Cadillac XT4 Among Least Satisfying Vehicles, Says Consumer Reports
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The Cadillac XT4 is among the least satisfying vehicles to own, according to a new study from Consumer Reports.
The marketplace watchdog recently put out a report entitled “10 Least Satisfying Cars, According to Consumer Reports,” which ranks new vehicles based on the average degree of owner satisfaction reported by its readers. CR also used its own road test and reported reliability scores when deciding where to rank vehicles on the list.
The Cadillac XT4 ranked ninth among the ten least satisfying vehicles to own, with only 47 percent of owners saying they would buy this vehicle again. That put the Cadillac XT4 dead last in its segment with regard to this metric. The top-performing vehicle in the small crossover category was the Volvo XC40, with 75 percent of owners saying they would purchase it again.
CR also gives the subcompact luxury crossover a predicted owner satisfaction rating of 1/5. Owners said the Cadillac XT4 represented poor value for money with a score of 33 out of a possible 100 and had less-than-stellar comfort/build quality, with a score of 58 out of 100. Owners also reported poor reliability for the 2019 model year, which is the only model year CR has data for.
One category the Cadillac XT4 excelled in was exterior and interior styling, with owners awarding it a respectable score of 92 out of 100 in this category.
While the Cadillac XT4 has room for improvement with regard to owner satisfaction, it wasn’t the worst-performing vehicle in this study. That unfortunate distinction went to the Toyota C-HR, with just 29 percent of owners saying they’d purchase that vehicle again. The Ford EcoSport was second (30 percent), followed by the Chevy Trax (37 percent), Infiniti Q50 (40 percent) and Nissan Rogue Sport (42 percent).
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You know, I would never have thought that I would actually be writing that I agree with CR. Not in a million years. But when I had my CT4 in for service those few times (once for a week), the first two times they gave me an XT4 and I hated every second in that thing. The third visit I made them give me anything but an XT4, so I got an XT5 which was certainly better but not like driving my CT4. There was absolutely nothing about the XT4 that I liked and I’d never spend my money on one. The only area where it rated well with CR was on exterior and interior styling. So I’ll agree that it’s a nice looking vehicle if you can get past the acres of ugly black plastic around the entire car. If you could get the car with everything painted, it would rank better IMO on the outside. Inside? Nope.
Funny thing is that I work at a Volvo store and I’ve put a lot of miles on the XC40 (more than in an XT4). Although I’d certainly take the XC40 over the XT4, I still wouldn’t rank it that high. Neither of those vehicles could hold a candle to the 2018 Buick Encore that I once owned.
Nice to hear that since I own a 2017 Encore. Never thought that someone would take an Encore over a XT4. I guess I have a nicer car than I thought.
little buzzard: I can only say that I sure liked mine. One of the nicest and best vehicles I’ve ever owned. I’m not about having tons of power, but the only thing I would say is that my Encore (had the lower HP engine) could have used about 15 more pony’s under the hood.
Seems to me you don’t like SUV’s, especially driving one as it grows in size. That’s ok to each his own. I had a Ford Edge loaner and driving it to my office I didn’t it particularly like the way it handled. Returning it later that afternoon to the dealer after a hard day at work the feeling of “sanctuary” kind of grew on me. I can see how people like their big SUV, but like you it doesn’t fit my driving style.
Mick1: I purchased my first SUV way back in 2001 before they were the “rage”. I’ve had medium and smaller sized SUV’s and driven many larger ones. It’s not that I have a dislike for them nor a fear of them in any way. My last one (CUV actually) was the 2018 Encore.
My comment is purely about the XT4. It is not a nice vehicle and the way they both drove was horrible IMO. The cars (I drove several of them each time) crashed over even the smallest bumps and it was so bad that I took my tire gauge and made sure the tire pressure was correct. That 9 speed can be stuck where the sun never shines. Probably the worst transmission I’ve ever encountered. I could go on, but why. Obviously, by the CR results, others notice this stuff as well. The Encore was a much better driving vehicle although a little under powered even for me.
