2019 Cadillac XT4 ‘Baby’ SUV Debuts With Turbo Power And Affordable Price

Cadillac’s sedan-focused lineup is finally getting some much needed relief as the company has taken the wraps off the 2019 XT4.

Looking like a shrunken down version of the XT5, the XT4 has a familiar design as it adopts a wide grille which is flanked by drooping LED headlights. The crossover also has a bulging hood, streamlined bodywork and black plastic body cladding.

Three trim levels with unique styling

Three different versions will be available and each model will have distinctive styling inside and out. The entry-level XT4 Luxury starts at $35,790 and features satin aluminum exterior trim and 18-inch alloy wheels with a bright silver finish.

Inside, the model has power front seats, aluminum trim and leatherette upholstery. Drivers will also find a dual-zone automatic climate control system and four USB ports.

The Luxury model

The XT4 Premium Luxury goes one step further as it has satin aluminum roof rails, illuminated door handles and 18-inch wheels with a pearl nickel finish. The crossover also comes equipped with a power liftgate and an assortment of driver assistance features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert.

Drivers will find a more luxurious interior as the model has leather seats, ambient lighting and wood or aluminum trim. Other niceties include an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a memory function for the driver’s seat.

Of course, there’s a Sport edition

Lastly, the XT4 Sport is the most distinctive of the bunch as it has gloss black exterior accents, unique taillights and special 18-inch alloy wheels. The sporty theme continues in the cabin as the model has a sport steering wheel, unique leatherette upholstery and carbon fiber or wood trim.

A spacious and comfortable cabin

Regardless of which trim level is selected, all XT4s offer a spacious and upscale cabin with 39.5 inches (1,004 mm) of rear legroom and 48.9 cubic feet (1,385 liters) of cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded down.

Other highlights include a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and an all-new eight-inch infotainment system that offers improved voice recognition technology and NFC connectivity. The model also has a new infotainment controller with dedicated shortcut buttons for frequently used screens such as the home, audio, phone and navigation panels.

An assortment of different options will be available including a wireless smartphone charger, an air ionizer and a Bose audio system. Customers can also order heated front seats and an Active Sport Suspension with continuous damping control on the XT4 Sport.

There’s only one engine for now

Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 237 hp (177 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission which enables the model to return an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined. Front-wheel drive is standard but a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system will also be available.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 will go up for order later this month and the model will spearhead a “dramatic expansion and elevation of the product range.” As part of this initiative, Cadillac plans to introduce a new model once every six months through 2021.

Gallery updated with pictures from the NY Auto Show