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  • William Maley
    William Maley

    New York 2018: 2019 Cadillac XT4 Kicks Off A Product Renaissance

      Finally a new product from Cadillac!


    The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is an important vehicle for the brand for a number of reasons. It's the first vehicle part of a major product offensive by Cadillac that will see them introduce a new/redesigned model almost every six months through 2021. It also gives Cadillac a contender in the growing small luxury crossover class.

    The overall design of the XT4 is very similar to the larger XT5 with sharp angles, large front grille, headlights that extend downward to the bumper, and taillights that run from the top of the tailgate to underneath the window. 18-inch wheels come standard, while larger 20-inch wheels are optional. The overall dimensions of the XT4 - 181.1-inch overall length, 109.4-inch wheelbase, 74.1-inches wide, and 64.1-inches tall - puts it between subcompact and compact crossovers.

    Inside, Cadillac went for a modern and clean look. An 8-inch touchscreen housing the Cadillac User Experience infotainment system is standard on XT4s. Like the CT6 refresh, the XT4 will have a rotary control knob to control the system. Cargo space measures out 22.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 48.9 cubic feet when folded.

    Powering all XT4s will be a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This will come paired with a nine-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. Cadillac estimates fuel economy figures of 25 City/30 Highway/27 Combined - we're assuming the numbers are for the front-wheel drive model.

    The suspension is comprised of a front strut and five-link rear setup. Sport models get the option of a Continuous Damping Control system that automatically adjusts the firmness based on a number of parameters.

    Pricing for the 2019 XT4 kicks off at $35,790 when it arrives at dealers this fall. Those interested can order an XT4 beginning at the end of this month.

    Source: Cadillac 
    Press Release is on Page 2


    Cadillac Introduces First-Ever XT4

    • All-new compact SUV delivers more for a new generation of luxury buyers

    At Cadillac House in Manhattan today, Cadillac unveiled the first-ever XT4, an all-new compact SUV tailored for the next generation of luxury customers.

    Developed on an exclusive compact SUV architecture, Cadillac’s entry in the industry’s fastest-growing luxury segment delivers expressive design, confident performance, spacious accommodations and new technologies.

    “The first-ever 2019 Cadillac XT4 expands our successful SUV lineup to a segment where Cadillac has never been before,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “And it sets off a dramatic expansion and elevation of the product range, that will see a new Cadillac virtually once every six months through 2021.”

    Simple and sculpted lines draw the customer in and accentuate the XT4’s powerful proportions and aggressive presence. The interior is the Cadillac design aesthetic distilled: the thoughtful and artistic integration of technology and appealing style. The cabin is exceptionally refined, with expected segment-leading rear-seat spaciousness.

    All models are driven by an all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine that features new efficiency-enhancing technologies including Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission with next-generation Electronic Precision Shift.

    Cadillac also debuts its new global “Y” trim strategy on the XT4. Distinctive Premium Luxury and Sport models build from the well-equipped Luxury (base) trim. Specific content and styling cues tailor the Premium Luxury and Sport trims to different customer tastes and preferences.

    Cadillac will roll out this new trim strategy beginning with the XT4 and the 2019 CT6 top-of-range sedan.

    The XT4 will be priced starting at $35,790 including destination charge, excluding tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment, when it goes on sale in fall 2018. Starting at the end of March 2018, customers will be able to preorder their XT4s from participating U.S. Cadillac dealers nationwide.

    Additional XT4 highlights include:

    • Cadillac user experience with all-new rotary controller
    • Smart chassis features including available twin-clutch, decoupling all-wheel drive
    • Available Active Sport Suspension featuring Continuous Damping Control and new electro-hydraulic braking assist

    STYLE WITH SUBSTANCE
    A team of young designers representing the heart of the XT4’s target customer demographic helmed the design, penning an expressive SUV that injects a higher degree of sculpture into Cadillac’s lineup — and today’s vehicle is very close to their original visions for the exterior and interior.

    “The XT4 has a great presence that is confident and poised,” said Therese Pinazzo, exterior design manager. “It exudes Cadillac’s DNA, but with a new boldness that speaks to the youthfulness of its team and its customers.”

    In keeping with Cadillac’s new “Y” trim strategy, the Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport models offer distinctive styling cues and trim finishes to create unique personas and greater choice for customers. XT4 Sport models feature a gloss black mesh grille inspired by Cadillac’s high-performance V-Series models, gloss black window moldings and specific Sport alloy wheel choices. Luxury and Premium Luxury models feature grilles with bright metallic accents, satin aluminum window moldings and satin chrome-accented door handles.

    All models feature advanced LED lighting technology front and rear, with front LED low and high beams and an LED-illuminated light blade for the daytime running lamps. Cadillac’s vertical L-shaped lighting signature is stretched horizontally, emphasizing the XT4’s width and confident stance.

    Standard LED taillights are housed in traditional red lenses on Luxury and Premium Luxury, while the Sport model receives tinted neutral-density (clear) lenses that complement the generally darker exterior color choices.

    Eight exterior colors will be offered on the 2019 XT4 at launch: Atlantic Metallic, Autumn Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, Twilight Blue Metallic, Shadow Metallic, Red Horizon Tintcoat, Stellar Black Metallic and Radiant Silver Metallic.

    BOLD, REFINED AND SPACIOUS CABIN
    Echoing the exterior design themes, the new XT4’s cabin conveys boldness and strength with youthful athleticism. Sweeping arcs and tapered lines enhance the feeling of spaciousness and give it a taut, tightly wrapped appearance.

