2024 Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport Review: A Small Luxury SUV with a Big Screen

The compact SUV market is packed with choices from almost every automaker competing in the space. Can the 2024 Cadillac XT4 keep up with the crowd? Riding on the E2XX platform that underpins vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick Regal, the XT4 offers a decidedly car-like ride with a smooth suspension and confident handling. I first drove the XT4 when it debuted in 2018, and since then, it hasn’t changed too dramatically. However, for 2024, it’s got a sharp new front-end design and some noteworthy tech upgrades.

The new grille is wider and more modern looking than before, and the LED lighting up front is sleeker and more distinctive. The latest XT4 is still powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque along with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. It’s available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the version I tested here. The powertrain is enough to pull the compact SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a reasonable 7.3 seconds – not exactly sporty, but sufficient for everyday passing needs. Fuel economy is better than average, offering 23 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 28 MPG combined. The power steering system has a neutral weight and offers reasonable control and command of the vehicle. Body roll is well-tamed, and this XT4 came equipped with an active sport suspension system, which meaningfully stiffens the damping when in sport mode. In sport mode, the exhaust note is more noticeable. One thing I did notice is that the cabin was noisier than I expected for a luxury vehicle. From what I could tell, it mainly was tire noise.

18-inch alloy wheels come standard, but the upgraded 20-inch diamond-cut rims suit its proportions better. Around the back, the 2024 model retains the tall vertical taillamps of the first-gen model, but the lower lights are now vertical as well and moved higher than before. This gives the lower finisher around the dual exhaust pipes a cleaner look. One feature that I’m glad Cadillac retained was the rear wiper that hides under the roof spoiler, giving the rear window a nice clean look when it’s not raining out.

The most significant upgrade for 2024 is the new 33-inch display that caps off the dashboard of the XT4. This technology first appeared in the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, and it’s nice to see it starting to appear on other models. The subtly curved display is beautifully crisp and colorful and isn’t just a couple of off-the-shelf displays glued side by side. The screen has curved edges instead of squared-off ones and is an excellent example of what’s possible with modern display technology. The left half of the screen shows driving information like a speedometer, a fuel gauge, and a tachometer, and it can also show a map from your navigation system of choice. A small touch-sensitive area to the left of the instrument cluster lets you switch between these display modes.

The right half of the display is a touchscreen that provides access to multimedia controls, as well as wireless access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system is powered by Google, so it includes Google Assistant voice-based capabilities, as well as access to apps on the Google Play Store. Cadillac learned its lesson back in the all-touch CUE days and gave us just the right amount of physical inputs as well, with switches for cabin and seat climate controls, along with a console-mounted volume knob. Speaking of the audio system, I was pretty disappointed in the sound quality of the upgraded 14-speaker AKG audio system.

This $875 upgrade let me cold with its poor dynamic range at low volume and muddy overall sound unless cranked up to ear-splitting volume levels. It doesn’t matter how nice the metal speaker grilles look if the drivers behind them can’t back it up. My recollection is the base 7-speaker Bose system sounded a lot better. Other tech on board includes rain-sensing wipers, front collision alert, rear park assist, intelligent high beams, blind zone steering assist, and remote start. My tester came equipped with a digital rearview mirror, a razor-sharp surround video camera system, a head-up display, wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and enhanced lane-keep assist, among other upgrades. I was hoping Cadillac might have offered Super Cruise as an option for this model year, but the hands-free driving assistance system is not yet available on the XT4.

The cabin of the Sport grade has a few really nice design elements, specifically the curved suede panel on the dashboard with an abstract blue and white stitched pattern. Matching blue stitching continues on the leather seatbacks, center armrest, and door panels. There’s also a smidgen of real carbon fiber inside all four doors and aluminum-trimmed pedals. This well-equipped XT4 came with the optional dual-pane sunroof, which opens in the front and brings extra light into the second row.

The front seats are wide and comfortable, offering good support and standard heat. The driver’s seat offers 8-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat has 6-way controls. The $2350 Comfort and Convenience Package upgrades the passenger side to 8-way controls, adding ventilation and driver and passenger lumbar massage. It’s more subtle than some competing massage features but does a good job of reducing fatigue sitting in traffic and on long road trips. The second row has similarly comfortable leather seats and good headroom for taller passengers. Kneeroom is a little tight if you’ve got a tall person in front with their seat pushed back – my knees touched the seatback when I adjusted the front passenger seat for a 6-foot-tall person. There’s a fold-down armrest with cupholders, center console vents, and USB-A and USB-C ports for charging gadgets.

Cargo space is ample, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 48.9 cubic feet with the split-folding rear seats down. Bump-outs behind the wheel wells provide enough space for a full set of golf clubs. Underneath the cargo floor, there’s a large storage tray big enough for a 17-inch compact spare tire, though there’s a $350 upcharge if you want one instead of the standard inflator kit.

While the 2024 XT4 AWD Sport starts at $44,495, options make its price balloon significantly. By the time you tick the boxes on all the add-ons seen here, it comes to $56,620, and that’s before the $1,195 destination charge. And that, my friends, is where my biggest concern about the XT4 lies. It’s a pleasant and small SUV, but other than the slick super-wide screen and distinctive Cadillac styling, it doesn’t do much to differentiate itself from others. Its drivetrain is a pretty straight shot down the fairway, and with compelling options like the Acura RDX, Volvo XC40, and BMW X1, I think you’d surely should test drive each before jumping in and buying the Caddy.