like sedans that began assembly in December.
There are three new colors for the 2024 model year and the XT4 features a new front fascia, gloss black grille, slimmer LED headlights, and daytime running lights as well as a new range of 18- and 20-inch alloy wheels.
This small SUV comes in Luxury, Premium, and Sport trims. The powertrain included in all three is the same 235 hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with active fuel management and nine-speed automatic transmission as before. All-wheel drive is available on all trims.
The refresh should bring in younger customers, specifically Millennials who live in urban areas and want the flexibility of an SUV but in a smaller package, says XT4 assistant marketing manager Lizzy Dinnella.
Production of the 2024 Cadillac XT4 starts in April at the Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas and we will get pricing details in March.
Despite inventory shortages in the first half of 2022, the XT4 gained market share in the U.S. last year, as did Cadillac's (shrinking) lineup of sedans. Harvey is hoping the combination of supply shortages working themselves out, and the refresh of the XT4 will help it gain on its competitors—and move a little higher up that podium.
2024 Cadillac XT4
BASE PRICE $38,000-$43,000 (est)
LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE 2.0L/235-hp /258-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION 9-speed auto,
CURB WEIGHT 3,700-4,000 lb (mfr)
WHEELBASE 109.4 in
L x W x H 181.1 x 74.1 x 64.1 in
0-60 MPH 7.5 sec (MT est)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 22-23/29-30/24-26 4 mpg (est)
EPA RANGE, COMB 382-424 miles
ON SALE April 2023
