2019 Cadillac XT4 vs 2019 Volvo XC40

The 2019 Volvo XC40 stood out with its distinctive styling, borrowing elements from its larger sibling, the XC90, resulting in an upright appearance. This design contrasted with other subcompact SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and BMW X2, which had more low-slung, hatchback-like designs. The XC40’s SUV-based design provided an upright driving position and ample head- and legroom. The XC40 came in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The Momentum trim, despite being the base model, was well-equipped with features like 18-inch wheels, LED signature headlights, and a 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment display. The R-Design trim added sporty elements, while the Inscription trim featured luxurious touches like a panoramic sunroof and driftwood door inlays.

In contrast, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 featured a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The base Luxury trim started at $34,795 and included features like LED headlights, keyless entry, and an 8-inch touchscreen. However, many expected luxury features were missing from the base trim, requiring an upgrade to the Premium Luxury trim. The top-tier Sport trim, which was tested, included additional features like LED turn signals, sport front seats, and unique faux leather. The options list was extensive, adding features like a hands-free liftgate, dual-pane sunroof, and a 13-speaker Bose stereo, bringing the final price to $57,135.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The unique shifter design required a double pull or push to engage Drive or Reverse, which could be confusing. Despite this, the XC40 offered brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive handling. The suspension balanced comfort and responsiveness, with minimal body roll in turns. The XC40 featured multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off-Road, and Individual. Fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined, with observed fuel economy at 21 mpg.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4’s turbocharged engine provided 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm and 237 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. The 9-speed transmission offered a spirited ride but struggled with smooth acceleration in low-speed driving. The XT4 achieved 27 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive (FWD) form, dropping to 24 mpg with AWD. The adaptive sport suspension and mechanical torque vectoring allowed the XT4 to handle corners well, but the 20-inch wheels negatively impacted ride quality. The 18-inch wheels were a better option for overall comfort.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 made excellent use of its space, offering ample front-seat head- and legroom. The center console featured a removable trash bin and a large tray with a wireless charging pad. The backseat provided impressive legroom and smart storage trays. The hands-free power liftgate worked efficiently, revealing a decent-size load floor with additional storage below. The rear seats could be easily dropped with spring-loaded toggles, expanding cargo space to 57.5 cubic feet.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 offered adequate space in both the front and back, even for taller passengers. The trunk provided 22.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. However, many safety features were optional, adding significantly to the price. The XT4’s design included some GM parts, but it generally felt more upscale than a more-expensive Chevrolet. Odd omissions like auto-up rear windows were noted, which could be frustrating for some buyers.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 featured a large portrait-oriented touchscreen in the center of the dash, housing most vehicle controls. The Sensus system was user-friendly, with a home screen and large font bands for different functions. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked seamlessly with the system. The available Multimedia Package added a navigation system and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, some functions like heated seats required multiple steps to access, which could be inconvenient.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 replaced touch-sensitive panels with traditional buttons, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with the CUE infotainment system. Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provided familiar interfaces, and USB-C ports were included. However, many tech features were optional, and the rear-view mirror’s camera feed was necessary due to poor rear visibility. The exclusion of standard safety features until venturing into the options list was a drawback.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 came standard with a full array of airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, a whiplash protection system, road-sign information updates, and a rear-collision warning system. The City Safe automatic braking system detected cars, pedestrians, and large animals. The optional Vision Package added blind-spot detection and cross-traffic alert, while the Advanced Package included a 360-degree camera and automatically bending headlights. However, the XC40’s large C-pillars created significant blind spots, impacting rearward visibility.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. While it offered impressive optional safety systems, the high cost to access them was a drawback. Families considering the base model would likely be disappointed by the lack of standard safety features.