    The interior elements come together in a sophisticated and modern design. Intuitive technology includes available next-generation wireless device charging and an in-cabin air ionizer.

    “With the XT4’s interior, we distilled Cadillac to its essence,” said Phillip Kucera, Interior Design manager. “We’ve been able to be simpler and bolder than we have ever been before, giving the SUV attitude and a sporty connotation.”

    The all-new XT4 offers exceptional space for a compact luxury SUV, particularly for rear-seat passengers. It is expected to lead the segment in rear-seat roominess, with 39.5 inches (1,004 mm) of legroom. The XT4 also offers 48.9 cubic feet (1,385 liters) of maximum cargo volume with the rear seat folded.

    "The XT4 was envisioned holistically to deliver a dynamic sporty exterior without compromising comfort and functionality for passengers,” said Cadillac Exterior Design Director Jim Fleming, who helped create the vehicle’s architecture.

    “It’s a great balance that delivers style and comfort on long drives such as a weekend getaway to a favorite ski slope, while still offering excellent cargo room for that ski trip’s gear.”

    Additional interior features and highlights include:

    • The thick, three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel is all new and was developed to enhance the sporty feel of the vehicle while maintaining driver comfort on long drives.
    • Sport-inspired seating with prominent seat-bottom and seatback bolsters balances comfort with the kind of support typically found in sports sedans. A massage feature is available.
    • Available white ambient lighting casts a sophisticated glow and highlights important features.
    • Technology integration includes Cadillac’s first rotary controller for the Cadillac user experience and other vehicle features (see below for more information), along with streamlined vehicle controls for easier, more intuitive use.

    At launch, the 2019 XT4 will be offered in seven interior environments, based on Luxury, Premium Luxury or Sport trims:

    • XT4 Luxury — Light Platinum/Jet Black with Aluminum Metallized decor trim
    • XT4 Premium Luxury — Jet Black with Diamond-Cut Aluminum, Light Platinum/Jet Black with Linear Galaxy High-Gloss Wood, Sedona/Jet Black with Fineline Calico High-Gloss Wood
    • XT4 Sport — Jet Black with Cinnamon Accents with Twenty-Two High-Gloss Carbon Fiber, Light Wheat/Jet Black with Red Accents and Morello Red High-Gloss Carbon Fiber, Sedona/Jet Black with Fineline Calico High-Gloss Wood

    INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGIES 
    Led by the latest Cadillac user experience, the brand’s most advanced infotainment interface, the XT4 offers a connected environment.

    The Cadillac user experience is a dynamic platform that offers a smartphone-like experience with an intuitive interface, faster response and improved voice recognition that can be updated over time to meet a customer’s evolving connectivity needs. It leverages the cloud and available embedded 4G LTE connection to enable personalization, available connected navigation and news, marketplace and entertainment applications via the app store and a new rotary controller that offers users alternative ways to interact with the system.

    The new controller includes volume and seek forward/back controls for the audio system; shortcut buttons for fast access to the most frequently used apps such as Audio, Phone, Navigation (if available) and Home; and a large center dial to operate primary features of the most frequently used apps, scroll menus and lists and select other apps to be displayed.

    Additional XT4 technologies include:

    • The 8-inch diagonal Cadillac user experience interface screen has 768p HD resolution
    • Near-Field Communication, a Cadillac-first integration, greatly improves the process of pairing a phone (if compatible) with Cadillac user experience.
    • Next-generation, 15-watt wireless charging is available and offers faster charging timesi .
    • There are four standard USB Ports and three 12-volt accessory power outletsii. Models equipped with the available navigation radio also receive an SD memory card reader in the center console.
    • The full suite of active safety features includes Surround Vision and second-generation Rear Camera Mirror (available)iii.

    XT4 DRIVING DYNAMICS
    The new Cadillac XT4’s confident, athletic appearance is complemented by great agility. It is characteristically Cadillac in refinement and responsiveness, but with a youthful edginess derived from the brand’s critically acclaimed sports sedans.

    It starts with an all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine. This advanced, power-dense inline-four-cylinder — 118.5 hp per liter — features an industry-first tripower system. The system is designed to optimize performance and efficiency by having three distinct operating modes, including high and low valve lift and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation).

    The engine also features a twin-scroll turbocharger to enhance torque production at lower speeds, as well as direct injection, active thermal management and stop/start technologies. Output is SAE-certified at 237 hp (177 kW) and 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm). A nearly flat torque curve gives the XT4 surprising responsiveness throughout the engine’s RPM range.

    A nine-speed automatic transmission is paired with the new engine, helping the XT4 achieve a Cadillac-estimated 30 mpg in highway drivingiv. The vehicle also features the next generation of electronic precision shift, which features an intuitive shifting sequence.

    When it comes to channeling the XT4’s power to the pavement, a strut-type front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension are tuned to balance refinement with responsiveness. The standard Driver Select Mode allows that tuning to be adjusted on demand for different driving styles and road conditions.

    A twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system is available and offers the convenience of decoupling entirely from the rear wheels when the driver chooses, eliminating drivetrain friction.

    XT4 Sport’s available Active Sport Suspension features Continuous Damping Control and takes driving dynamics and control to a higher threshold, using electronic sensors to monitor the road in real time and making damping adjustments every 2 milliseconds.

