There’s no space more competitive than that of the SUV, and in particular the high-end and compact luxury SUV bracket. Two of Cadillac’s popular SUV choices, the XT4 and XT5, are back for the 2022 model year, and while sharing many similarities as siblings in the wider Cadillac SUV family, there are also key differences to be aware of.
Quick Summary
The Cadillac XT4 is classed as a subcompact SUV, whereas the XT5 is a compact SUV. This means the XT5 is bigger inside and outside, but the extra size doesn’t come cheap with a price difference of over $8000 between the two base models. The XT5 also offers the option for a 3.6-liter V6 engine upgrade, whereas the XT4 doesn’t.
Pricing
Both SUVs cost slightly more than their sedan counterparts, the CT4 and CT5. The Cadillac XT4 is the smaller of the two models and comes with a lower starting price of $35,795. The larger Cadillac XT5 starts at $43,995.
The XT4 carries three trim levels, Luxury (from $36,990), Sport (from $40,590), and Premium Luxury (from $40,790). All of these trims are available either as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model or as an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model.
The XT5 carries the same three trim levels, but they are arranged and priced differently. The Luxury starts at $45,910, the Premium Luxury at $49,840, and the Sport is the most expensive at $57,090. The Cadillac XT5 Sport is only available in AWD format, and not FWD.
Exterior
Unsurprisingly, the Cadillac XT4 and Cadillac XT5 share some of the same design cues. The front grille design and headlight signature are the same on both models. The grille mimics the shape of the smaller Cadillac badge sitting at the center, and the lights feature a figure “7” style with mixed sweep-back and drop-down light design.
In profile, the Cadillac XT5 is about 8 inches longer, which affords the vehicle sleeker lines and in particular a sportier rear end. The taillights are also quite different on each, with the lights of the XT4 coming down from the top of the vehicle, and the XT5’s lights wrapping more tightly on the lower part of the rear end, framing the trunk door.
On both models, upgrading to the Sport Trim brings nice extras in the form of modified exterior detailing, larger alloy wheels, and better-looking exhaust tips at the back. The Cadillac XT5 gets the added benefit of stunning red brake calipers on its Sport version, which is one of the many justifications for the great void in price between the XT4 and XT5 sport versions.
Interior Styling
While the features are not exactly the same between Cadillac’s XT4 and XT5 standard configurations, the basic interior design is very similar, which is what you might expect from sibling models like this. There are hand-cut and hand-sewn leathers, natural woods, carbon fiber, and more. It’s a refined and elegant interior that doesn’t overcomplicate.
Performance
The main engine behind both the XT4 and XT5 models is a 2.0L turbocharged unit outputting 235-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and fueled by premium gasoline. It’s a powerful baseline for the compact SUV segment but offers a marginally more powerful and dynamic feel in the smaller and lighter XT4. It’s not hugely different, but the same engine in two different-size vehicles is bound to have some difference.
The XT5 does have an ace up its sleeve, however, in the form of a 3.6L V6 engine, which comes as standard on the Premium Luxury and Sport trims. This more powerful unit outputs up to 310-hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.
On the road, it’s also the XT5 that offers superior driving experience and driving dynamics. The Cadillac XT4 is well suited to city driving, feeling most at home on smooth, straight roads. The Cadillac XT5 is comfortable both there and on twisting country roads. Optional adaptive suspension makes the XT5’s ride even more comfortable, but engine noise from the V6 in particular is unpleasant when traveling at speed.
Both the Cadillac XT4 and Cadillac XT5 fail to impress when traveling on rough or broken pavement, with a lot of vibration. In addition, neither succeeds in delivering truly dynamic steering and handling, though as we mentioned the XT5 is the better of the two.
Fuel Economy
With its standard configuration, the Cadillac XT4 is rated by the EPA as getting 22-mpg in the city, 29-mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 24-mpg.
The Cadillac XT5 gets a lower 21-mpg in the city, 28-mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 24-mpg. However, real-world tests on both models have found them both to fall slightly short of these by 1-2 mpg, depending on the driving conditions.
Obviously, the Cadillac XT5’s fuel efficiency drops further if one opts for the upgraded V6 engine.
Practicality
For cargo purposes, it’s hardly surprising that the larger XT5 is the better of these two SUV models.
The Cadillac XT4 offers 22.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expanding to 48.9 cubic feet when you lower the rear rear seats. The XT5 offers 30 cubic feet as standard, growing to just over 60 cubic feet when you lower the rear seats.
Both the Cadillac XT4 and Cadillac XT5 seat up to 5 people including the driver. For 3rd row seating and the ability to accommodate up to 7, consider the Cadillac XT6 (or if your bank account can take it, the ultra-luxury Cadillac Escalade).
Read more: Cadillac XT5 vs XT6 differences
Passengers all-around have more room in the XT5, although surprisingly the XT4 offers an extra half-inch of second row leg room compared to the XT5.
Technology & Features
Both Cadillac models share many of the same interior features, but the biggest difference is that the XT5 has more standard features whereas some for the XT4 must be addon on as packages or paid extras. For example, the following distance indicator, heated driver and front-passenger seats, and Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard on the XT5, but not the XT4.
The XT4 and XT5 both get an 8-inch touchscreen as standard compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They also have the option to upgrade to a Bose premium sound system. In both cases, it’s also worth looking at the technology package, which offers a huge array of extras, but comes with a $2,275 price tag. It will bring a color HUD, rear camera mirror with washer, automatic parking assist, and more.
