The 2024 Cadillac XT4, Cadillac’s smallest luxury SUV, offers an attractive blend of style, comfort, and performance that’s ideal for city driving and weekend getaways. To put this vehicle to the test, I recently took it on a round-trip drive from Los Angeles to Orange County—a drive that combines urban traffic, highway cruising, and coastal vibes. Here’s a breakdown of my experience with the XT4.
Exterior Design: Sharp and Sophisticated
The Cadillac XT4 immediately catches the eye with its sharp, angular design. The refreshed 2024 model features a wider front grille and slimmer LED headlights, giving it a sleek, modern appearance. The sculpted bodywork enhances its road presence, yet its compact size makes it approachable for those who need an SUV but don’t want to deal with oversized dimensions.
On the streets of LA, the XT4 blended seamlessly with the city’s upscale vibe. Its 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents give it a sophisticated look, and I got more than a few admiring glances as I maneuvered through the crowded streets of downtown. Cadillac’s signature LED lighting adds a touch of elegance, especially during the night drive back from Orange County.
Interior: Luxury Meets Technology
Stepping inside the XT4, you’re greeted with premium materials and a clean, minimalist design. The seats are upholstered in soft leather, and the front seats offer both heating and ventilation. On my early morning drive out of LA, I appreciated the heated steering wheel and seats—especially during those cool California mornings.
The XT4’s infotainment system has seen significant upgrades for 2024. The 33-inch curved OLED display, which stretches across the dash, is stunning. It’s crisp, vibrant, and responsive, allowing for seamless control of navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Cadillac has done an excellent job integrating smartphone connectivity, and I easily synced my iPhone using wireless Apple CarPlay. Android Auto is also available. The XT4 comes with a premium 13-speaker AKG audio system, delivering concert-like sound quality—a real treat as I cruised down the Pacific Coast Highway.
Performance: Smooth Yet Spirited
Under the hood, the 2024 XT4 packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the power delivery is smooth, with enough punch for quick accelerations when needed.
Starting from LA, the XT4 felt at home on both crowded city streets and highways. Its nimble size allowed for easy navigation through traffic, and the engine had more than enough power to keep up with the fast pace of the freeway. I opted for the Sport trim, which comes with adaptive suspension. This feature made a noticeable difference on the uneven roads of LA, as it absorbed bumps and provided a comfortable, composed ride.
Once I hit the open road toward Orange County, I shifted into Sport mode. The steering became more responsive, and the XT4 felt more athletic, making the coastal curves a breeze. The highway stability was excellent, and lane-keeping assist added peace of mind, especially during stretches of heavy traffic.
Fuel Economy: A Solid Performer
For an SUV, the XT4 delivers respectable fuel economy. Cadillac estimates around 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. On my journey, I averaged close to 28 MPG, even with some spirited driving along the coast. The XT4’s 15.9-gallon fuel tank provided plenty of range for the entire round trip from LA to Orange County and back, with fuel to spare.
Safety Features: Confidence on the Road
The 2024 XT4 is packed with advanced safety features, making it a reliable choice for families or anyone who prioritizes safety. Standard on all models are Cadillac’s Smart System suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning. I found the adaptive cruise control to be particularly helpful on the freeway, maintaining a safe distance from the cars ahead while reducing driver fatigue.
Additionally, the XT4 offers a head-up display, projecting vital information like speed and navigation onto the windshield, allowing me to keep my eyes on the road. The rearview camera mirror was also handy, providing a wide and unobstructed view of what was behind me.
Comfort: Road Trip Ready
The trip from Los Angeles to Orange County isn’t particularly long, but it was a perfect opportunity to test the XT4’s long-distance comfort. The seats remained supportive throughout the journey, and the cabin is well-insulated, blocking out most of the wind and road noise. Even with the sun blazing on the way back to LA, the dual-zone climate control kept the cabin cool and comfortable.
The rear seats offer decent legroom for an SUV of this size, making it a great option for small families or groups. The XT4 also has a respectable 22.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which expands to 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down—more than enough space for luggage, groceries, or weekend gear.
Final Verdict: A Stylish Compact SUV with Cadillac Flair
The 2024 Cadillac XT4 is a well-rounded, luxurious compact SUV that shines in both city driving and on the open road. It offers a fine balance of comfort, style, and technology, with enough performance to make driving fun without sacrificing fuel efficiency. For those who want a premium vehicle that’s small enough to handle LA’s urban jungle but spacious enough for weekend getaways to places like Orange County, the XT4 is a compelling option.
With its sharp design, luxurious interior, and solid performance, the Cadillac XT4 proves that you don’t need a large SUV to enjoy a premium driving experience. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising down the coast, the XT4 delivers in style.