    The XT4 is also the first Cadillac to introduce electro-hydraulic braking assist, which supplants the traditional vacuum-assisted power braking system with an electro-hydraulic system that enhances fuel economy and takes up less space under the hood.

    KEY STANDARD AND AVAILABLE FEATURES (Premium Luxury and Sport content is in addition to or in place of Luxury content)

    XT4 LUXURY

    XT4 PREMIUM LUXURY

    XT4 SPORT

    STANDARD

    STANDARD

    STANDARD

    18-in.  10-spoke alloy wheels with Bright Silver finish
    LED headlamps and taillamps
    Satin aluminum side glass moldings
    Leatherette trim
    8-way driver/6-way passenger power front seats
    Aluminum metallized interior decor
    Rotary controller
    Rear Park Assistiii
    Teen Driveriii
    Cadillac user experience
    Four USB ports
    60/40-split rear seat
    Dual-zone automatic climate control
    Adaptive Remote Start

    18-inch 10-spoke wheels with Pearl Nickel finish
    Illuminated door handles with satin chrome accents
    Front and Rear Park Assistiii
    Power-folding outside mirrors
    Satin aluminum finish on roof rails
    Leather seat surfaces
    Ambient lighting
    Wood or aluminum interior décor
    Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alertiii
    Rear Cross Traffic Alertiii
    Safety Alert Seatiii
    Auto-dimming inside mirror
    Driver’s seat memory
    Power liftgate

    18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with Diamond Cut/Argent Metallic finish
    LED front turn signal and cornering lamps
    Tinted neutral-density taillamp lenses
    Gloss Black finish on the front grille, side glass moldings and roof rails
    Body-color door handles
    Front and Rear Park Assistiii
    Power-folding outside mirrors
    Leatherette trim with sport accents
    Ambient lighting
    Carbon fiber or wood interior décor
    Sport steering wheel and pedals
    Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alertiii
    Rear Cross Traffic Alertiii
    Safety Alert Seatiii
    Auto-dimming inside mirror
    Driver’s seat memory
    Power liftgate

    AVAILABLE

    AVAILABLE

    AVAILABLE

    Sunroof and roof rails
    Trailering package
    All-wheel drive
    Navigation radio and Bose audio system
    Cold weather package

    Sunroof
    Trailering package
    All-wheel drive
    Navigation radio and Bose audio system
    Cold weather package
    Comfort and Convenience package
    20-inch Luxury wheels
    Driver Awareness Package
    Visibility Package
    Driver Assist Package
    Technology Package

    Sunroof
    Trailering package
    All-wheel drive
    Navigation radio and Bose audio system
    Cold weather package
    Comfort and Convenience package
    20-inch Sport wheels
    Driver Awareness Package
    Visibility Package
    Driver Assist Package
    Technology Package
    Active Sport Suspension with Continuous Damping Control

    ###

    2019 CADILLAC XT4 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS 
    (North American specs, as of time of publication)

    OVERVIEW

    Model

    2019 Cadillac XT4

    Body Style

    5 door, 5 passenger compact luxury SUV

    Manufacturing location

    Fairfax Assembly, Kansas City, Kansas

     

    EXTERIOR

    Wheelbase (in / mm)

    109.4 / 2779

    Overall length (in / mm)

    181.1 / 4599

    Overall width (in / mm)

    74.1 / 1881 (excluding outside rearview mirrors)

    Overall height (in / mm)

    64.1 / 1627 (including roof rails)

    Turning circle (feet)

    38.0

    Ground clearance (in / mm)

    6.7 / 171

     

    INTERIOR DIMENSIONS & CARGO VOLUME

    Seating capacity (front / rear)

    2 / 3

    Headroom
    (in / mm)

    39.4 / 1000 (front)
    38.3 / 973 (rear)

    Legroom
    (in. / mm)

    40.4 / 1026 (front)
    44.1 / 1121 (front, maximum)
    39.5 / 1004 (rear)

    Cargo volume (cu ft)

    22.5 (behind 1st row)
    48.9 (behind 2nd row)

     

    WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES

    Curb weight (lbs / kg)

    3660 / 1660 (FWD Luxury – est.)

    Max. towing capacity (lbs)

    3500 (with available towing package)

     

    CADILLAC-ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY

    City

    25 mpg

    Highway

    30 mpg

    Combined

    27 mpg

     

    ENGINE

    Type:

    2.0L Turbocharged I4 DOHC with Active Fuel Management, direct injection and stop/start

    Bore and stroke       (in. / mm):

    3.26 x 3.63 / 83 x 92.3

    Block material:

    Cast aluminum

    Cylinder head material:

    Cast aluminum

    Valvetrain:

    Dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder with tripower system

    Fuel delivery:

    Direct injection with electronic throttle control

    Horsepower             (hp / kW @ rpm):

    237 / 177 @ 5000 (SAE cert.)

    Torque
    (lb.-ft. / Nm):

    258 / 350 @ 1500-4000 (SAE cert.)

     

    TRANSMISSION

    Type:

    Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed electronically controlled automatic

     

    CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

    Front Suspension:

    MacPherson strut with coil-over spring; direct-acting stabilizer bar. Active Sport Suspension with Continuous Damping Control (avail. on Sport)

    Rear Suspension:

    Five-link independent with coil springs and fully isolated cradle

    Steering Type:

    Electric variable-assist power rack-and-pinion

    Brake Type:

    Four-wheel disc with ABS; electro-hydraulic assist

    Wheel Size:

    18-in. alloy (std.)
    20-in. alloy (avail.)