Very nice reading your comment about the Encore. I have always liked the Encore which is due it end its run in 2023. I have been thinking in a few years of buying a used one. There is also the Encore GX but I want to see how reliable it is. Given GM’s track record of late I hope that it shapes up. Since this about the XT4 you mention the transmission. Interesting that autonatic transmissions have been around for decades but somehow biulding a relaible smooth shifting 9 speed seems to elude the brains at GM. I did a check of used Cadillacs(certified) on line- wow they are a lot of money for a glorified Chevy SUV with some extra bling & the Cadillac crest on the grill
I tend to agree about the XT4 being a bit harsh over bumps, I think it might be related to the 20″ wheels and low profile of the tires but I disagree with everythingg else you have to say about XT4.
We have had our 2021 for two years now and 50,000 kilometers and lve it.
To be honest I would buy the Buick Envision over the Cadillac XT4 any day… It’s way better looking, the interior is nicer, you get a 250HP turbo 4 cylinder and it’s cheaper then the XT4. I also think Cadillac could have made it look a little better to I am not sold on the whole exterior design.
I agree(new it’s 228hhp). But that China thing eliminates it for me.
Not to argue, but have you ever looked around your house to see the origin of what you own. Pretty sure that you have quite a few things made in China
But the plant they are built in is owned by China.
To think that at one time Cadillac’s moto was “standard of the world”. My question is how can Cadillac screw up an SUV yet have another model XT5 that CU states is one of the most reliable? If anyone wonder why Toyota outsold GM this is one reason among others why that happened.
NJ DRIVER: Maybe I’m wrong, but I didn’t read this article as saying CR said the XT4 isn’t reliable or whatever. I think this was about how people like the cars they have and if they would consider that model again. I could be wrong, but that’s how I read it.
As for your Toyota comment? That list included one of the worst was a Toyota CUV. The only reason why Toyota does so well is because there are too many sheep willing to buy mediocre.
Yes Toyota has had some issues but they are generally reliable. About 5 years ago my friend bought a used 2010 Yaris sedan with around 113, 000 miles. It now has about 145,000 and is running smooth as silk.Also the front seats are very comfortable for a so called economy car. I will admit though that overall GM probably edges out Nissan & a few others in overall quality. One could look at Ford
for example and the automatic transmissions in the Focus. My friend rented one and I was there to witness one of the worst automatics ever. His old Saturn SL developed the famous Saturn “slam” and the transmission in that fairly new Focus came pretty close to being its equal.
It’s an underpowered, poorly build front drive minivan. And that engine might have a 120,000 life before a major overhaul. Oh, and the MSRP is in the stratosphere with competitive options.
If I must have something that needs an extended warranty, I will buy one that looks, performs, and drives well. BMW, Acura, and Volvo both offer bigger and better products for the price. Even Lexus probably does now that the NX was updated.
Not sure why anyone even buys these things. Cadillac dealers asked for a small crossover. They didn’t ask for a crappy one that was thrown together. In this case quality does matter.
Wow. After reading all this, guess I dodged a bullet by not buying an XT4 and instead went with the BMW.
Actually, the dealership didn’t even have one on their lot at the time we were looking and our GM lease was expiring.
Hopefully, next time, we will be able to place the Caddy on our consideration list.
Has similar HP to everything in it’s class, including MB, Audi and BMW.
After 50,000 kilometers I think I have put ours to the mat maybe twice and we al;ways run it on regular fuel which of course affects performance.
I also own a Corvette if that makes any difference to my perceptions of performance.
I love my XT4. But I admit there are electrical issues… however, every car I have owned new (6) all have had one problem or another. The XT4 is a beautiful looking car, gives a smooth ride, and is very comfortable for the money. I hope they keep making them and making them better. It’s not too big either.
T… Every single car ever made in the history of the automobile has had “Issues”. This is why it makes my head spin when people bash one car brand or another… To put it into perspective a $100,000 thousand dollar BMW can have more issues then a $30,000 thousand dollar Chevy! Whatever the issue is like my friends early 2000’s Hyundai Elantra it was an electric nightmare the whole dash and taillights went dark for no apparent reason, or like my 2002 Camaro Z28 the catalytic converters both had to be replaced under a GM recall, the whole Toyota gas pedal issues from years ago, the Bolts that caught fire, the Ford Pinto with the Dynamite exploding gas tanks. I can go on and on but nobody should go out and buy a car and not expect it to have some issues.
