2021 Cadillac XT4 review

What We Like

Exterior styling, interior design: Among small luxury SUVs, the XT4 has a distinctive sense of style and clearly conveys that it is a Cadillac. Especially when outfitted with larger wheels, this small SUV looks high-tech and upscale. Inside, clean design and appealing color combinations convey luxury, and quality materials are available, such as supple leather for the seats.

Comfortable cabin: Typically, small SUVs are, well, small inside. That’s also true of the Cadillac XT4, but it somehow feels larger than expected. The low and flat dashboard contributes to the sensation, as do the comfortable front and rear seats and the generous legroom for the rear passengers. In addition, the available dual-pane sunroof helps to make the XT4 feel open and airy.

Simple infotainment system: We thought the XT4’s infotainment system was appealing before this model year, and now it's even better. For 2021, Cadillac adds wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, helping to cut cabin clutter when you use the popular smartphone connectivity platforms. In addition, the XT4 offers subscription-based connected services and access to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

What Needs Improvement

Refinement is lacking: The 2021 Cadillac XT4 looks good, but it isn’t the most refined model in the small luxury crossover class. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is loud and underpowered, the ride is firm nearly to the point of being brittle, and plenty of road and suspension noise makes it into the SUV’s interior. Plus, there is quite a bit of hard plastic trim in this Cadillac, which detracts from the otherwise stylish passenger compartment.