THE CADILLAC XT4 VS LEXUS NX

Last year Cadillac entered the crossover market with its first ever model, a move long overdue, considering the segment's booming recent years. Sedans and full-sized SUVs are losing ground, while the crossover is on an ascending path to gain more and more buyers with every passing year.

After it's been introduced, Cadillac's XT4 received high praise, and since it is the company's first attempt in this car class, they did a phenomenal job. We'll compare it today with the Lexus NX, a car that raked a few years on the market so far, as well as some improvements to show for it.

Sporting the most ambitious exterior design of all Cadillacs, with sharp daring curves everywhere you look, and a front grille with two of the most dramatic headlights on the market on each side, the XT4 scores top marks for appearances. Not the same can be said about the NX. It has, at best, a polarizing exterior look, much like the Opera, you either love it or hate it. The fan lines are thinning though as the Lexus begins to show its age when compared to the new rival models. In a head-to-head competition between the Cadillac and the NX, when it comes down to exterior design, there is no question the XT4 comes out a winner.

The same can be said about the engine. Although on paper there's almost no difference between the two models, driving them feels worlds apart. The XT4 has a smooth-running 2.0-liter turbo-4 capable of producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It runs like a dream, and there's hardly any fuss felt inside the car from it. The NX comes with either a 235 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, or a hybrid that will put out 194 horsepower. Both are sluggish compared to the Cadillac, and worse still, the cabin gets a lot of noise coming from the road and both engines.

Fuel economy is comparable, with a slight advantage for the XT4, but only of 1 mile per gallon, so negligible.
Because the crossover segment sees such intense competition, the luxury class spoils its customers with long lists of standard features. In this department, both cars fare well, as the NX base model comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate, power-adjustable front seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth connectivity.

XT4's list of standard features includes 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, LED headlights and taillights, power-adjustable front seats, 4 USB ports, dual-zone climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen equipped with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

On the surface, the two cars seem to resemble each other closely tech-wise, but there couldn't be a bigger difference between Cadillac's infotainment system and Lexus's. The former is crisp, highly responsive and user-friendly while the latter is sluggish and seems out-of-date.

In the end, whether you're comparing the two cars looking from the outside or from within, there is no doubt you'll be able to tell which is the cheaper one out of the two. It's the NX, and for 12% less money you'll buy yourself 50% less of a car.