The subcompact SUV segment is on a rage these days and major automakers are fighting to get a bigger chunk of the pie. The subcompact SUV vehicles are liked by the consumers owing to their smaller size , powerful stance, better creature comforts, and practicality with the maintenance costs that are similar to a premium sedan or hatchback. Seeing the potential in the segment, premium automakers like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz had also participated to win the premium subcompact SUV segment. Looking at their entry in the market , how can the homegrown Cadillac stay behind. Cadillac is also a maker of some exclusive and premium cars around the world.
Cadillac showcased the XT4 SUV to the world in 2018 and has been trying to win the hearts of the buyers with its distinctive styling and better creature comforts since then. The 2020 model was refreshed and the same styling was carried to the 2021 model. A facelift was planned for the 2022 model, but the pandemic just pushed it forward to 2023. So we can expect the 2022 model to be on the same lines as the present model. We expect the 2022 XT4 to be available in three trims namely the Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport. The prices are expected to start at $ 37,200 for the Luxury trim and will go up to $ 41,500 for the top of the line Sport trim excluding additional options and charges.
2022 Cadillac XT4 SUV Front View
2022 Cadillac XT4 SUV Rear View
Features
As per the 2021 model, the 2022 model is also expected to come in three trim options namely the Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport. Along with these trims Cadillac also offers optional packages and features to further muscle up the SUV to your desired taste.
Trims
Luxury
Premium Luxury
Sport
MSRP*
37,200
41,200
41,500
MSRP (AWD)*
39,700
43,700
44,000
Key features
2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine
Adds to or upgrades to the Luxury trim
Adds to or upgrades to the Premium Luxury trim
LED Headlamps and Tail lamps
Satin aluminum longitudinal roof rails
Sport grille
Heated and body coloured outside mirrors
Illuminated door handles
4-way power lumbar driver seat controls
18" 10-spoke alloy wheels with Bright Silver finish
Optional wireless charging
Power driver and front passenger seatback bolsters
HD Rear Vision Camera
Hands-free power liftgate
Optional Active Sport Suspension
Remote Start
Automatic on/off headlamps with Tunnel Detection
Red-painted brake calipers
Standard 7-speaker audio system with auxiliary amplifier
Ambient interior lighting
18" 10-spoke alloy wheels with Diamond Cut/Argent Metallic finish
8-way power driver seat adjuster/ 6- way for passenger
Inside rear view auto dimming mirror
Body color door handles
60/40 split-folding rear seat
Driver Memory
Front cornering lamps
We Recommend
Going through the expected list of features and price list , we suggest you opt for the Premium Luxury trim which will come with a correct balance of features and appropriate pricing. Many optional packages and features can be availed with this trim to suit your desired needs.
Release Date
Cadillac has not announced any launch date for the 2022 XT4 model as of now. We expect the 2022 Cadillac XT4 to arrive in late summer 2021.
Engine and Performance
8.0/10
The 2022 model is expected to be equipped with the same powertrain as that of the 2021 model. It will get a 2.0 L inline four turbocharged engine producing 237 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. It will be mated to a 9-speed automatic and electronically controlled transmission for smooth and seamless performance. The 2022 XT4 will get an FWD standard drivetrain. However, AWD configuration will be optional for all the trims for an additional cost of $2,500. The drivetrain is also expected to offer optimal balance of fuel economy, better performance, and handling.
2022 Cadillac XT4 SUV Engine Bay
Like the 2021 model, the 2022 model won’t be an overwhelming performer. The 2021 model cruises well on the highway but it's not urgent to respond.It takes 7.8 seconds to reach the 60mph mark which is slightly disappointing. The ride is composed on smooth road surfaces but on some unpaved surfaces it can become uncomfortable with its suspension slightly tuned on the stiffer side. You do get an optional active suspension but for the sport trim only and for the ones opting for the other two trims, we wish you luck.When driven hard the engine becomes coarse and the sound can be heard in the cabin. So we expect the 2022 model to come with better NVH levels.
