Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
Auto

2020 Cadillac XT4

BY Benjamin Yong, 30 Mar, 2020

    Fresh Cadillac crossover

    Continuing to fill out an already robust portfolio, Cadillac rolled out an all-new offering last year in the XT4. Classified as a compact SUV and slotting underneath bigger brother the XT5, the model boasts the brand’s latest styling language — created by a team of young designers reflecting the target demographic — and technologies. Let’s see how it stacks up.

    \Wearing unique “light blade” inverted L-shaped signature daytime running lights, the vehicle certainly possesses a distinct look when approaching head-on. Complementary LED taillights are found at the back, either covered with standard red lenses on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims or clear ones for the Sport, which we drove. Although the entry-level crossover in the automaker’s lineup, the XT4 is not small. At 4,599 millimetres long, 1,881 wide and 1,627 tall, the sizable exterior measurements translate into a roomy interior. Plenty of head and legroom is available for all occupants, and folding the rear seats forward opens up 1,385 litres of cargo space.

    There’s certainly nothing entry-level about the well-equipped interior. Darpan’s tester in particular was fully decked out boasting the Comfort and Convenience Package (+2,795) that includes leather front heated and ventilated massaging front seats. The Light Wheat/Black upholstery colour scheme is striking, although will likely show dirt and scuffs easier than the other choices over time.

    All Sport grades receive a special chunky steering wheel with paddle shifters. The thick spokes feel great in hand and enhances the overall driving experience. Next to the wheel is a 768p high-resolution eight-inch touchscreen — I’ve rarely seen a clearer picture on a display when the backup camera is activated.

    Powering the hardware is the next-generation Cadillac CUE infotainment system. Much improved over previous versions, there’s virtually no lag time but for ease of navigation a rotary volume and/or tuner knob would speed user inputs up a bunch. Caddy has chosen the XT4 to introduce Near Field Communication (NFC) allowing almost instant smartphone pairing, much quicker than using conventional Bluetooth.

    A turbocharged 2.0-litre mill making 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque lurks under the hood, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Featuring what’s referred to as an industry-first tripower setup, performance and efficiency are optimized via high and low valve lift and cylinder deactivation. The acceleration off the line actually kind of surprised me. I just wish the engine note was a little less tinny and more throaty.

    The XT4 sits atop a front strut and five-link independent rear suspension system. Our press vehicle had the optional Active Sport Suspension (+$1,395) installed, designed to constantly monitor road surface conditions and adjust the dampening on the fly to match. I was actually surprised at how stiff the ride was for a crossover, but it is also the reason why handling is sharper than most in the segment.

    Twin-clutch all-wheel drive provides a surefooted grip in all weather conditions, helpful in a climate such as Vancouver’s where the rainy days often outnumber the sunny ones. When the skies open up and the streets dry up, however, the SUV is capable of operating in two-wheel drive mode to conserve fuel.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    MSRP: $59,105

    Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder

    Horsepower: 237 @ 5,000 rpm

    Torque (lb-ft): 258 @ 1,500 rpm

    Gearbox: Nine-speed automatic

    Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive

    Fuel economy: 14.3 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

    MORE Auto ARTICLES

    2020 Honda Passport

    Honda calls their latest model the “most rugged light truck yet,” built on the brand’s unibody Global Light Truck Platform

    Sports Cars & Concepts at 53rd Annual SEMA Auto Show

    Among all the tuners and accessory manufacturers were select automakers showing off unique products not seen in dealer showrooms.

    2020 Porsche Taycan: Venturing into the Electric Car Market

    When the brakes are applied, the car’s regenerative system supplies 90 per cent of the stopping power and the big disc brakes finish the rest of the stopping power.

    2020 Lincoln Aviator: Mid-size Luxury SUV

    The mid-size luxury SUV doesn’t really have anything in common with its namesake from the early 2000s, but rather is the replacement for the outgoing MKT — and there’s a whole lot more going on here besides a simple moniker swap

    2020 Nissan Armada: The Largest SUV in the Line-up

    Under the hood is where the Armada steps away from many other SUVs as it is equipped with a stump pulling 5.6-litre double overhead cam V8 with 390 horsepower. 

    2019 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT: Turbocharged Muscle Car Fun

    So what’s new for 2019? The front end of our 1LT is definitely meaner looking. 

    PrevNext