The world of premium crossovers is filled with a bevy of choice and there are certainly some very good options out there.
While some people might focus on foreign automakers in this sphere, the Cadillac brand is not to be overlooked.
In this case, we tested the 2022 Cadillac XT4 Sport, the smallest crossover from the North American luxury brand.
The base price for the XT4 Sport, the top of three available trims, is $43,298. Our tester was outfitted with more than $14,000 in options, pushing the as-tested price to $59,608.
The additions include a large sunroof, gloss black 20-inch wheels, Technology Package, Driver Awareness package, Enhanced Visibility Package, Premium Comfort and Convenience Package and a few smaller one-offs.
It’s quite a stylish crossover and with some of the options chosen for this particular vehicle, it does make a statement when rolling up to the party.
Powertrain: Regardless of which trim you decide to buy, the XT4 has but one engine choice on offer.
Luckily, it’s a pretty decent one in the form of a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder powerplant that produces 235 horsepower – down from 237 in 2021 – and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission.
This is not the sportiest of vehicles, though, but it is a solid city cruiser offering excellent acceleration and power for highway passes.
The XT4 has an estimated combined fuel economy of 9.7 litres of premium fuel per 100 kilometres, which is nowhere near where I was able to achieve: 12.8 L/100 km.
Exterior: From the outside, the XT4 sure makes a statement, especially in the Stellar Black Metallic paint – a $900 extra – that is paired with those gloss black wheels and a few blacked out exterior badges.
The black-on-black look is quite nice.
The front fascia also makes a bold statement, with its large headlight assemblies and grille taking centre stage.
There is some symmetry to the design when you view the XT4 in silhouettes, with a slight point of the front fascia matched at the rear. The rising beltline will draw you eye to the back end, which has large vertical L shaped taillights dominating the look.
Despite being a holdover design, the XT4 is quite nice.
Interior: The cabin is perhaps where the XT4 falls short of some competitors, but only in certain areas.
Let’s start with the good parts, and there are several.
As part of the Premium Comfort and Convenience Package ($3,055), buyers get enhanced seating, including leather surfaces and in the case of our tester, a nice Sedona/black scheme in the cabin to brighten things up.
They look great and are comfortable, front and back.
The layout of the cabin is good, with simple rows of buttons for a variety of controls and a central dial in the middle console for infotainment controls.
The fit and finish on this trim, with the upgraded cabin, seems very good.
The gauge cluster features large digital display between the analog gauges to share crucial information.
Infotainment: This was perhaps my biggest complaint about the XT4. The screen, despite the upgraded 8-inch size, just looks too small. And when compared to some of the screens we are seeing in some competitors, it screams of being outdated.
That said, the system itself is good and easy to use. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging, are all welcome features.
The menus are easy to navigate and response time for the system is excellent. The system also includes satellite radio and navigation.
Drive: The XT4 Sport, despite the name, is not the sporty vehicle the name portends to be. But that isn’t a big knock on the crossover because it still delivers a competent ride. In the city and on the highway, it offers occupants a relaxed drive for the most part, but rougher pavement will definitely be felt.
The tester had a few items that helped the experience of the driver, including the Technology Package ($1,595) which adds head-up display and an 8-inch driver information centre. The Driver Awareness Package ($545) adds lane keep assist and lane departure warning, while the Enhanced Visibility Package ($1,795) includes rear pedestrian alert, rear camera mirror and automatic parking assist.
It took some time to get used to the rear camera mirror, but there are definite benefits to this technology, especially if your cargo area is often loaded and blocking the rear-view mirror.
2022 Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport
2022 Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport
2022 Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport
2022 Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport
Conclusion: It is a competitive landscape out there for luxury crossovers and while the XT4 certainly has the style and design to compete in my view, the cabin may have some consumers looking elsewhere.
While the optional leather seating on definitely ups the game, I still felt that I was in an older generation vehicle when it comes to the infotainment screen and its setup. It is not a huge negative, but there are other, more modern choices out there.
2022 Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport
Price as tested: $59,608.00
Freight: $2,200.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder/ 9-speed automatic
Power/torque: 235 horsepower/ 258 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (61.7 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 9.7 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.8 L/100 km
Warranties: 4-years/80,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Audi Q3, Acura RDX, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLB Class, Volvo XC40
Link: Cadillac Canada