2022 Cadillac XT4 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Available in three trim levels, the 2022 Cadillac XT4 is a small crossover SUV that scores some big points in the light-duty performance and entry-level luxury categories. Built for urban settings, this five-seat model offers the latest electronic, safety and mechanical technologies from General Motors. In addition to having the standard Cadillac Smart System, this lavish family car offers an abundance of other active safety technologies.

What's New for 2022?

Retaining a first-generation design, the 2022 Cadillac XT4 doesn't have any significant changes from the previous year. Rosewood, Galactic Gray and Latte are some new color options for the vehicle's body. Some paint options that were dropped from the lineup include Autumn and Garnet.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Cadillac XT4 – The Pros

1. Solid Light-Duty Performance

Kicking out a maximum of 235 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.0-L engine propels the 2022 Cadillac XT4. Burning premium-quality gasoline, the four-cylinder powerplant punches out 258 pound-feet of peak torque. Capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds per SAE J2807 rules, this I-4 propulsion system transfers output to a nine-speed automatic transmission system with electronic controls for smooth shifting. Maximizing traction on slippery roads, an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system with twin clutches is compatible with the electronically controlled gearbox. Using the signature Drive Mode Selector, the driver could select the Off-Road, Tour and Sport modes for the highly adaptive AWD.

2. Robust Mechanical Platform

Sitting on a multi-link rear suspension system, the 2022 XT4 quickly recovers from unpleasant shocks and other blows from the road. An electric power steering (EPS) system helps the driver recover from unintentional lateral movement and other risky maneuvers. Carrying the iconic DuraLife branding, corrosion-resistance rotors are installed on this luxury Cadillac crossover SUV. Engineered for all-weather performance, the Intelligent Brake Fade Compensation extends the life of the patented braking system. If the tires lose their grip on the road, the Traction Control will apply maximum braking force.

3. Dazzling Exterior Colors

Assembled with luxury buyers in mind, the 2022 XT4 offers a gorgeous palette of up to nine exterior colors. Some of the most attention-grabbing paints on the menu include Infrared Tintcoat, Rosewood Metallic and Wave Metallic. Exhibiting traditional elegance, Stellar Black and Crystal White are optional for this upscale Cadillac crossover SUV. Urban drivers might also favor the Radiant Silver Metallic and Latte Metallic colors for the vehicle's body. Taking strong inspirations from nature, Galactic Gray and Twilight Blue are also available for the exterior.

4. Premium Wheel Options

Painted in Bright Silver, the 2022 XT4's standard 18.0-inch alloy wheels have a 10-spoke arrangement for enhanced appeal and structural support. Some other design schemes for the 18.0-inch alloy wheels include Diamond Cut/Argent Metallic and Pearl Nickel. Adopting the Diamond Cut/Medium Android finish, the 20.0-inch wheels have a nine-spoke design. All models may be fitted with 20.0-inch wheels that have a split seven-spoke geometry and polished application. Embellished with the Diamond Cut/Titan Satin theme, 20.0-inch wheels with the twin five-spoke arrangement are optional on the Sport edition.

5. Convenient Exterior Accessories

Sensing the presence of a programmed key fob, a hands-free power liftgate is optional for the 2022 XT4. Whatever doesn't fit inside the cargo area may be attached to the longitudinal roof rails, which are available in Satin Aluminum or Gloss Black. Activated by the Keyless Open technology, the illuminated door handles provide convenient entry into the vehicle at night. Molded for a perfect fit around the wheels, black splash guards add some styling and functional value to this luxurious Cadillac crossover SUV. Featuring a sealant and an air compressor, a tire inflator kit is a complimentary accessory that comes with the purchase of this reliable family vehicle.

6. Logical and Ergonomic Controls

Installed within the driver's reach, the proprietary Rotary Infotainment Controller quickly responds to the slightest twist. The center stack also has several large buttons that adjust some of the primary settings of the multimedia system. Laid out in a horizontal array on the center stack, highly responsive electronic buttons precisely manage the dual-zone automatic climate control system. Having a slightly curved shape for optimum ergonomics, the joystick-type shifting lever includes illuminated gear indicators. Supported by a rake-and-telescoping column, the steering wheel has numerous buttons and switches for controlling important settings in real time.

7. Personalized Comfort

As a luxury crossover SUV, the 2022 XT4 appropriately offers ventilated and heated seats in the front row. Featuring eight-way power adjustments, such climate-controlled seats are part of the Comfort and Convenience Package. Managed on the infotainment touch screen, multiple massaging settings are available for these ergonomic first-row seats. Covered in brushed metal, the alloy sport pedals include raised traction pads for smooth braking and acceleration on the road. The driver, front occupant and rear outboard passengers could grab the assist handles during a sporty drive on the highway.