Model (2022)
Cadillac XT4
BMW X1
Audi Q3
Merc-Benz GLA 250
MSRP
$37,200*
$37,400*
$37,000*
$37,650*
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Gas I4
2.0L power turbo inline -4
2.0L Turbo Inline-4
Turbocharged 2.0L inline-four
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
AWD
FWD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
8-speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
8-speed automatic
Power
237hp @5000rpm
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
228 hp @ 5,000 rpm
221 @ 5,000
Torque
258lb-ft@1500rpm
258 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm
258 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
258 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
0-60 mph (sec)
7.8
6.8
7
6.8
Quarter Mile (sec)
15.1
14.1
15.7
14.9
Top Speed (mph)
126
137
130
130
*Expected, 2021 data used for comparison
The 2022 models are expected to carry forward the 2021 specifications and so the performance figures won’t differ much. The BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 are clearly faster in the 0-60mph sprint and offer higher top speeds than the XT4. Even the Audi performs better than the XT4. The Germans are also known to offer better ride quality with well controlled NVH levels. The XT4 produces the max power, but is also on the heavier side which hampers its performance to some extent. We hope that the 2022 model gets some better tuning for more performance and higher top speed.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
The 2022 model is expected to deliver a combined fuel efficiency of 26 mpg and with a tank capacity of 15.9 gallons, it will offer 410 miles combined range which is just okay. If you’ll opt for a all wheel drive powertrain then expect a drop of 1-2 mpg in the combined fuel efficiency
Model (2022)
Cadillac XT4
BMW X1
Audi Q3
Merc-Benz GLA 250
MPG(City)
24*
23*
23*
25*
MPG(Highway)
30*
32*
28*
34*
MPG (Combined)
26*
26*
20*
28*
Fuel Capacity
15.9 gallons
16.1 gallons
15.9 gallons
16.4 gallons
Range (City/Highway/Combined)
381.6/477/410 miles
386/531/418 miles
302/429/349 miles
330/502/450 miles
*Expected, 2021 data used for comparison
Going on the lines of the 2021 model, the 2022 models are expected to offer similar fuel efficiency figures. The GLA 250 offers the best fuel efficiency figures and also comes with a larger fuel tank capacity of 16.4 gallons, which offers it better range as compared to its competition. The BMW X1 offers similar fuel efficiency as the XT4 however, it offers better range owing to its larger fuel tank of 16.1 gallons, just second to the GLA 250. The Audi offers the least fuel efficiency and with a fuel tank capacity of 15.9 gallons it can travel just 349 miles on a full tank.
Interior
8.5/10
The 2022 XT4 interiors would remain largely unchanged from the current model and we hope that it does change for good. The cargo space and seating comfort is top notch. However, the premiumness that you expect in this segment is missing. The dashboard is covered in faux leather trim but the lower trim panel on the doors are still found to be made from flimsy plastic stuff which looks unpleasing.The seating comfort and leg space is good across both the rows. The cargo space is also very good and thus this SUV scores high on practicality front.
2022 Cadillac XT4 SUV Interior Overview
The driver seat is 8-way power adjustable with 2 - way lumbar adjustments and the passenger seat is 6-way power adjustable with 2 -way lumbar support as standard.For better climate control inside the cabin, all trims will be equipped with a dual-zone automatic climate control The higher trims get more adjustment and lumbar support. You will also get support for 4.2" diagonal color Driver Information Center to display various information to the driver You also get an optional 8” display but that is reserved for higher trims. The features like ambient interior lighting, driver memory, optional driver lumbar massage, optional head up display , interior rear view dimming mirror etc are available with higher trims and elevate the driver experience to the next level.
Model (2022)
Cadillac XT4
BMW X1
Audi Q3
Merc-Benz GLA 250
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)
39.4/57/40.4
41.9/55.6/40.4
39.6/56.7/40.0
40.1/55.5/41.3
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)
38.3/55.1/39.5
39.4/55.2//37.0
37.6/55.1/36.1
38.4/54.4/38.4
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)
22.5
27.1
23.7
15.4
*Expected, 2021 data used for comparison
The 2022 XT4 will offer considerable cargo capacity for its size. However , the competitors from the BMW and Audi will offer better cargo capacity. The leg space offered in the second row is the most in the XT4 followed by the GLA 250, BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The GLA 250 offers good cabin seating comfort but falls short in the cargo capacity department with just 15.4 cu-ft of volume available to load up your luggage
Some of the standout interior features of the 2022 XT4 will be:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Driver Memory
Second row USB ports for charging
Available Automatic heated steering wheel
Keyless entry
Interior Humidity sensor
Available front heated seats
Steering wheel mounted controls
Ambient interior lighting
How intuitive is the car’s infotainment unit?
Just like the 2021 model, the 2022 XT4 model will be powered by a 8” touchscreen display mounted in the centre of the dashboard and running Cadillac’s CUE software. The interface will be easy to use and intuitive in nature. The touchscreen will be sharp and offer decent legibility. In addition to touch , you will also get a rotary knob on the centre console for controlling various infotainment functions.
