2019 Cadillac XT4 SUV Promises More Tech in Smaller Package

Competes with: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Lexus NX

Looks like: A petite Cadillac crossover with cladding aplenty

Drivetrain: 237-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with nine-speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Fall 2018

After lurking in the shadows for weeks, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 finally steps into the spotlight. Witness the brand’s new compact SUV, a value-priced alternative to the likes of an Audi Q5, BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class — all among the top sellers for their brands. The iron’s been hot for some time now, and at this year’s 2018 New York International Auto Show, GM’s luxury division will strike at long last.

Related: More 2018 New York Auto Show News

The five-seat XT4 slots below the XT5, marking the first time Cadillac will offer three SUVs. The brand claims the newest of them rides an all-new “exclusive” platform for compact SUVs, and it’s the first model built on it. When the XT4 hits dealerships in the fall, it will start at a bargain-priced $35,790, including destination — more in line with many luxury rivals’ subcompact SUVs, a smaller class that hasn’t seen as much sales popularity. Cadillac doesn’t have a direct competitor there, but the XT4 straddles the two groups a bit in price and size.

Exterior

Cadillac released one exterior shot (above), which mixes familiar cues — namely LED pipes that flow down the fenders, like those on the XT5 and CT6 — with a single bumper opening in a sea of dark cladding. The lower doors and fender edges are cladded, too, and the XT4 Sport’s grille (pictured) trades Cadillac’s traditional slats for a patterned mesh insert. It also gets clear-lens taillights versus the red units on other trims.

Those other trims are the Luxury (base) and Premium Luxury (mid-level), both of which slot below the Sport. Both get more exterior brightwork and a silver-accented grille. All trims have 18-inch alloy wheels with trim-specific design; 20-inch rims are optional.

According to preliminary specs, length and width are 181.1 inches and 74.1 inches, respectively. That makes the XT4 a few inches shorter than most major competitors, though it’s still larger than the subcompacts (think Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA-Class).

Interior

Cadillac says it designed the cabin for simplicity and expects class-leading backseat room. Power front seats, dual-zone climate control, remote start and vinyl (leatherette) upholstery are standard. Climb the trim levels and you can get genuine leather, white ambient lighting, a power liftgate and massaging seats.

On the electronics front, the XT4 employs a new rotary controller to govern the 8-inch multimedia screen. Four USB ports are standard. Near-field communication can pair faster with compatible smartphones, while available 15-watt wireless charging should speed up charging times — though current phones may still charge at a slower, device-limited pace.

Under the Hood

All XT4s get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque; it drives the front or, optionally, all four wheels, through a nine-speed automatic transmission. An available sport-tuned suspension has adaptive shock absorbers.

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