2024 Cadillac XT4 Sport 350T: attractive, but engine disappointing – Road test

The smallest SUV in the history of Cadillac continues to enjoy great success in Quebec with more than 1,000 copies sold in 2023. To remain popular wherever it puts its wheels, after 5 years on the market, it was ripe for an update. Cadillac touches everything except the mechanics, but above all it now gives us an interesting interior for the segment.

It’s a trick

Over the years, Cadillac has developed its personality in terms of design. I like the fact that we are getting a lot of guidance from the younger one XT4 pretending Celestiq. Obviously, the front is at the center of this expression as evidenced by the improvement of the optical units redesigned for 2024. The LED teardrops remain, but the main elements of the lights descend on the bumper. The set retains LED technology and offers powerful night lights.

The bumper is generally redesigned, but very subtle. We note that the Sport version no longer has chrome on the bodywork, everything is painted black. The 20-inch rims, available as an option for $1,295, give it a sporty look and accommodate the wheel wells better than the 18-inch ones. At the back, like the front, there are few changes, especially in the bumper which has been refined. I love the combination of the L and J lights that curve the trunk. The clear lenses of the Sport model provide a more powerful sound overall.

For my $1,395 white tester, visibility was improved. However, I could see a nice difference in the tone of the white between the different body panel designs.

Wow!

Everyone knows that now we live in a world of screens, and cars too. At Cadillac, since the arrival of the latest Lyriq, we swear by these great monitors. Although the XT4 is at the bottom of the range, it gets a 33-inch curved screen for 2024. Is it impressive? Yes! Especially since the manufacturer pays special attention to the stitching finish that simulates the transmission of power when starting on the dashboard. There is a real “wow” effect.

With a full 33-inch digital screen, one can play with a collection of tables and data. Same way for multimedia system. It is not the most attractive of its kind, but it remains functional. Speaking of performance, Cadillac keeps the climate control in a narrow band. Again, it is very ergonomic. Add to that the fact that the model we tested came with Sedona brown and black leather upholstery. the frame was superb. Overall finish is also above average for the segment. Visibility is good from all angles with high windows.

Since we are talking about a Cadillac, we expect a good level of comfort. This is achieved with chairs that provide good support. For a fee, you can add climate control and even a massage program to the seats. Given the XT4’s size, when opening the rear door, you quickly understand that its family appeal is limited. Despite the light provided by the paneled roof ($1,795), you feel restricted. Space is limited for a young person or an adult. Even in the child’s seat, he will have his legs in the backrest. As for the trunk, we start with a volume of 637 liters and increase to 1,384 liters with folded seat backs. I really wonder where those liters are.

The situation is a shame

The only aspect that Cadillac hasn’t touched is the mechanics. According to my essay, I think the engineers should have invited themselves to the meeting when the prototype update was discussed. In fact, there is no kind of electricity under the hood. We’re updating the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder we’ve known since the model’s launch in 2019. It makes 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. I’d like to see more power, because I often felt like the engine was running out of steam. Torque is generous, but acceleration is available with some aural pain. This engine is light and vibrates a little too much for my taste for a Cadillac product.

The all-wheel-drive style 9-speed automatic transmission works well and provides smooth shifts. However, even though it has several gears, it fails to control fuel consumption. I averaged 11.3 litres/100 km during my test. This abuse is explained by the fact that I always drove the car in manual (not automatic), that I was in the middle of a snowstorm and, above all, that GM had already installed tires. my car, so it’s very slippery.

It’s a shame the engine doesn’t live up to expectations, because the XT4’s handling is exemplary. We really enjoy behind the wheel. The handling is well balanced and has nothing to envy the European products facing. Same story for suspension. Obviously, the Europeans served as a basis in their preparation. The XT4 is well planted on its wheels, especially since it has a very short wheelbase. It can take turns with power and maintain good stability. In urban driving, the suspension can be a little dry for those who have Fleetwood as their last reference.

Conclusion

The Cadillac XT4 2024 it still deserves its place in the list of best buys in its segment. I will not conceal the fact that I would like a more refined and more economical system; but for others, the XT4 hits the target head and comes with good reliability. However, you should be careful with the temptation of options, my example, fully loaded with options, costs $64,179, while the base price of the Luxury model is almost $20,000 less.