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    H2s were just a Yukon in Hummer clothing. The Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban were just noted for being the longest lasting SUVs on the road and also having the highest average mileage AND also having the most vehicle or there with over 200k miles.

    Not saying the situation you mentioned isn't happening, but it is certainly the exception. 

    The Escalade's downfall for off-roading is entirely the wheels and tires.  It's as capable as any other full size SUV except it's wearing 22s and summer tires usually.

    Yup. Found this out the hard way back in March when I literally had to call a tow truck (wench) to get me out of a drenched mud field in my yard due to getting stuck with 24s and obvious summer tires on the Yukon. I called the end of Winter too early and made the change. Winter ended up ending in late April imo LOL.  24s on summer tires are NO GOOD for MUD and SNOW.. let alone off roading

    20180412_081552.jpg

    1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

    Oh I somewhat agree and that's also why I still suggest them getting a Tahoe/Suburban to replace it. 

    The H2 was definitely more than just Hummer clothes on a Yukon chassis. It was a 2500 Suburban with air ride, electronic locking rear diff, a unique transfer case and Vortec 6.0. Similar, yes. Just dressed up? No. 

    Point is that at best.. the H2 was engineered in 1997-98. Meaning that it is essentially 20 years old. Maybe its time for them to either rebuild the entire vehicle of sell and get something else

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    12 minutes ago, Cmicasa the Great said:

    Point is that at best.. the H2 was engineered in 1997-98. Meaning that it is essentially 20 years old. Maybe its time for them to either rebuild the entire vehicle of sell and get something else

    It is waaaaay overdue selling/trading it in on a newer Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon. 

     

    13 minutes ago, Cmicasa the Great said:

    20180412_081552.jpg

    That wheel design is HAWWWT! It might be 2 inches too big for my taste but she design is fantastic. 

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    4 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    It is waaaaay overdue selling/trading it in on a newer Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon. 

     

    That wheel design is HAWWWT! It might be 2 inches too big for my taste but she design is fantastic. 

    Thanks.. but the design in a GMC's .. just larger than their 22s and 20's and in black.

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    43 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    Oh I somewhat agree and that's also why I still suggest them getting a Tahoe/Suburban to replace it. 

    The H2 was definitely more than just Hummer clothes on a Yukon chassis. It was a 2500 Suburban with air ride, electronic locking rear diff, a unique transfer case and Vortec 6.0. Similar, yes. Just dressed up? No. 

    Well ok... but you can get everything except the unique transfer case on the Suburban. 

    If you're going to talk them into a replacement, the Tahoe/Suburban RST Performance or the Yukon/XL Graphite Performance would be the direct replacement.

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    4 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    Look at all of us 'Muricans... Small, compact CUV thread and we turn it into a full size, BOF SUV thread. 😅 🇺🇸

    Yep, that's Murica...people aren't happy if it isn't 3 tons and w/ a V8...:)

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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    31 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

    Yep, that's Murica...people aren't happy if it isn't 3 tons and w/ a V8...:)

    I don't know if I would ever be comfortable driving something as large as these full size BOF SUVs. The're so damn big. 

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    6 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    I don't know if I would ever be comfortable driving something as large as these full size BOF SUVs. The're so damn big. 

    Yeah, I've driven a couple current gen Tahoes and the previous gen Yukon.  The current generation drives very nicely--I've had rentals for long weekends driving around AZ and So Cal.  

    They are very comfortable, but like a full size pickup, I don't need anything that big and they wouldn't fit in my garage.  The Grand Cherokee is the right size for me. 

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    21 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    I don't know if I would ever be comfortable driving something as large as these full size BOF SUVs. The're so damn big. 

    Honestly, I'm so done with compact crossovers.  I'm most likely going to end up in a Grand Cherokee (Only because I can't stomach paying the same price for an Avalanche that is 5 years older) and the GC is the very smallest vehicle I'll consider. I'm looking also a Durangos and Tahoes.  I haven't looked at Expedition yet because I didn't think there would be many used ones out of the new body.  I would have considered the Armada also if the infotainment system wasn't utter trash. 

    Albert and I talked about this XT4, but if we get the GC, he really just wants a nice lux sedan as the second car.

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    10 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    Honestly, I'm so done with compact crossovers.  I'm most likely going to end up in a Grand Cherokee (Only because I can't stomach paying the same price for an Avalanche that is 5 years older) and the GC is the very smallest vehicle I'll consider. I'm looking also a Durangos and Tahoes.  I haven't looked at Expedition yet because I didn't think there would be many used ones out of the new body.  I would have considered the Armada also if the infotainment system wasn't utter trash. 

    Albert and I talked about this XT4, but if we get the GC, he really just wants a nice lux sedan as the second car.

    That's the size I want as well, "mid size". I'll eventually go and drive a Grand Cherokee and Edge but I know I'd "need" the 5.7 in the Jeep and that's quite the gas guzzler... but is it much worse than the 2.7 in the Edge..? There is a local '16 Edge Sport that I want really bad but i know I don't need that. 

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    10 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    That's the size I want as well, "mid size". I'll eventually go and drive a Grand Cherokee and Edge but I know I'd "need" the 5.7 in the Jeep and that's quite the gas guzzler... but is it much worse than the 2.7 in the Edge..? There is a local '16 Edge Sport that I want really bad but i know I don't need that. 