I am a former gm owner who left because of quality and reliability issues. We now own a Tesla because it was the only EV we liked. It is a good vehicle but far from perfect. We have had a Honda CRV and now a Honda Pilot. Over170,000 miles and one replacement of a dimmer switch by recall and replacement of a Takata air bag via recall. Our first non gm truck is a 2021 RAM 1500 my wife selected for her business because of the beautiful interior and the car like ride. Too soon to rate it.
Not sure what gm would need to do to get back on our shopping list.
We will be buying 2022 Tesla. There is no way we would buy any Detroit EV in their first couple of years.
Rick I am a die hard GM guy and will always buy a GM vehicle… I am on my 6th GM vehicle and I loved them all in my experience the 90’s where some of the best reliable cars but the interiors where junk… GM had come long way in interior as well as exterior design. My current car is a 2010 Chevy Equinox LTZ V6 and I would not trade it in for the world, my wife owns a 2019 Buick Enclave and we also love that car as well it’s a real luxury car! Now as far as other brands yes I have owned a Mazda 6 and Dodge avenger…But the Mazda 6 was to expensive to get parts for and fix up and the Dodge was falling apart after 2 years of ownership. I myself can’t speak for Telsa but there must be a reason why GM wants to overtake them in the EV game.
This is saddening to hear. I’ll be in the market in a few years and this has been on the top of my radar. Full transparency…I qualify for the GM employee discount and really LOVE my currently service dealership so trying to stick with a Buick/GMC/Cadillac. I personally really like the exterior styling and having sat in it a few times, also enjoy the interior. I’m coming from a 2015 Terrain SLE for reference. I have yet to drive one, so that could be a game changer. Not sure how I feel about a turbo 4 yet.
Wife has a 2019 Enclave and it’s nice, but too big for me. I looked at the Envisions, but something about the softer edges of the exterior make me feel like it is a chick’s car. I like the crisper lines of the XT4. Don’t care for the styling of the newer Terrains.
By the time I’m able to buy so much could change and possible the XT4 gets restyled and made into an EV only. And I’m not ready for an EV yet. I might end up having to look at used cars when the time comes.
My feeliings exactley.
We love our XT4 after two years and 50,000 Kilometers.
Possibly a Lyriq in a couple of years for us.
2019 XT4 LOVE IT! You have to be driving the AWD or the car sucks. It’s not an XT5 but faster 0 to 60.
What’s not to like a about a rebranded Chevy Equiknocks?
gm still staggering through the styling, quality, and reliability vehicle wilderness. This is why they are off so many buyers shopping lists.
I can’t speak for reliability, but we test drove one over the summer, when my mother in-law was looking. She ended up with an Envision as it was a better bang for the buck, but she definitely liked the XT4.
I really liked it, inside and out, liked how it drove, really everything. We were looking as well and ended up with an Acadia, as it is just a better fit for us right now, but the XT4 would be a future consideration.
To be fair, we were not cross shopping premium crossovers like BMW, so I have no real comparison to the competition for the XT4, but it really did leave a good impression. Maybe my impression would change if I drove other vehicles in that class.
Consumer reports has been anti American since their inception. Wouldn’t take their word for anything when it comes to American made vehicles
Maybe if the American Automakers built quality vehicles like they did 20 years ago then consumer reports and others wouldn’t constantly ridicule them.
Even 20 years cars where just as bad if not worse then then they are now… The early 2000’s where junky made and put together vehicles I speak from experience. My 2002 Chevy Camaro Z28 had more plastic on the exterior and interior then a recycling plant, the interior trim would constantly come loose door panels would hang off the clips… Oh and my Camaro had an interior by Rubbermaid as did most 90’s through 2000’s cars! I am much happier with modern up to date GM vehicles THANK YOU!
Personally, I like the XT4 and am still considering it. I’ve been following several XT4 owners forums and I’ve not heard any real issues with it. KBB has recently voted it as best sub-compact suv under 30K.
Last summer I test drove a Buick Envision for thirty minutes—-I liked it but decided to immediately visit the local Cadillac dealer to test drive the XT4 with the 237hp four cylinder–took at XT4 out for twenty minutes–did numerous standing start hard acceleration blasts up to 40 mph—-XT4 was better hands down—handled better than the Envision and much better acceleration than the 228 hp four in the Envision—couldn’t order one because the factory in Kansas City was shut down.