8. Premium Infotainment System

Seamlessly integrated into the 2022 XT4's dashboard, the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment console includes an 8.0-inch display that recognizes multi-touch input. Voice commands may activate Amazon Alexa, a built-in GPS navigation system and other applications that are synced with Bluetooth. A Wi-Fi hotspot from OnStar, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offer a wealth of options for connecting smartphones with the CUE suite. Featuring remote services, notifications and other advanced functions, the myCadillac Mobile App is fully synchronized with the latest CUE console. Creating concert-like sound, 13 speakers from Bose Centerpoint are also available inside this compact Cadillac crossover SUV.

9. Standard Active Safety Technologies

The trademark Cadillac Smart System adds several sophisticated technologies to the 2022 XT4. This standard suite includes the Forward Collision Alert, which might influence the Automatic Emergency Braking. Measuring the distance to nearby objects, the Rear Park Assist might spare the liftgate and rear bumper from dents and abrasions. Showing high-resolution images of the immediate surrounds, the HD Rear Vision Camera is installed at the assembly plant. This lightweight Cadillac crossover SUV also has the General Motors-designed Rear Seat Reminder, Teen Driver and Safety Alert Seat.

10. Abundance of Optional Safety Features

More than 10 innovative safety technologies are readily available for the 2022 XT4, such as the Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking. Estimating the gap time to another car that's in front, the Following Distance Indicator is particularly useful for keeping up with stop-and-go traffic. This lavish Cadillac crossover SUV offers the Rear Pedestrian Alert and Reverse Automatic Braking for improving the driver's awareness of potential obstructions. Showing images from a camera with a lens washer, the Rear Camera Mirror is another segment-leading technology that's optional for this upscale family car.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Cadillac XT4 – The Cons

1. Noisy Ride

When taking the 2022 Cadillac XT4 for a ride on the highway, the driver will certainly hear loud noise from the powertrain. Buzzing, humming and other noticeable sounds from the turbocharged engine block quickly penetrate the compact cabin. The acoustic-laminated glass in the first row doesn't neutralize most of the noise that comes from aggressive driving on the road. The rear window and side windows lack any acoustic applications, so the passengers will not enjoy a tranquil ride on a busy highway.

2. Stiff Drive

Having a curb weight of only 3,660 pounds, the 2022 XT4 Luxury base trim takes some noticeable beatings from the ground at fast speeds. Clearing the ground by only 6.7 seconds, this lightweight crossover SUV isn't designed for driving over large bumps and other harsh obstacles. Adjusting damping parameters every 2 milliseconds, the Active Sport Suspension System isn't available on the entry-level model or Premium Luxury. Installed on the entire lineup, the conventional MacPherson front struts don't provide enough resistance to major shocks and blows from the road.

3. Small Displays Inside Cabin

Standard on the 2022 XT4, the color Driver Information Center measures only 4.2 inches wide. Squeezed between multiple gauges, this small digital display might induce some squinting from the driver. An upgrade to the 8.0-inch DIC requires additional spending on an optional package. Also measuring just 8.0 inches wide, the Cadillac User Experience monitor seems small by the latest standards. The CUE touch screen is positioned relatively low inside the dashboard, so the driver might get slightly distracted when adjusting some of the settings.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Cadillac XT4 vs 2022 INFINITI QX50

Engineered for the compact luxury segment, the 2022 INFINITI challenges the 2022 XT4 in numerous categories. This small INFINITI crossover SUV lacks any massaging options for the leather-appointed front seats. Despite having the RearView Monitor, the QX50 doesn't offer anything to match the XT4's Rear Camera Mirror. Both models offer a head-up display, but the Cadillac delivers crisper and more colorful graphics. Additionally, the QX50 doesn't have as many parking-assistance technologies as the Cadillac model.

2022 Cadillac XT4 vs 2022 Acura RDX

Powered by a 2.0-liter, mono-scroll turbocharged engine, the 2022 Acura RDX offers a maximum fuel economy of 28 MPG on the highway. Also running on a 2.0-L turbo engine, the 2022 XT4 delivers up to 30 MPG on the highway when equipped with a front-wheel drive (FWD) system. The optional AWD reduces the car's fuel economy by only 1 MPG. In terms of smartphone connectivity, the AcuraLink Connected Services are comparable with the myCadillac Mobile App and Connected Apps. When it comes to exterior appearance, the RDX surely doesn't offer as many design options for the wheels.

2022 Cadillac XT4 vs 2022 Lexus UX

Whipping out just 169 horsepower, the 2022 Lexus UX's 2.0-L engine doesn't challenge the 2022 XT4's standard turbo engine. When equipped with the Lexus Hybrid Drive, the UX model only gains an additional 12 net hp. This small Lexus crossover SUV includes a standard multimedia display that measures only 7.0 inches. Similarly, the default 7.0-inch LCD MID is smaller than the XT4's optional cluster display.

Conclusion

Compact and sporty, the 2022 Cadillac XT4 offers a great blend of entry-level luxuries, intuitive electronic technologies and intelligent safety systems. This five-seat crossover SUV has some of the most sophisticated driver-assistance technologies in its segment, such as the Rear Camera Mirror and Front Pedestrian Braking. Tuned for dynamic driving, a turbocharged engine and twin-clutch AWD system deliver solid performance in any weather.