2019 Cadillac XT4 vs 2019 Acura MDX

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 started with a robust 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine that offered an impressive 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, this combination promised a spirited driving experience. The transmission featured a notably short first gear for quick takeoffs and a tall final gear aimed at delivering a competitive 27 mpg for the front-wheel-drive version.

Starting from its base Luxury trim, the XT4 came with a starting MSRP of $34,795, providing expected luxury features like LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition with remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-speaker stereo, satellite radio, and an 8-inch touchscreen. However, certain luxury staples such as auto wipers and mirrors, a driver memory system, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and a power liftgate were absent in the base trim. These were available in higher trims, like the Premium Luxury trim starting at $39,295.

My week with the XT4 was spent in the top-tier Sport trim, which included additional features like LED turn signals and front cornering lamps, a sport steering wheel, sport front seats, and unique faux leather interior. This trim had the same starting MSRP as the Premium Luxury trim of $39,295; however, opting for all-wheel drive increased my tester's price to $41,795. My particular XT4 was equipped with a slew of optional features: a $2,450 Comfort and Convenience package, a $1,550 dual-pane sunroof, and a $1,500 Cadillac User Experience package. Other enhancements included a $1,500 Enhanced Visibility package, a $1,400 Technology package, a $2,300 adaptive sport suspension, and 20-inch alloy wheels with a $1,100 Drive Assist package. The final price, with additional options such as the $850 Cold Weather package, $770 Driver Awareness package, $625 Twilight Blue Metallic paint, a $300 trailering package, and a $995 destination charge, ballooned to $57,135.

The 2019 Acura MDX, on the other hand, was a cornerstone in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment, long-dominating due to the lack of strong competition. With alternatives like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 priced higher, the MDX managed to capture a significant market share without stretching budgets too thin.

For 2019, the Acura MDX saw several upgrades, including a new A-Spec Package trim level, better interior materials, an adaptive damping suspension with the Advance Package, and transmission upgrades that addressed previous shifting issues. My test vehicle arrived in the A-Spec trim with the SH-AWD system at a total cost of $55,795, including destination charges.

Sporting a unique front bumper design, Shark Gray 20-inch wheels, dark chrome and gloss black trim elements, and darkened lighting elements, my A-Spec MDX exuded a more aggressive look and sound. Inside, the A-Spec boasted heated and ventilated front seats upholstered in red leather and black Alcantara suede. The interior featured an A-Spec steering wheel with paddle shifters, metallic pattern trim, metal accents, and red instrument panel illumination, giving it a sporty yet luxurious vibe.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4’s turbocharged engine was a strong performer, offering 258 lb-ft of torque from just 1,500 rpm and sustaining it until 4,000 rpm. However, the front wheels often struggled to manage this torque, making AWD a preferable option despite its 24 mpg combined fuel efficiency, which was less than the 27 mpg of the FWD version. The 237 horsepower peaked at 5,000 rpm, giving the XT4 a lively feel, although the 9-speed transmission occasionally faltered at low speeds. The adaptive sport suspension and mechanical torque vectoring facilitated impressive cornering capabilities, although they also necessitated 20-inch wheels, compromising ride comfort.

In comparison, the 2019 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The SH-AWD system, offered at an additional $2,000, significantly enhanced handling by allowing up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to be directed to a single rear wheel. This system also included thicker stabilizer bars and improved weight distribution for a better driving experience. The A-Spec trim I tested proved quick and responsive, addressing prior complaints about the 9-speed transmission’s unpredictability.

With a curb weight of 4,275 pounds, the MDX handled various driving conditions well, although heated brakes sometimes emanated smoke during vigorous driving. Fuel efficiency tests showed the A-Spec returning 19.7 mpg, slightly less than its EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, yet better compared to the smaller, less efficient RDX A-Spec.

For those wanting even greater performance and efficiency, the MDX Sport Hybrid model proved superior, pairing a 3.0-liter V6 with three electric motors for a combined output of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, offering enhanced city fuel economy and an enjoyable driving experience with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and adaptive damping suspension.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4's interior sophistication and space were commendable for its price and segment, though some might find traces of GM’s parts bin. Front and rear passenger space was generous, even accommodating those over 6 feet tall. Cargo capacity stood at 22.5 cubic feet with the seats up, expanding to 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. While these figures positioned the XT4 competitively within its segment, it still fell in the middle range among its rivals. However, the omission of certain usual safety features and conveniences, especially on higher trims, was a notable downside.

Living with the 2019 Acura MDX confirmed its practical and comfortable nature. The front seats offered ample cushioning and support, accompanied by a generously sized center armrest. The triple-zone climate control system kept passengers happy, and the second-row seat suited both adults and kids well. The second-row captain’s chairs included with the Advance Package added valuable storage space.

However, third-row seating was less impressive, serving better as occasional rather than everyday seating. With the third row folded, the MDX boasted 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.4 cubic feet with the second row down. If all rows were needed, cargo space decreased to 15 cubic feet. Additional handy features included a covered storage bin under the cargo floor.

Comparing the cargo capacities, the MDX clearly outpaced the XT4, making it a better choice for those needing more room for passengers and cargo.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 brought in traditional buttons replacing the previously frustrating touch-sensitive panels. The centerpiece was an 8-inch touchscreen running Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system, incorporating Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard fare, along with USB-C ports. While an overall design improvement, many tech features, especially safety-related ones, were relegated to optional packages. The rear-view mirror’s camera feed addressed significant visibility issues caused by thick C-pillars and a raked rear-hatch window, but it was disappointing these fixes required extra expenditure.

The 2019 Acura MDX's technology upgrades included the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and enhanced graphics and responsiveness for the lower display screen. However, the dual-screen setup persisted, with the top display handling navigation and smartphone projections, controlled via dashboard buttons and voice commands, while the lower touchscreen managed radio and climate controls. Users found the voice-recognition system subpar and the climate/Tune controls cumbersome. The screens felt outdated for a modern luxury SUV, often making the system harder to navigate, though long-term use might smooth out these issues for some.

Acura’s next redesign was expected to feature the superior True Touchpad Interface seen in the 2019 RDX, marking a significant upgrade for future models.

Safety was a mixed bag for the 2019 Cadillac XT4, which had yet to undergo testing by either the NHTSA or the IIHS. Cadillac seemed committed to safety with a variety of optional systems, but their availability only through additional packages meant higher costs, which might deter budget-conscious families from considering the base model.

In stark contrast, the 2019 Acura MDX boasted strong crash-test ratings—a significant factor in its favor. The AcuraWatch suite of safety systems came standard, and upgrading to the Technology Package added valuable features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite the IIHS revising its criteria, the MDX retained a Top Safety Pick rating, maintaining excellent performance in most areas. Its Jewel Eye LED headlights were efficient but not adaptive. AcuraWatch systems occasionally exhibited less refined behavior, such as the adaptive cruise control’s harsh braking and uneven acceleration, though improvements were evident in newer Acura models.