With distinctive styling and a modern interior, the 2023 Cadillac XT4 makes a good first impression. The interior is comfortable and spacious, and the infotainment is impressive. But a closer look reveals cost-cutting measures and underwhelming performance. Noise levels, ride and steering all need to improve to reach the standards of the class.
The subcompact luxury SUV class has been growing at a rapid pace as people discover they can downsize from larger SUVs and still enjoy high levels of comfort and refinement. Despite its small footprint, the 2023 Cadillac XT4 provides ample interior space for people and cargo. As an added bonus, the 2023 XT4 offers more standard safety features for an extra level of assurance.
Unfortunately, that's where the accolades stop for the XT4 since it doesn't quite deliver the overall luxury experience you'd get from its many competitors. We cover all of the XT4's advantages and drawbacks in our Expert Rating below, and we're confident you'll agree it trails the class-leading BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLB and Audi Q3 by a sizable margin.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Below Average
6.9
out of 10
We drove the 2023 Cadillac XT4 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
6.5/10
How does the XT4 drive? The XT4 packs ample power, enough for quick passing maneuvers, but it's slow off the line (0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds in our tests) and it gets winded at higher speeds. A distinct lack of steering feel and an often slow-witted transmission further hamper the XT4's sporting pretensions. Other qualities, such as braking and handling, are average.
With a light foot, the XT4 stays calm and is usually in the right gear. But more aggressive driving can catch the transmission out, either trying not to downshift or downshifting too many gears at once.
Comfort
6/10
How comfortable is the XT4? With a busy, often unsophisticated ride and a surprisingly noisy engine, the XT4 does not represent Cadillac's best effort. There's constant jitter from all four wheels on less-than-perfect roads and a never-ending stream of impacts on rough patches. This look isn't good for a luxury SUV.
Thankfully, the seats are comfortable for a variety of body types and offer plenty of lower lumbar support. Uniform air circulation keeps the cabin evenly warm or cool, aided by the optional heated and ventilated front seats. (The rear seats can also be heated.) But the XT4's engine is loud and unrefined and, in combination with excessive road noise at highway speeds, hardly seems up to traditional Cadillac standards.
Interior
7/10
How’s the interior? The XT4 makes a strong initial impression with a stylish and modern interior. But some of the controls seem unnecessary or overthought and difficult to use without errors and frustration. The dash controls are easy to figure out, but the steering wheel buttons and multimedia knob are clumsy.
Hopping in and out of the XT4 is easy thanks to the wide front door openings. The rear door openings aren't as generous, but there's plenty of legroom back there. Headroom gets a bit pinched in the rear seat, especially with the optional panoramic sunroof, but there's enough room for two adults to sit comfortably. The front of the cabin feels open and airy, and it's easy to find a comfortable driving position with good visibility.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? The XT4's infotainment system is quick, sharp and easy to use. The integrated navigation system looks a bit like Android Auto — a good thing — and the optional Bose audio system is impressive even at high volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration comes standard, along with USB and USB-C connections. There's also a wireless charging pad and new wireless functionality for CarPlay and Android Auto if you want to go cable-free. The main drawback is that the multimedia control knob is clumsy and unnecessary; it can only scroll and doesn't work in some menus.
The forward collision warning and adaptive cruise systems are well calibrated and not overly sensitive. However, Cadillac has chosen to bundle electronic driver aids like those into option packages that aren't available on the base trim level. That's disappointing for this class of vehicle.
Storage
7/10
How’s the storage? Cargo space is about average for the class. The split rear seats fold nearly flat and enhance versatility. There's also plenty of small storage spaces for drink bottles and personal items up front but less so in the back.
Child seats are easy to install thanks to easily accessible car seat anchors cleverly concealed under the leather upholstery. Large rear-facing seats may require taller drivers or front passengers to scoot up some. An inexpensive optional towing package allows the XT4 to pull up 3,500 pounds, which is about average for the class.
Fuel Economy
6/10
How’s the fuel economy? The XT4's EPA-estimated fuel economy is about average for the class. But we struggled to achieve the EPA numbers in our own testing, even with a substantial amount of highway driving. Like many other vehicles in this class, the XT4 requires higher-priced premium fuel.