    The problem in both cases is that the go-pedal becomes too addictive.  The 2.7 will have the fuel economy advantage if you're very gentle on it, but you might as well get the 4-cylinder turbo instead if you're going to drive like that.  The Hemi does surprisingly well on the highway since it can run in 4-cylinder model when keeping it flat and at a stead speed.... so in that situation, a 5.7 liter running in 4-cylinder mode is acting like a 2.85 liter where a 2.7T with no extra boost is a 2.7 liter 6-cylinder. 

    And here is where my personal preference kicks in.  The 5.7 liter can turn the other 4 cylinders back on faster than any turbo (even the electric ones SMK likes to talk about coming from Benz) can build boost. It takes no more than 1/2 of the rotation of the crankshaft for the full power to be back online.  IT will be interesting to see what this new Turbo-4 in the XT4 can do running on just two cylinders. 

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    7 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    The problem in both cases is that the go-pedal becomes too addictive.  The 2.7 will have the fuel economy advantage if you're very gentle on it, but you might as well get the 4-cylinder turbo instead if you're going to drive like that.  The Hemi does surprisingly well on the highway since it can run in 4-cylinder model when keeping it flat and at a stead speed.... so in that situation, a 5.7 liter running in 4-cylinder mode is acting like a 2.85 liter where a 2.7T with no extra boost is a 2.7 liter 6-cylinder. 

    And here is where my personal preference kicks in.  The 5.7 liter can turn the other 4 cylinders back on faster than any turbo (even the electric ones SMK likes to talk about coming from Benz) can build boost. It takes no more than 1/2 of the rotation of the crankshaft for the full power to be back online.  IT will be interesting to see what this new Turbo-4 in the XT4 can do running on just two cylinders. 

    Exactly, and worse is that I do end to drive very conservatively so really the small engine in both vehicles would do the job 99% of the time. A couple things I like about the top engines is: sound for the 5.7! they can pass with ease(I don't often but when I do i don't like the wait I have now in my N/A Focus, and the potential to get more power out of them because I'm always looking to do things to my vehicles. 

    The 9spd in the JGC is very intriguing as well over the 6spd in the Edge. I never had a turbo lag issue with my Escape so that likely wouldn't deter me with the 2.7 either but lag is lag and there would be more than a n/a 5.7, 'MURICAN, V8. 

    I also only average 12,000 miles per year so fuel economy really shouldn't be a huge concern of mine but I'm cheap and I can't ignore added fuel costs. 

    • Haha 1
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    8-speed in JGC and it makes a big difference over a 6-speed.  I never thought I'd say that, but the extra gears do seem to matter.

    9-speed is the smaller Cherokee.

    If you're cheap, you won't like either of these engine.... premium is recommended.

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    3 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    8-speed in JGC and it makes a big difference over a 6-speed.  I never thought I'd say that, but the extra gears do seem to matter.

    9-speed is the smaller Cherokee.

    If you're cheap, you won't like either of these engine.... premium is recommended.

    Yes, sorry. 8spd! 

    Recommended but 87 is fine as well, at least for the Ford, and according to the manual. 

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    19 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    Yes, sorry. 8spd! 

    Recommended but 87 is fine as well, at least for the Ford, and according to the manual. 

    With the JGC, 87 is fine w/ the V6 and 8spd, not sure about the Hemi--it may require premium.   As far as fuel economy, with the V6 I seem to average about 18mpg mixed use (mostly suburban/city w/ some freeway).    I put around 8000 miles on it the first year I had it..(since 2100 of those miles were over a long weekend, it was really only about 6000 miles)..working from home, I'm not driving a lot.  

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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    1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

    I don't know if I would ever be comfortable driving something as large as these full size BOF SUVs. The're so damn big. 

    They drive as easy as any car out there and are so comfy! 🇺🇸 :suburban:

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    25 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    Yes, sorry. 8spd! 

    Recommended but 87 is fine as well, at least for the Ford, and according to the manual. 

     

    9 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

    With the JGC, 87 is fine w/ the V6 and 8spd, not sure about the Hemi--it may require premium.   As far as fuel economy, with the V6 I seem to average about 18mpg mixed use (mostly suburban/city w/ some freeway).    I put around 8000 miles on it the first year I had it..(since 2100 of those miles were over a long weekend, it was really only about 6000 miles)..working from home, I'm not driving a lot.  

    In both cases, there is a reduction in performance and fuel economy.   Some engines are more sensitive to the change than others.  My experience with the 3.5 Ecoboost has been that it is very sensitive to octane, not just in fuel economy, but even just engine noise. 

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    7 minutes ago, dfelt said:

    They drive as easy as any car out there and are so comfy! 🇺🇸 :suburban:

    They might be comfy but they aren't as easy to drive as most anything smaller than them. 

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    5 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    They might be comfy but they aren't as easy to drive as most anything smaller than them. 

    I Disagree, it amazes me how many people drive bashed up subcompacts and cannot park them and yet I can put SUVs in places that many people thought would not fit.

    Driving skill and confidence is what it takes.

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    18 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

    They might be comfy but they aren't as easy to drive as most anything smaller than them. 

    I would put it differently.  They may not be easier to drive than my Encore, but they are nowhere near as hard to drive as people make them out to be.  Their ease of driving far exceeds common expectations. 