Safety
Though not all features come the same way as standard, available safety features on both models are about equal. The main features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, rear seat reminder that tells you to check your rear seat before leaving the car, parking assistance, and more. With the right trim and package combination, the Cadillac XT4 and XT5 can be absolutely equal in this respect.
Both models have a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and fall in line with the generally high level of safety found in most modern cars.
Key Rivals
The All-American Cadillac XT4 and XT5 find themselves facing tough European competition in the likes of the BMW X1 and X3, Volvo XC40 and XC60, and Mercedes GLA and GLC. One also can’t ignore the all-new Lexus UX and NX compact crossover SUVs, which offer a high level of reliability compared to the European models.
In terms of competition from other American carmakers, there isn’t much. The Buick Encore GX and Buick Envision GX are arguably in the same league, although they start much cheaper and find themselves awkwardly sandwiched between mainstream and luxury SUVs.
Verdict
When choosing between these two American SUVs, one should really consider how they intend to use the car first and foremost. In terms of features, it’s possible to get the same whichever you choose since they’re sibling models. However, when it comes to on-road performance, engine options, cargo, etc then it’s important to think more carefully.
If a more compact, smooth-driving city car is what you’re after that provides enough utility, great style, and reliable performance for low- to mid-speed driving, the XT4 is perfect and there’s no need to go to the higher-end XT5.
Conversely, if you want better on-road performance for longer journeys, with more cargo space and just a bit more room inside, then the larger XT5 is ideal.
Comparison Table
| 2022 Cadillac XT4 | 2022 Cadillac XT5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | ||
| Price | $35795 | $43995 |
| Performance | ||
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
| Horsepower | 235 hp @ 5000 rpm | 235 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500-4000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1500-4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Handling | ||
| Steering Type | Electric Rack & Pinion | Electric Rack & Pinion |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-Link |
| Rear Wheel Size | P235/60R18 | P235/65R18 |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Front Wheel Size | P235/60R18 | P235/65R18 |
| Turning Diameter (ft.) | 38.0 | - |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG/MPGe - Hwy | 30 | 29 |
| MPG/MPGe - City | 24 | 22 |
| MPG/MPGe - Combined | 26 | 24 |
| Gas Tank Size (gallons) | 15.9 | 19.0 |
| Cruising Range - Hwy (miles) | 477.0 | 551.0 |
| Size and Weight | ||
| Height (in.) | 63.2 | 66.1 |
| Length (in.) | 181.1 | 189.6 |
| Weight (lbs) | 3660 | 3915 |
| Max Width (in.) | 76.7 | 74.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 109.4 | 112.5 |
| Interior Dimensions | ||
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Seat Leg Room (in.) | 40.4 | 41.2 |
| Front Seat Head Room (in.) | 39.4 | 39.7 |
| Front Seat Hip Room (in.) | 54.5 | 56.1 |
| Front Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 57.0 | 58.3 |
| Rear Seat Leg room (in.) | 39.5 | 39.0 |
| Rear Seat Head Room (in.) | 38.3 | 38.4 |
| Rear Seat Hip Room (in.) | 49.8 | 54.8 |
| Rear Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 55.1 | 56.3 |
| Infotainment Features | ||
| HD Radio | Standard | Not Available |
| MP3 Player | Standard | Standard |
| WiFi Hotspot | Standard | Standard |
| Satellite Radio | Standard | Standard |
| Bluetooth Connection | Standard | Standard |
| Entertainment System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Premium Sound System | Optional | Standard |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | Standard | Standard |
| Smart Device Integration | Standard | Standard |
| Hard Disk Drive Media Storage | Not Available | Not Available |
| Interior Trim | ||
| Cloth Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Vinyl Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Leather Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Premium Synthetic Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Bucket Seats | Not Available | Not Available |
| Sun/Moonroof | Optional | Not Available |
| Leather Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard |
| Woodgrain Interior Trim | Not Available | Not Available |
| Comfort Features | ||
| A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Rear A/C | Not Available | Not Available |
| Telematics | Standard | Standard |
| Seat Memory | Not Available | Not Available |
| Seat-Massage | Not Available | Not Available |
| Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
| Keyless Start | Standard | Standard |
| Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Multi-Zone A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Power Liftgate | Standard | Standard |
| Climate Control | Standard | Standard |
| Head-Up Display | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Mirror(s) | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Parking | Not Available | Not Available |
| Navigation System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Driver Seat | Standard | Not Available |
| Cooled Rear Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Hands-Free Liftgate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Rear Seat(s) | Optional | Not Available |
| Remote Engine Start | Standard | Standard |
| Cooled Front Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Front Seat(s) | Standard | Standard |
| Power Passenger Seat | Standard | Standard |
| Remote Trunk Release | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Standard | Not Available |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Navigation from Telematics | Not Available | Not Available |
| Universal Garage Door Opener | Standard | Standard |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Not Available | Not Available |
| Safety Features | ||
| ABS | Standard | Standard |
| Brake Assist | Standard | Not Available |
| Night Vision | Not Available | Not Available |
| Rear Parking Aid | Standard | Standard |
| Traction Control | Standard | Standard |
| Stability Control | Standard | Not Available |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Not Available | Not Available |
| Cross-Traffic Alert | Not Available | Not Available |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Optional | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitor | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Optional | Standard |
| Airbags | ||
| Knee Air Bag | Standard | Not Available |
| Driver Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Seatbelt Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Passenger Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Side Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Front Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Front Side Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Warranty | ||
| Basic | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles |
| Maintenance | 1 Year/1 Visit | 1 Year/1 Visit |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles |