2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Cadillac XT4

The 2019 Subaru Forester presented a slightly larger and wider design compared to its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice was logical, given the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester. Inside, the Forester's cabin prioritized functionality over luxury, offering a modern look without the smooth aesthetics seen in some competitors. The Forester was available in several trims, including Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring, each offering a range of features from standard LED headlights and symmetrical all-wheel drive to advanced driver-assistance systems.

In contrast, the 2020 Cadillac XT4 employed a "Y" trim level strategy, starting with the standard Luxury trim and offering upgrades to Premium Luxury or Sport trims. The Premium Luxury trim, which was tested, included front-wheel drive, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a range of option packages. The XT4's exterior was visually appealing, with crisp styling and proper proportions, although it suffered from excessive front overhang. Inside, the cabin used competitive quality materials, though some elements, like the plain black trim around the power window controls, fell short of luxury expectations.

The 2019 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered a modest improvement over the previous model but lacked the torque needed for strong acceleration. The absence of a turbocharged engine option, which was available in the 2018 model, left the Forester with a single engine choice that didn't quite match the "Sport" trim's name. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and CVT prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. However, the SI-Drive system offered some hope by adjusting throttle response and power delivery. The Forester excelled in ride quality, providing a smooth and refined experience on various terrains, with fuel economy rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a lively driving experience, aided by a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, the transmission was hesitant to downshift in Tour mode, a problem that persisted, albeit less frequently, in Sport mode. The XT4's ride and handling were mixed, with good steering effort in Tour mode but an artificially heavy sensation in Sport mode. The standard suspension struggled with speed humps and smaller bumps, amplified by the 20-inch wheels. Despite these issues, the XT4 offered impressive grip and minimal body roll, making it enjoyable on smooth roads. Fuel economy for the FWD XT4 was rated at 26 mpg, with the test vehicle achieving 24.8 mpg.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a slightly larger size than its predecessor, with a tailgate opening 5 inches wider. The base model provided a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while other trims offered 70.9 cubic feet. The Forester's larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance was beneficial for various driving conditions. The cabin embraced a "Function First" philosophy, with numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The tall greenhouse provided excellent visibility and a commanding driving position, with ample legroom and headroom.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4's interior offered comfort for the driver and front passenger, with soft leather, padded armrests, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The rear passenger compartment felt roomier than many small SUVs, though the rear seat cushion lacked support. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, quickly cooling the interior during a heatwave. The climate controls were elegantly arranged, and the cabin offered ample storage space, including umbrella holders and a wireless smartphone charger. However, the XT4's cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen. The system was responsive, with high resolution and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating the menus was intuitive, and the transition between Starlink and CarPlay was seamless. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included a unique Lead Vehicle Alert feature, which notified drivers when the vehicle ahead moved away at a stoplight.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4's Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system had improved significantly, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth pairing. The 8-inch display was a touchscreen, with controls on the center console and steering wheel, and a voice-recognition system. However, the screen could have been larger, and integrating the climate system with voice recognition would have been beneficial. The optional 13-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround audio system provided a satisfying listening experience, though the test car lacked some advanced technology features like a head-up display or rear camera mirror.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with EyeSight's driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Lane-keeping Assist provided small steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered. The Forester also included a full array of airbags and a reversing camera, contributing to its reputation as a safe vehicle with excellent visibility.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 added several safety features for the 2020 model year, including forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package included additional features like automatic high-beam headlights and lane-keeping assistance. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not completed all testing.