By Camila Isopo × Vaughn Lowery × Anthony Sovinsky × Shelby Barbour
”Every now and then an automobile manufacturer shocks us with a treasure. Something that snatches the air right out of our lungs. This time around Cadillac breathes life into its newest family member and all she does is turn heads and causes jaws to drop.” -Vaughn Lowery
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, maybe you should consider the 2019 Cadillac XT4 Crossover for one of your very own urban excursions. We decided to venture downtown LA to Chinatown in our test model. Just like this vehicle, there’s an unprecedented reaction to Howlin’ Rays (Tennessee style hot chicken) as it’s one of the first establishments of its kind within the metropolitan area.
Launched in 2018, it’s their smallest crossover and a hopeful competitor in its segment. It sustains its own against the Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Design: The aim of this model is v-shape inspired by crisp lines, sweeping arcs, and high-end appointments. Factory tinted windows allow for added privacy and UV protection against the harsh LA sun rays. But you also get a 360 view under the car, insignia displayed on the front, and a backup camera to view more of what’s behind you. Above you, is a dual panel retractable Sunroof/Moonroof, which allows more light to come in, making the vehicle feel roomier. Compared to its predecessor, the 2018 XT4, this new variation has more room for you and four other people.
Technology: Loaded with a vast amount of features which are comparable with many luxury manufacturers: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth capability, rotary dials, and 8″ infotainment touchscreen. The 8-way driver and 6-way passenger seat controls made perfect sense after we shoved our faces and felt our sides begin to split. After all, who needs pants when you have an XT4?! Thanks to their elegant Bose audio system, with 13 speakers and tweeters, we were able to bounce some of the calories off from those extremely spicy french fries from Howlin’ Rays that brought us to tears. My dear Lord!
Performance: Just as significant as the aesthetic and feel of the car is its agility. Its 2.0L 4-cylinder engines are peppy, to say the least, cranking 237hp with 258 pound-ft of torque. Clocking in at an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on highways, this model is a front wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive option. This is also an advantage over the previous year’s XT4 model which weighed 15lbs more. Moreover, on that point are also selectable driving modes with paddle shifters. This new model possesses 4-wheel independent suspension easily, offering a high-quality smooth ride which grips most terrains with ease. On an urban excursion to Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles, we accidentally climbed up onto the sidewalk rushing to pick up our mouthwatering Howlin Rays Nashville style chicken. We weren’t only stunned by the 2 hr wait in a block-long line, but the fact that we were perched off road. This vehicle may just be Pismo Beach worthy.
Safety: Now, of course, the honorable people at Cadillac care about your safety. Thus, this model comes well-equipped with airbags: front, knee, and seat side impact for the driver and their co-pilot (the front seat passenger). You also incur a head curtain for all outboard seating positions. In addition, this car has multiple alerts. Whether it’s for lane changing, the side blind zone, or rear cross traffic. This comes in handy to avoid dings and scratches to its beautiful 18″ 10-spoke alloy wheels. Overall, the braking was decent, but not as sharp as other competing models at this price point.
Other specs: Fuel tank capacity for the 2019 XT4 sits at 15.9 gals. This car’s carbon emission is at 6.8 gals per year at 15,000 miles per year. It too has an air filtration system in the cabin and a powered universal tablet holder.
In short, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport is a match made in heaven for an emerging influencer, a youthful mid-level executive and/or an adventurous individual on the prowl for some of the best eats in a major metropolis area. Of course with a few friends in tow. The model we tested was $55,735 and it was worth every cent.
Pre-order here.