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    Having driven GCs since 2000, I'm used to driving and parking a midsize SUV.   The times I've driven a full size (Tahoe or Yukon), I found them pretty easy to drive and park.  I didn't try parallel parking, but I don't do parallel parking unless it's unavoidable.   The '15-16 Tahoes I drove surprised me in how nimble they felt on winding N. Arizona mountain roads.   Very comfortable and smooth.    A nice comfy place to be when grinding along in gridlock on the 405 or the 10 (been there, done that). 

    Since they sit higher, I have to climb up in rather than slide in and out as I can do w/ the GC.   The cargo load floor seemed pretty high also. 

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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    1 minute ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

    Having driven GCs since 2000, I'm used to driving and parking a midsize SUV.   The times I've driven a full size (Tahoe or Yukon), I found them pretty easy to drive and park.  I didn't try parallel parking, but I don't do parallel parking unless it's unavoidable.   The '15-16 Tahoes I drove surprised me in how nimble they felt on winding N. Arizona mountain roads.   Very comfortable and smooth.    Since they sit higher, I have to climb up in rather than slide in and out as I can do w/ the GC.   The cargo load floor seemed pretty high also. 

    This mirrors my experience.  Suburbans are often my rental of choice when I'm in NJ and I can wheel them through Manhattan like they're a BR-Z

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    11 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

    Having driven GCs since 2000, I'm used to driving and parking a midsize SUV.   The times I've driven a full size (Tahoe or Yukon), I found them pretty easy to drive and park.  I didn't try parallel parking, but I don't do parallel parking unless it's unavoidable.   The '15-16 Tahoes I drove surprised me in how nimble they felt on winding N. Arizona mountain roads.   Very comfortable and smooth.    A nice comfy place to be when grinding along in gridlock on the 405 or the 10 (been there, done that). 

    Since they sit higher, I have to climb up in rather than slide in and out as I can do w/ the GC.   The cargo load floor seemed pretty high also. 

    LOL :P I can imagine you having to climb up and in.  I just lift my wife into them all the time, but then she loves sitting up higher. For me even in my lifted suburban I still just slide in, but then I do have side steps for everyone else getting into the suburban. Love the ground clearance and my wife is the one that always tells people they drive like a car as she find them very easy to drive and nothing like what people tend to think of being that old 3 point truck lock to lock turn around in a parking lot.

    I think @Drew Dowdell Nailed it with his statement: "Their ease of driving far exceeds common expectations. "

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    15 hours ago, ccap41 said:

    Not saying the Escalade can't do this but if this is considered mild off roading.. I think the GL would be just fine. I can't imagine needing ANY more than this in a vehicle this size. 

     

    Agreed and very good point.  The GL is more than capable for actual off roading, and 95% of the people buying this thing aren't going to drive on a gravel driveway, let alone do actual off roading.  And I doubt a Lexus RX can make it though an off road course like a GLS can.

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    3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    The problem in both cases is that the go-pedal becomes too addictive.  The 2.7 will have the fuel economy advantage if you're very gentle on it, but you might as well get the 4-cylinder turbo instead if you're going to drive like that.  The Hemi does surprisingly well on the highway since it can run in 4-cylinder model when keeping it flat and at a stead speed.... so in that situation, a 5.7 liter running in 4-cylinder mode is acting like a 2.85 liter where a 2.7T with no extra boost is a 2.7 liter 6-cylinder. 

    And here is where my personal preference kicks in.  The 5.7 liter can turn the other 4 cylinders back on faster than any turbo (even the electric ones SMK likes to talk about coming from Benz) can build boost. It takes no more than 1/2 of the rotation of the crankshaft for the full power to be back online.  IT will be interesting to see what this new Turbo-4 in the XT4 can do running on just two cylinders. 

    The real problem is FCA has a torqueless V6 that came out in 2011 model year  and hasn't seen any meaningful gains in power or fuel economy.  Maybe they should update that, so buyers don't have to look to a 5.7 liter engine that gets 14 mpg city and still only gets the Grand Cherokee from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds.

    The GLE with the 3 liter turbo does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds.  The Audi Q5 2.0 does 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, Audi Q7 3.0T does it in 5.5 seconds and it is bigger than a GC and gets better gas mileage.  The Hemi GC is slow by comparison, because the Hemi engine is even more dated than the Pentastar V6.

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    1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

    The real problem is FCA has a torqueless V6 that came out in 2011 model year  and hasn't seen any meaningful gains in power or fuel economy.  Maybe they should update that, so buyers don't have to look to a 5.7 liter engine that gets 14 mpg city and still only gets the Grand Cherokee from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds.

    The GLE with the 3 liter turbo does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds.  The Audi Q5 2.0 does 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, Audi Q7 3.0T does it in 5.5 seconds and it is bigger than a GC and gets better gas mileage.  The Hemi GC is slow by comparison, because the Hemi engine is even more dated than the Pentastar V6.

    There is no 'problem'...it's an SUV, not a muscle car...and they have the SRT and Trackhawk versions for people that want faster. 

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    1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

    The real problem is FCA has a torqueless V6 that came out in 2011 model year  and hasn't seen any meaningful gains in power or fuel economy.  Maybe they should update that, so buyers don't have to look to a 5.7 liter engine that gets 14 mpg city and still only gets the Grand Cherokee from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds.

