Looking at the small premium crossover segment, the Cadillac XT4 certainly has its work cut out in luring people away from established nameplates such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Lexus NX or the Mercedes GLA.
Then again, it also has plenty of things going for it, such as its instantly recognizable form factor, unique headlight design, streamlined exterior and a stylish yet spacious interior, something buyers tend to appreciate when it comes to relatively small vehicles.
But since beauty can be in the eye of the beholder, a more analytical approach is needed in order to see just how the XT4 compares to rivals such as the previously mentioned BMW, Audi, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.
There is plenty of style to go around
Aside from the XT4, which is a brand new model, every other car here is either old (by comparison), or was updated as recently as last year – such is the case for the Lexus NX and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Going by age, the Audi Q3 is the oldest car. The facelift it received in 2016 didn’t help much in terms of overall aesthetics and its shape has been described by some to be slightly awkward. It looks very bulky for 2018, a year in which looking sleek and aggressive will earn you the most style points.
So if we had to grade them by appearance, or more specifically by how sporty they look, the BMW X1 and Lexus NX would be cage fighting for first place, whereas the XT4 might be able to make a case for third. Of course, styling is a very subjective issue, and the XT4 does look very modern indeed, so it all comes down to what you prefer.
This wouldn’t make for a very good drag race
If you lined up these five crossovers and had yourself a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration test to see which of them was quickest, the result would be conclusive. The BMW X1 sDrive28i would take first place, with its ability to hit 60 mph in just over six and a half seconds. Everyone else would need over 7 seconds to do so, with the Audi bringing up the rear, a full second slower than the NX 300 and the GLA 250.
Top speed is pretty much identical among nearly all vehicles, except for the Lexus which is the heaviest crossover here. As for fuel economy, on paper, it’s the XT4 and the GLA 250 that are tied in first place, returning 27 mpg (8.7 l/100km) in the combined cycle.
It’s an SUV, so it better be roomy
People who buy these types of vehicles expect an SUV to come with more than adequate space, which is why most automakers are trying to make small cars as roomy and practical as possible.
If you take a ruler to each of these five crossovers, you’ll find that the 2019 Cadillac XT4 is the longest, widest and second-tallest model here, boasting the largest wheelbase and the second-largest trunk with the backseat in its upright position. Thus, one could argue that it seems as if it would win this one.
Premium brands equals premium prices
Looking at price tags, spending upwards of $35,790 on an XT4 can easily make sense if A) you genuinely like the car, and B) you’re not too stressed out about residuals or getting the best possible deal.
The same goes for the Lexus NX 300, which is the most expensive here, followed closely by the Cadillac. On the opposite side of the spectrum lies the Audi Q3, which costs a bit north of $32,900, but keep in mind that it’s smaller, slower and less fuel efficient than the BMW X1, which only costs an extra $1,000, while also being more practical than the Mercedes GLA.
On the other hand, SUVs, irrespective of their size, aren’t always (if ever…) a rational choice. So, does the XT4 look like a genuine challenger to the established players? Sound off your opinion in the Comments section below.
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