2021 CADILLAC XT4

NICE ROOM FOR PASSENGERS, CARGO IN STYLISH CADILLAC XT4

The XT4 was the last of the three crossover SUVs Cadillac brought to market to replace the popular SRX, joining the XT5 and XT6 as a 2019 model.

It is the smallest of the three and, so far at least, has trailed its larger siblings in sales with the XT5 leading the way even though the XT4 carries a starting MSRP that tops out where the XT5’s  begins. The XT4 starts at under $40,000. The XT5 and the XT6 start in the mid-to-high $40,000.

The 2021 Cadillac XT4 is offered in three trims — Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport — with front-wheel or available all-wheel drive. All come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

That combination results in mileage figures of 24 miles-per-gallon city, 30 highway for FWD models. The 4-banger is rated at 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that provides enough oomph for a comfortable, if not overpowering, driving experience. If you are looking for sporty performance and impressive off-the-line acceleration, you probably should be looking elsewhere. Otherwise, Sport mode livens things a bit for the XT4.

The best thing the XT4 has going for is a roomy, comfortable cabin with decent storage space behind the second row and a pretty long list of standard equipment.

Included in the $39,790 MSRP (including the destination and delivery charge) are such features as an improved Cadillac User Experience system for infotainment functions, keyless start, power adjustable front seats (8-way driver, 6-way passenger) with power lumbar support, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power hands-free liftgate, and safety systems that include OnStar services, front and rear park assist, front pedestrian braking, HD rear vision camera, rear cross traffic alert, safety alert seat, and lane-change alert with blind-spot detection.

Forward collision alert and braking also are included after being made standard features for the 2020 model.

The XT4 rides on 18-inch wheels with a tire sealant and inflator in place of a spare tire.

The XT4 Premium Luxury model that served for my test drive came with a lot of extras that added to its appeal. The options included a Comfort and Technology Preference package (8-way adjustable passenger seat, massage function for the front seats, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and power tilt and telescoping steering column), an Enhanced Visibility package (rear camera mirror with washer, rear pedestrian alert, and HD surround vision, an upgraded CUE  system that included navigation and Bose premium sound, and a driver assistance system that include lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning.

That all ran the final bottom line to $48,935, which may explain why the XT5 is the more popular vehiile in the XT series when it comes to sales numbers.

What I liked about the 2021 Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury: A generous cargo area behind the second row provides lots of room for most tasks, and it can be more than doubled by folding those seats. The CUE infotainment system has been greatly improved. Somebody must have been listening to earlier complaints. There is good legroom for the second row.

What I didn’t like about the 2021 Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury: The Premium Luxury trim has lots of standard features included in the base MSRP, but to get the exotic stuff (massage function for front seats, HD surround vision, adaptive cruise control) you need option packages that run up the bottom line considerably. It could use V6 power.

Would I buy the 2021 Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury? I’d give it a look because it is the right size unless you need a third row. Some of its competitors have a more premium feel to the interior.