    The GLE with the 3 liter turbo does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds.  The Audi Q5 2.0 does 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, Audi Q7 3.0T does it in 5.5 seconds and it is bigger than a GC and gets better gas mileage.  The Hemi GC is slow by comparison, because the Hemi engine is even more dated than the Pentastar V6.

    You clearly have not talked to the bulk or type of people that are buying JGC. They DO NOT CARE about 0-60 times, they care about if it gets them from point A to B and safely with their tech toys.

    My son is a perfect example, when he was shopping to replace his Jeep Patriot that he loved but was starting to have issues at 81,000 miles he test drove a JGC with a V8 and loved it, but the cost and gas mileage for commuting to work and doing his kind of active lifestyle did not justify him spending the money when the V6 was fast enough to get on the freeway and merge, roomy for him and his girlfriend and did everything he wanted it to do.

    The 0 - 60 Time crowd is less than 1% of the population and even smaller among auto enthusiast like here on C&G. As @Cubical-aka-Moltar points out, JGC has the Trackhawk and Trailhawk to deal with those crowds and it does it well.

    XT4 related and I do admit to being partly to blame for going off into the weeds with full size SUVs, the XT4 will NOT compete against the Compass, Terrain, Equinox or many other CUV's out there.

    What would be interesting is to see a chart if anyone has the time to dig up a comparison of the XT4 to the X3, GLA, Q3, etc.

    Yet so many websites say the competition is the Acura RDX, Infiniti QX50, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-benz GLC, so a hunting I went and found on the website "The Car Connection the following comparison:

    XT4-Comparison.jpg

    Weird, the saved picture is much bigger than what is shown above. Here is the website link:

    https://www.thecarconnection.com/compare/cadillac_xt4_2019_choices

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    QUESTION: Does anyone know if the XT4 requires Premium or can run on regular or premium? I noticed in the comparison chart that all the other auto's are stated as Premium fuel required.

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    2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    No one cares. The Jeep Grand Cherokee prints money for FCA. Jeep sells more JGCs in a month than Audi sells Q anything in a year.

    Worldwide Audi outsells Jeep.  And the cheapest Audis are Grand Cherokee price.  Jeep is a successful brand no doubt, they have the styling, they have the loyal fan base, they have brand image, they have a lot going for them.  They are by far FCA's best brand.  But Jeep is saddled with FCA's sub-par powertrains and poor reliability.  If Jeep was owned by GM they outsell Buick, GMC and Cadillac combined and be more profitable than they are now.

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    52 minutes ago, dfelt said:

    My son is a perfect example, when he was shopping to replace his Jeep Patriot that he loved but was starting to have issues at 81,000 miles he test drove a JGC with a V8 and loved it, but the cost and gas mileage for commuting to work and doing his kind of active lifestyle did not justify him spending the money when the V6 was fast enough to get on the freeway and merge, roomy for him and his girlfriend and did everything he wanted it to do.

    This is what I mean, if FCA didn't have a weak V6, then the V6 would be faster than the current Hemi and still get the gas mileage.  The Grand Cherokee is a compromised vehicle because the engines in it are from 2010.   A nice change would be to put that new 300 hp turbo 4 in the GC, and the Alfa Romeo V6 as the optional engine.  The Alfa V6 would spank the Hemi in power and get better fuel economy.

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    3 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

    Worldwide Audi outsells Jeep.  And the cheapest Audis are Grand Cherokee price.  Jeep is a successful brand no doubt, they have the styling, they have the loyal fan base, they have brand image, they have a lot going for them.  They are by far FCA's best brand.  But Jeep is saddled with FCA's sub-par powertrains and poor reliability.  If Jeep was owned by GM they outsell Buick, GMC and Cadillac combined and be more profitable than they are now.

    You're stats are meaningless and you fail at moving the goal post. Audi has like body 87 variants. That is a huge cost to develop. 

    I don't care how many A1 compact cars Audi sells globally...it's not relevant to Grand Cherokee sales in the US. In the US, the the Grand Cherokee crushes any Audi Q in volume and probably profits.

    5 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

    This is what I mean, if FCA didn't have a weak V6, then the V6 would be faster than the current Hemi and still get the gas mileage.  The Grand Cherokee is a compromised vehicle because the engines in it are from 2010.   A nice change would be to put that new 300 hp turbo 4 in the GC, and the Alfa Romeo V6 as the optional engine.  The Alfa V6 would spank the Hemi in power and get better fuel economy.

    I'm just going to label you fake news.  Your facts are always lies. They can't even be mistakes anymore since you've been corrected so many times.

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    I think the XT4 is a bit of a tweener.. Bigger than subcompacts but definitely on the small side of compacts, not really suited for a 2 kid family.. Whereas a q5 or RDX could get by in that regard.

     

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    17 minutes ago, frogger said:

    I think the XT4 is a bit of a tweener.. Bigger than subcompacts but definitely on the small side of compacts, not really suited for a 2 kid family.. Whereas a q5 or RDX could get by in that regard.

     

    Totally agree as to why the competition I see with the XT4 is the GLA, X3, Q3, etc.

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    44 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    You're stats are meaningless and you fail at moving the goal post. Audi has like body 87 variants. That is a huge cost to develop. 

    I don't care how many A1 compact cars Audi sells globally...it's not relevant to Grand Cherokee sales in the US. In the US, the the Grand Cherokee crushes any Audi Q in volume and probably profits.

