The Cadillac XT4 is an important product for the American manufacturer. In short, it is Cadillac’s best-selling vehicle in Canada. In 2022, the XT4 even finished third on the podium for luxury subcompact SUV sales in Quebec, just after the Audi Q3 (far ahead) and the Volvo XC40. To stay competitive, Cadillac showcased the XT4’s mid-range aesthetic and technology refresh at its Detroit design center. However, the manufacturer did not take this opportunity to unveil an electrified version of its star player, but rather a version that improves the experience on board the vehicle.
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Refreshed styling
Cadillac has reworked the interior and exterior design of the 2024 XT4. The external changes are also mainly observable at the front of the vehicle.
A little shorter by a few millimeters, the XT4 displays a more robust style than before in my humble opinion. As it follows in the footsteps of the Escalade and the XT6, the luxury compact SUV now has a new visual signature. The headlights have been completely redesigned, such as the grille, the bumper and the bonnet. It took 5 years for Cadillac’s design team to finalize this aesthetic update. And although the XT4 is not quite transformed, I must admit that the result is convincing.
The rear does not undergo many changes. Apart from the visual changes to the bumper and the relocation of the reversing light to the center, the vehicle remains identical. In return, the manufacturer now offers new colors, including the magnificent green bearing the name of Emerald Lake Metallic
presented at the unveiling, and a series of different rims including 5 options, three 18-inch and two 20-inch. All in all, I find that the 2024 Cadillac XT4 is successful, its style being distinctive and very imposing.
A 33-inch infotainment screen
The main new element for 2024 is definitely the 33-inch curved monitor that acts as instrumentation and infotainment. Borrowed from the Cadillac LYRIQ, the screen is made up of a single digital panel; it is standard and provides 9k resolution. The Cadillac XT4 therefore becomes the vehicle with the largest screen in its segment.
Besides its greatness, the integration of the Google operating system is worth noting. Thanks to this device, the digital experience in the vehicle is taken up a notch thanks to the addition of several manipulations through Google’s voice assistance. It is possible, for example, to adjust the ambient temperature, check the fuel level and configure the GPS to the desired destination. In addition, the voice assistant will automatically schedule a stop at a gas station on the way if it detects that the fuel level is too low to make the trip.
I must start by telling you that I am pessimistic about the monthly plan that allows you to take full advantage and update this new technology. I honestly have a concern about the subscription cost related to the monthly plan, and in my opinion, the system should be standard with the purchase of the vehicle. However, having had the opportunity to test it, I confess that I found the system competent. It was during a short demonstration that I noticed that it is fast. The voice commands were executed well, and everything works very smoothly. Cadillac has also confirmed that, even if the monthly subscription is terminated, certain basic functions such as Google Map or Spotify will remain accessible.
For Android Auto and Apple CarPlay enthusiasts, don’t worry, both are still available in the 2024 XT4. However, the manufacturer was categorical and indicated that their hours are limited. According to Cadillac, integrating Google directly into its infotainment system will allow the company to offer more features and technology to the brand’s future vehicles.
Cadillac has also added a touch of opulence aboard the 2024 XT4. Color options, massaging seats, mood lights and renewed climate controls, Cadillac stylists have grafted a dose of luxury to the XT4. It is possible to choose the new AKG 14-speaker stereo system which, honestly, performs well. The Cadillac also offers decent cargo space of 637 liters with the seats up and 1,385 liters with the seats folded down. It therefore offers more cargo space than the Volvo XC40, but less than the Audi Q3. Comfortable, the cabin of the XT4 2024 is to my liking, and this update gives it a more prestigious status in my eyes.
More security features
Twelve driving aids are standard in the vehicle. In addition to adaptive cruise control, the automatic emergency stop system and 360-degree observation cameras, in particular, the Cadillac XT4 2024 will be entitled to 4 new safety elements. The compact SUV will now be offered with automatic speed limit assist, cyclist watch alert, road sign recognition and emergency braking at intersections.
The same hardware
The mechanics remain identical for the 2024 model year. The powertrain is therefore composed of a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that develops 235 horsepower and produces 258 lb-ft of torque. The same 9-speed automatic transmission takes care of sending power to the front wheels or to the 4 wheels of the vehicle.
I won’t hide from you that I would have liked to see some form of electrification in this mid-term update. For what? Simply to allow the XT4 to be even more competitive in the segment. I enjoyed the first modification of this vehicle, and I believe that it could have been more successful if the manufacturer had electrified its star vehicle. A plug-in hybrid version would have been well suited to the urban profile of the compact SUV, but this remains utopian as the manufacturer is aiming for the fully electric transformation of its vehicles.
The first copies of Cadillac XT4 2024 will be delivered over the next few weeks. The pricier luxury compact SUV now has a starting price of $44,798, up $3,701 from the 2023 model year. Built at GM’s Fairfax, Kansas plant, the XT4 presents new selling points to be more competitive in the segment. We will be testing the vehicle soon, but given that it will have the same mechanics and technical components, we can already confirm that the 2024 Cadillac XT4 will be recommended by the RPM team.
