Base Camp: 2024 Cadillac XT4

The crew at Cadillac has gifted their smallest crossover, the XT4, a major redesign for the 2024 model year. In addition to a massaging of its front and rear styling, the cabin gets a total overhaul by taking more than a few cues from the tony Escalade and all-electric Lyriq.

Caddy chooses to continue offering the XT4 in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations, permitting the advertisement of a sub-$45,000 price tag. Every XT4 is equipped with the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 235 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque when fed a diet of premium gasoline. This plays dance partner to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Three trims are on tap: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. Only the first one is available as a front-driver while the latter two are identically priced but aimed at different customers – the Premium Luxury has more chrome brightwork and the Sport has blacked-out details, just for starters. The $44,798 Luxury FWD trim has 18-inch bright alloy wheels, colour keyed door handles and heated side mirrors, and LED lamps all around. A power liftgate is fitted to the rear. The hue of Argent Silver Metallic is shown here as the only no-cost paint option, an irritating detail that also extends to the more expensive trims.



An absolutely enormous uninterrupted display commands attention in the cabin, measuring a claimed 33 inches and packing the likes of wireless smartphone integration plus built-in Google services and GM’s generally excellent wi-fi program. The front chairs and rear outboard perches are heated, dual-zone climate control keeps warring factions happy, and a smattering of USB ports means everyone should have a place to plug in. So-called ‘Interluxe’ upholstery (read: fake leather) is standard and more than good enough for the vast majority of us. Real leather is a $1,725 option.

Safety gear is impressive with the likes of automatic emergency braking, blind zone steering assist, parking helpers, and forward collision alerts all part of the deal. Old-school cruise control is at the ready but the brand’s tremendous SuperCruise has yet to make it to this level on the Cadillac ladder.

What We'd Choose

The selection of front- vs all-wheel drive is a debate which has raged for generations and is not likely to be resolved within the confines of this article. Shuffling power to all four corners has huge advantages in parts of our country where what falls from the sky in winter is not to be believed, but it’s worth noting the old saying that all-wheel drive does not mean all-wheel stop. Fitting a set of stout winter tires should be mandatory no matter the number of driven wheels.

A trailering package costs $655 and should be considered even if you don’t plan on hauling anything thanks to its inclusion of better gubbins for engine cooling. Monochrome emblems are available for the vain, though we can think of better ways to spend $265. Audiophiles may consider the $1,010 AKG 13-speaker sound system a decent upgrade, though we remain ambivalent. It is one’s own decision whether or not to splash $3,400 on all-wheel drive – just remember to leave room in the budget for winter tires no matter yer choice.

Every week, wheels.ca selects a new vehicle and takes a good look at its entry-level trim. If we find it worthy of your consideration, we'll let you know. If not, we'll recommend one - or the required options - which earns a passing grade.