Problem is they have not really made a Cadillac in almost 30 years. A Cadillac was a big car that made a big statement. Not this stuff they keep putting out.
Seriously, how many people today would buy a Coupe De Ville? Nobody under the age of 70 would even consider a car like that and automakers don’t build/design cars for the over 70 crowd.
little buzzard: You may be surprised what people would buy as long as it’s well made and quality. I’m one who find today’s “names” to be totally lacking and gives people nothing to latch onto. Outside of most of us on here, who really knows what an XT4 or CT5 or RX300 or C300 or MDX or 300C or whatever (fill in the blank) is? The average person just doesn’t know. But say Escalade or Camry or Accord or Malibu, etc and even the most feeble of car drivers will know what they are. But these are mostly names that have been around forever and even when they hung on vehicles that weren’t so good, the name stayed and people know them. Name recognition is very important.
I feel that’s the point with names like Coupe De Ville, Eldorado, Seville, etc. If GM (and especially Cadillac) would have kept great names and continued to place them on better and better cars today, they wouldn’t have the negative thoughts attached to them like you may be talking. I’ll take a blatant example. Let’s say the Cimarron (yes, I have one and like it). When they stopped making that car in 1988, it was actually a very nice little car. Now imagine if Cadillac would have kept the name and put it on a better car yet. And then when that car was ready for the new model, put the name on that one too (hoping they keep getting better). Now fast forward 33 years to today. Had the Cimarron name stuck around and been used on good products, do you think it would sell today? Do you think people would be talking so badly about the Cimarron now? Probably not. The name would evolve along with the car. Again, as long as they put it on a good and quality product. So my thought is that yes, people would still buy a Coupe De Ville today.
I wasn’t referring to the name of the Coupe De Ville. I was referring to the style and size of the Coupe De Ville
Oh, got you. No, people would not buy cars like that any more. Heck, even I wouldn’t. Don’t take me wrong, I love the old cars and miss the names, styling and general comfort. But I certainly prefer how todays’ cars drive, the economy of them and the much better reliability.
But if Cadillac made/sold the CT4 as a Cimarron, I’d like it that much more! haha.
I agree. Cadillac has stopped selling overpriced Chevys and has gone after the German car market. I owned an MB GLC300. It had the greatest ride of any car I’ve ever driven, but it required premium gas, the tires lasted only 30,000 miles and the nearest dealer was 2 hours away. The oil changes started at $300, then went up to $800, and I was told the next one was going to be $2600. That was the last straw. I got rid of it. I have an XT4 on order. It can run on regular gas, the oil changes are cheap and the dealer is close by. I also think the styling is way better, but of course that’s a personal opinion.
Our XT4 runs beautifully on regular and it came with free oil changes for two years.
I have a 2019 and a 2020 xt4 and could not be happier.no problems my wife likes drying them .
That’s good that she enjoys drying them off, saves you from having to do it.
I love my XT4! I guess I’m crazy! Never have had a problem with it! I love the way it drives! Totally different than the Granny XT5! I love it!
Love my 2019 XT4 Sport FWD just drove form the Tennessee mountains and back to Michigan. True about bump jumping, yes the air pressure makes a difference. I change from luxury mode to sport mode and man I really enjoyed my drive. Comfortable, smooth and just a joy.
Planning on another trip this spring to NC and looking forward to the curves in the mountains, kick back turn on the jams and enjoy my ride.
I have a 2020 XT4 Premium Luxury version AWD loaded with most options, which stickered for around $50K, but I bought it for much less. I couldn’t disagree more with some of the comments here, but then again, I’m not driving their vehicle. All I can say is that mine is marvelous and I chose it over a Mercedes 300 GLC . And yes, I would buy it again! It performs really well, shifts smoothly, and has plenty of pep. It’s a helluva lot better it’s Buick counterpart, which I rated dead last out of more than a dozen vehicles being considered when shopping for another SUV four years ago. But, maybe the made in China Buick is better now.
The Buick Envision and Cadillac XT4 are both made in China, I l believe they use the same chassis.
The XT4’s sold in North America are built in Fairfax, Kansas.
Did you expect anything else from the BLUNDERING BARRA……