The 2019 Cadillac XT4 was the first model year of the luxury marque’s smallest crossover. It’s a common belief that the first model year of a vehicle, particularly a brand new one such as the XT4, is plagued with issues. The latest from Consumer Reports (CR) seems to support that, as the publication recently named the 2019 XT4 as a crossover potential customers should avoid.
According to the CR report, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 scored poorly in reliability ratings, contributing to CR’s suggestion to avoid Cadillac’s entry-level crossover. The publication noted that while the interior was well appointed and the powertrain was responsive, there are glaring issues with the vehicle, including a buzzy engine when revved, an abysmal-for-its-class 23 mpg overall, and a few controls placed in unusual spots.
It’s worth noting that the 2019 XT4 placed last in reliability when compared to other vehicles in its class, where the Volvo XC40 placed first overall. In addition, the XT4 also placed second to last when owners were asked if they would purchase the vehicle again, ahead of only the Buick Encore.
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 was offered with only one powertrain combination – the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY gasoline engine, rated at 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and the GM nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive was standard and all-wheel was optional. As for structure, the XT4 rode on the GM E2 platform, while production took place at the GM Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas.
Incidentally, all of these attributes are true for the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 model years, as well as the refreshed 2024 XT4.
This refresh includes revised front and rear fascias, a new infotainment setup that features a huge screen from the electric Lyriq stretching from the driver to the dashboard, and the availability of the semi-autonomous driving technology Super Cruise, albeit not at launch.
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Comments
So what failed on the XT4–major mechanicals like turbos and transaxles, or do they just look at total number of complaints?
Not my experience. Every one of my 2019 XT4 problems was self-inflicted.
Not My Experience Either …
CR is very subjective in its auto criticisms and always has been …
I picked up an Xt4 in exceptional condition with 24k miles on it ….
It’s pretty quick , the gas is so so but that’s part of the trade off, it’s heavy and solid.
Plus I only put on 4k mi. A year ! So I’m really enjoying the luxury and the driving experience of this car.
Also cane with a 4 yr. Wrap around warranty. That’s better than a new one.
The ride is a little bouncy on rough spots, but it is a small wheelbase .
The engine has lots of low end torque and the 9 speed shifts like crazy when accelerating, but it’s very smooth …
AND it has Great paint ! Thick clearcoat, unlike some Japanese products.
Peter Conforzi: Generally , I like my 2021 xt4, but if it had a better ride , and quieter, I would feel that I was driving a Cadillac. I also have a 2017 cts, and that drives rough. What is Cadillac doing. Back to the drawing board.
Cadillac is going after younger customers, who value performance over luxury ride, bigger wheels with smaller sidewalls. Even the CT6 has some handling chops.
The 2024? No customers yet and they are already complaining? CR never disappoints me with the hate for GM.
That’s not what appears to be going on. The writer just mentioned that the 2024 will still have all these issues.
Consumer Reports ranks these vehicles on a number of features listing both positive and negative attributes. For example, here is a CR quote on the XT4 engine:
“The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission combine to provide a smooth, responsive power delivery. This pairing doesn’t suffer from the initial hesitation that plagues some competitors that also use small turbo engines. It took us 7.6 seconds to go from 0-to-60 mph, which is competitive in the segment.
Unfortunately, this engine’s raspy, tinny sound is too boisterous for a luxury vehicle.”
Then in this category I was surprised of the 2 lower rated vehicles in this class: Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Jaguar E-Pace. So maybe it would be best to read the complete Consumer Reports review.
CR –N/G
My 2019 XT4 is an excellent vehicle. I have had no issues with it! I would purchase another as I feel it is very reliable! My 2.0 litre Turbo engine will give me 5.0 litres / 100 km on the highway and 10.0 litres in town.
Maybe someday GM will get serious about improving reliability and realize that it really does matter to a lot of customers buying decisions.
Our 2020 XT4 has been a great car. ZERO mechanical or electronic issues. It’s our first SUV and we’re looking to lease another one.
Cadillac badged cars with a meager little 4 bangers, plastic chrome, cookie cutter style and zero road presence.
That’s not a Cadillac in my mind.