2022 Cadillac XT4 SUV Infotainment System
The connectivity features will include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system will also include an onboard WiFi hotspot and a seven speaker music system as standard which is a good thing. You can also opt for a 13- speaker Bose premium audio system to make your journeys even more musical with better output and clarity. You’ll also get access to SiriusXM with 360L trial subscription as standard across all trims
Some of the standout infotainment features of the 2022 XT4 will be:
Bose Centerpoint surround sound audio system (Optional)
The 2022 XT4 will be the same as the 2021 model. So don’t expect any exterior changes in the new model. However if rumors are to be believed, then Cadillac will drop three exterior colours in favour of another three new exterior colours for the 2022 model. It will retain the sharp styling of the 2021 model. The full LED headlights with DRLs and the traditional Cadillac grille paired with an upright stance gives it an appealing SUV look.
2022 Cadillac XT4 SUV Side View
The sides will be a plain affair and will not offer much visual drama as the front fascia and the rear profile except the cladding on the wheel arches which gives it a rugged look. The roof rails will give it a proper SUV appeal. The rear profile will imbibe two vertical LED tail lights that are stretched to the roof across the rear windscreen glass and reaching for the spoiler. The 18” alloy wheels with different designs and 20” optional alloy wheels for the Sport trim blend well with the overall design language of the car.
Model (2022)
Cadillac XT4
BMW X1
Audi Q3
Merc-Benz GLA 250
Curb Weight
3,660 lbs
3543 lbs
3905 lbs
3384 lbs
Length
181.1”
175.4”
176.6"
173.6"
Width
76.7”
71.7”
72.8"
72.2"
Height
64.1”
62.9”
64.1"
63.6"
Ground Clearance
6.7”
7.2”
6.9"
7.1"
Wheelbase
109.4”
105.1”
105.5"
107.4"
The 2022 XT4 will be the second heaviest of the lot which affects its fuel economy and performance to some extent. The GLA 250 being on the lighter side offers the best fuel efficiency and performance. A longer length and longer wheelbase will grant the XT4 more interior space and second row leg space. A ground clearance of just 6.7” is on the lesser side but anyways it was not meant for off-road usage.The X1 and the Q3 comes very close to each other in terms of exterior dimensions, except the Audi is on the heavier side.
Some of the standout exterior features of the 2022 XT4 will be:
The 2022 XT4 is a carry forward and hence will come with all the safety features and driver assistance technologies. The 2021 model was rated by both the NHTSA and IIHS. The NHTSA had given it an overall five star safety rating in all the crash tests performed by it. The IIHs had also praised it with “Good” tag in all its test scenarios and the XT4 passed all of them with flying colours.
The XT4 is equipped with some class leading safety features but mind you not all come as standard. Some of the features are optional and some are reserved for higher trims. The features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert,Front Pedestrian Braking,HD Rear Vision Camera, Passenger sensing system, eight airbags etc come as standard. So you can be rest assured that the 2022 XT4 will also be a very safe vehicle and is guaranteed to ensure your peace of mind.
Some of the standout safety features of the 2022 XT4 will be:
OnStar and Cadillac Connected Services
Rear Park Assist
Teen Driver
Forward Collision Alert
Following Distance Indicator (Optional)
Front and /rear park assist(Higher Trims)
HD rear vision camera
HD Surround Vision(Optional)
Lane Keep Assist (Optional)
Lane Departure Warning (Optional)
Competition
8.0/10
2022 Cadillac XT4 V/S 2022 BMW X1
The Cadillac XT4 will be a well rounded package, in terms of space and value as compared to the X1. The X1 will offer better performance and refined interiors as compared to the Cadillac XT4. The X1 will also offer better cargo capacity and ground clearance which makes it capable to drive over some unpaved surfaces.
2022 BMW X1
2022 Cadillac XT4 V/S 2022 Merc-Benz GLA 250
The 2022 GLA will be priced higher than the outgoing model and will be more expensive compared to the 2022 XT4. It will also offer a more polished powertrain with better fuel efficiency and well controlled NVH levels.
2022 Merc-Benz GLA 250
It will give you a true feel of a premium compact SUV. The XT4 on the other hand will provide more aggressive styling and interior passenger space for better comfort.
2022 Cadillac XT4 V/S 2022 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 will be priced very similar to the XT4. The Audi will also be overall a better performer and offer a better in-cabin feel with refined NVH levels.
2022 Audi Q3
The Cadillac will excel at better rear legroom as compared to the Q3, where the Q3 can feel a little bit cramped.The XT4 will boast of higher fuel efficiency figures and offer better range owing to a larger fuel tank.
Final Verdict
The XT4 is a good option in the compact premium SUV market and scores well in terms of safety, space and features. However, many of the premium features will be reserved for higher trims and as a part of optional packages. If you are a fan of American Luxury brands and want to own one , then you can surely opt for the 2022 Cadillac XT4. But many European rivals offer more refined and luxurious interiors along with better performance. If you are willing to shell out more bucks, you should check out the other options as well.
