The 2025 Cadillac XT4: Sharpening the Edge of Compact Luxury

The Cadillac XT4 has carved out a respectable niche in the competitive compact luxury SUV segment, appealing to buyers seeking a blend of style, technology, and a touch of American swagger. For the 2025 model year, Cadillac isn't reinventing the wheel, but rather refining what already works, offering significant updates that elevate the XT4's appeal and keep it fresh in the face of stiff competition. The 2025 XT4 receives a mid-cycle refresh that brings a bolder exterior, a thoroughly modernized interior, and a boost in tech, solidifying its position as a compelling choice for discerning buyers.

A Face Lift with Attitude

The most immediately noticeable change for the 2025 XT4 is its redesigned front fascia. Cadillac has leaned into its signature vertical lighting elements, creating a more aggressive and contemporary look. The updated grille is larger and more prominent, flanked by slimmer, sharper LED headlights with a striking new daytime running light (DRL) signature. The vertical DRLs extend down into the lower fascia, creating a visual connection with the air intakes and giving the XT4 a wider, more planted stance.

The rear of the XT4 also receives subtle updates, including revised taillights with a more intricate lighting pattern and a redesigned bumper. New wheel designs, ranging from 18 to 20 inches, further enhance the XT4's athletic profile. Overall, the exterior changes give the 2025 XT4 a more sophisticated and premium presence, distinguishing it from its predecessor and competitors. Three new exterior colors have been added, these are Emerald Lake Metallic, Midnight Sky Metallic, and Deep Sea Metallic.

A Technological Tour de Force: Inside the Reimagined Cabin

While the exterior updates are welcome, the most significant transformation occurs inside the cabin. The 2025 XT4 boasts a completely redesigned dashboard dominated by a massive 33-inch, 9K-resolution LED display that seamlessly integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment system. This sweeping, curved screen is reminiscent of the one found in the larger Cadillac Lyriq EV, and it immediately elevates the XT4's interior to a new level of luxury and technological sophistication.

The new display is powered by Cadillac's latest infotainment system, which is built on the Google built-in platform. This means native integration of Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store, providing access to a wide range of apps and services directly through the vehicle's interface. Voice commands are more natural and intuitive than ever, allowing drivers to control various functions, from navigation and music playback to climate control and phone calls, without taking their hands off the wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are also standard, providing seamless smartphone integration for users of both platforms.

Beyond the impressive display, the 2025 XT4's interior features upgraded materials and a more refined design. Higher-quality plastics, available genuine leather upholstery, and optional wood or aluminum trim create a more premium ambiance. The center console has been redesigned for improved ergonomics and features a new rotary controller for the infotainment system, providing an alternative to touchscreen controls.

Under the Hood: Familiar Powertrain with Potential Refinements

While Cadillac hasn't announced major powertrain changes for the 2025 XT4, the existing 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is expected to carry over. This engine currently produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.¹

While the core powertrain remains the same, Cadillac may have made subtle refinements to improve fuel efficiency or responsiveness. Official EPA fuel economy figures haven't been released yet, but the 2024 model achieves a respectable 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined for the FWD model. The AWD version is slightly less efficient.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 Cadillac XT4 continues to prioritize safety, offering a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver-assistance features. Standard features include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes to help prevent or mitigate an impact.
• Forward Collision Alert: Warns the driver of a potential front-end collision.
• Front Pedestrian Braking: Detects pedestrians in the vehicle's path and can automatically apply the brakes.
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane and provides warnings if the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space or driveway.
• Blind Zone Steering Assist: Provides a warning if a vehicle is in the driver's blind spot and can provide steering assistance to help avoid a collision.
• Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking: This new feature can help avoid collisions at junctions.
• Traffic sign recognition: This safety feature reads the speed limit signs and warns the driver accordingly.

Available advanced safety features include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe following distance.
• Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist: Assists with parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers.
• HD Surround Vision: Provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings.
• Reverse Automatic Braking: Detects objects behind the vehicle and can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent a collision.

Pricing and Availability

Cadillac has not yet officially released pricing for the 2025 XT4. However, expect a modest price increase compared to the 2024 model, reflecting the significant upgrades and added features. The 2024 XT4 starts at $37,895 for the base Luxury trim, with the Premium Luxury and Sport trims commanding higher prices. The 2025 model is expected to arrive at dealerships in the summer of 2024.

The Verdict

The 2025 Cadillac XT4 represents a significant step forward for Cadillac's compact luxury SUV. The bold exterior styling, dramatically improved interior, and enhanced technology make it a more compelling offering in a highly competitive segment. While the powertrain remains largely unchanged, the overall package is significantly more refined and luxurious, positioning the XT4 to continue its success and attract a new generation of buyers seeking a stylish and technologically advanced compact SUV. It maintains a balance between modern luxury, practicality, and that unmistakable Cadillac flair.