    I'm just going to label you fake news.  Your facts are always lies. They can't even be mistakes anymore since you've been corrected so many times.

    Jeep also isn't a luxury brand, so I would hope they outsell the Audi Q's in the USA.  And as I said Jeep's brand image and styling and off road reputation and American image all work really well for it.  FCA is the weak part, they don't have any new powertrains or hybrids outside of the Pacifica.  Look at the lower end Jeeps with that awful 2.4 liter engine from the Dodge Dart for example.

    And the fact is, the Alfa Romeo V6 has 505 hp, the 5.7 liter Hemi has 360 hp and the 6.4 liter SRT Hemi has 475 hp.  So the V6 out powers both and gets better gas mileage than both.   FCA gives the good powertrains to Alfa, Jeep and Chrysler are still using Daimler-Chrysler era stuff.  Where is the update?

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    4 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    Like @balthazar says, people don't shop with a tape measure. It's all going to be based on who can offer the most features for $3990 down, $399 a month for an ultra low mileage lease.

    Or in this case, $3,329 Down and $309.00 a month for 36 months.

    image.png

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    2 minutes ago, dfelt said:

    Or in this case, $3,329 Down and $309.00 a month for 36 months.

    image.png

    Thats even cheaper than a front drive GLA lease that comes in at $36,87 down and $339 a month.

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    2 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

    Jeep also isn't a luxury brand, so I would hope they outsell the Audi Q's in the USA.  And as I said Jeep's brand image and styling and off road reputation and American image all work really well for it.  FCA is the weak part, they don't have any new powertrains or hybrids outside of the Pacifica.  Look at the lower end Jeeps with that awful 2.4 liter engine from the Dodge Dart for example.

    And the fact is, the Alfa Romeo V6 has 505 hp, the 5.7 liter Hemi has 360 hp and the 6.4 liter SRT Hemi has 475 hp.  So the V6 out powers both and gets better gas mileage than both.   FCA gives the good powertrains to Alfa, Jeep and Chrysler are still using Daimler-Chrysler era stuff.  Where is the update?

    1.5t - 2016, 2.0t - 2018, 3.6 was heavily revised in 2016

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    27 minutes ago, dfelt said:

    Totally agree as to why the competition I see with the XT4 is the GLA, X3, Q3, etc.

    I think you mean X1 but yeah.. I think this could have been an XT3 with room between it and the XT5 for another CUV.

     

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    Audi sold 116K Q3-5-7s in the US last year.
    Jeep moved 828K SUV/CUVs. That's not remotely close.

    I sincerely hope Cadillac is looking at this XT4 as an experiment of sorts; gauging market performance/ROI with a CUV so small. Everythin to come should ONLY be larger than the XT4, never smaller.

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    10 minutes ago, frogger said:

    I think you mean X1 but yeah.. I think this could have been an XT3 with room between it and the XT5 for another CUV.

     

    Yeah, kind of feels that way.. it's a few inches shorter length wise than the Q5, X3, and GLC.  Bigger than the Q3, X1, and GLA.    Slightly longer than the MKC. (MKX is XT5 sized).

    Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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    I still feel like Cadillac dropped the ball with the XT4 because they will never get big money for what is basically a glorified Equinox.  They will just have an Acura RDX/Lincoln MKC type competitor that sells a couple thousand a month because of $309 lease specials, but that isn't a big profit driver.

    And on size, XT4's dimensions are 181 L x 77 W x 64 H

    Car and Driver had 3 SUVs this month with dimensions and price of:

    185 L x 77 W x 66 H  $85,340

    186 L x 77 W x 62 H  $104,910

    185 L x 76 W x 63 H  $96,295

     

     

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    8 hours ago, smk4565 said:

    I still feel like Cadillac dropped the ball with the XT4 because they will never get big money for what is basically a glorified Equinox.  They will just have an Acura RDX/Lincoln MKC type competitor that sells a couple thousand a month because of $309 lease specials, but that isn't a big profit driver.

    And on size, XT4's dimensions are 181 L x 77 W x 64 H

    Car and Driver had 3 SUVs this month with dimensions and price of:

    185 L x 77 W x 66 H  $85,340

    186 L x 77 W x 62 H  $104,910

    185 L x 76 W x 63 H  $96,295

     

     

    No one cares. Cadillac is going to sell the crap out of these. It will probably become their highest volume vehicle just like the Encore did for Buick.  This really is the next step up in luxury for Encore or GLA drivers who want only slightly larger than their current car.

    No one is going to bring a measuring tape with them. You are lying about this being related to Equinox, it is related to Regal.

    The GLA can't take a V6, but this XT4 can. 

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    2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

    No one cares. Cadillac is going to sell the crap out of these. It will probably become their highest volume vehicle just like the Encore did for Buick.  This really is the next step up in luxury for Encore or GLA drivers who want only slightly larger than their current car.

    No one is going to bring a measuring tape with them. You are lying about this being related to Equinox, it is related to Regal.

    The GLA can't take a V6, but this XT4 can. 

    the XT4 has huge rear seat numbers for a compact.  Even if the trunk got compromised some, everyone knows you can fold the rear seat.  Caddy purposely returned more space to the back seat vs. trunk.  For this reason alone, the XT4 should do gangbusters.  Especially after all the flack Cadillac took for no back seat in the ATS .  XT4 replaces ATS as Cadillacs 'port of entry'.  So the main critique of car with no back seat has been remedied.

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