Value
7.5/10
Is the XT4 a good value? Luxury-car value comes from intangibles that create a premium experience, with price often a secondary concern. But the XT4 competes in a more affordable luxury class, where money is expected to go a bit further. Here, the Cadillac doesn't do much to distinguish itself. Interior quality is a mixed bag — the leather upholstery feels rich and pliable, but it's accompanied by low-grade plastic panels. Fully loaded, this baby Cadillac can cost almost as much as more luxurious SUVs such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC.
Warranty coverage (four years/50,000 miles) is consistent with the class, but powertrain coverage (six years/70,000 miles) is better than most. Roadside assistance coverage is also above average.
Wildcard
6/10
With distinctive styling and a sleek interior, the XT4 does a good impression of a compact luxury SUV. But its performance and refinement come up short compared to European and Asian rivals, which are quieter, ride smoother and offer more dynamic performance. There's just not a lot of compelling evidence to land on the XT4. It's a solid choice for buyers who prefer to buy American, although at this price, we'd give serious thought to a fully loaded Buick Encore instead.
2023 Cadillac XT4 trim level differences
The 2023 XT4 is available in three trim levels that are largely unchanged from last year: Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport. All three use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (235 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, though all trims are available with all-wheel drive. Compare the 2023 Cadillac XT4 trim levels in-depth.
Which XT4 trim does Edmunds recommend?
The midrange Premium Luxury trim gets our recommendation in the XT4 lineup. You get more safety features than you do with the base Luxury trim as well as a few useful convenience features. To that we'd add the Driver Assistance package, which includes adaptive cruise control.
Unlike professional car reviewers I don't drive dozens of vehicles every year so I can't compare this car to any other car, all I know is that it's very comfortable, looks good, handles pretty good, and has enough power to get me around town. It's quiet enough that front seat and back seat passengers can carry on a conversation at highway speeds. I like everything about this car, the … seats are perfect, there's plenty of room inside, and the cargo area is spacious enough for me. I love the panoramic sunroof and the massage seats. Even the base stereo sounds pretty good. Hard to find some things to dislike, but I wish the gauges were a little more upscale, and the infotainment screen seems kind of small. Other than that, I'm really pleased with this car and hope to keep it for many years.
Move over Porsche Macan S
4 out of 5 stars
Mike, 03/18/2023
2023 Cadillac XT4 Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
I am a car enthusiast. I have driven sports cars from BMW, Mercedes and Porsche and was shocked at the XT4. The professional reviews DO NOT give the XT4 justice. The engine turbo is perfectly paired to the throttle response so that the XT4 feels MUCH faster and responsive than a Porsche Macan S . How do I know? I test drove both cars and was shocked at Porsche Macan S lack of boost, … weak throttle response, and cramped interior. Also, the gas mileage on the XT4 approaches 29 highway thanks to the 4 cylinders sipping the fuel. The standard options on the Sport Model just crush the other manufacturers. Hands free access to the lift gate with your foot swiping under the tailgate. The engine IS quiet. There is little to no road noise at highway speeds. Makes me wonder how the XT4 is not getting the true reviews it deserves. Take it from a Porsche, Mercedes and BMW OWNER…This 2023 Cadillac XT4 Sport is UNDER RATED . Interestingly enough… look how many owners give it 5 stars compared to the “professional car enthusiasts”. My advice, ask for a weekend long test drive of the XT4 and put it against others for performance, room, fuel mileage, safety, and modern conveniences. It packs a punch and you will come away asking your self the same question….”who is paying these reviewers to write these articles…..must be getting paid in Euro’s”
Cadillac for the WIN
I came out of a 2020 audi s4 this suv rides smooth has good pickup and is good on gas.you get good bang for the buck .it is cheaper then the audi,acura lexus and the rest of the luxury brands and lower cost for maintenance and insurance best suv i had good going gm.
There is no road noise or engine noise. You are my sledding people. I guess that goes along with you can’t believe what you read on the internet.
Just bought one to say and test drove it over rough road. Then I bought it. More internet BS.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Cadillac XT4, so we've included reviews for other years of the XT4 since its last redesign.
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