The 2019 XT4 is the vehicle Cadillac needs, but is it too late?
Pros Will stand out from the crowd 30 mpg highway Excellent rear leg room Reasonable starting price
Cons Active safety system availability limited Where’s Super Cruise? Small cargo hold CUE is still CUE
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 makes for an affordable entry point into the world of compact luxury SUVs, offering a fuel-efficient engine and plenty of rear legroom. Also, you won't mistake its subdued design for anything but a Cadillac.
Pros Affordable starting price Standard support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Plenty of rear legroom
Cons Luxury features you'd expect to be standard are optional
The XT4's edgy styling had us hoping that Cadillac's subcompact crossover—like its ATS, CTS, and CT6 sedans—had been engineered to impress driving enthusiasts. But during the day we spent hustling the XT4 along the picturesque rural roads circumscribing greater Seattle, it became clear that Cadillac has instead aimed for more traditional entry-luxury crossover stuff: quietness, sumptuousness, and user-focused technology.
Pros Smart styling, quiet engine, decent interior
Cons Unhurried shifting quality, uncommunicative chassis.
A blind-spot monitor and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are now standard.Part of the first NX generation, originally introduced for 2015 as the NX 200t.
PROS Cabin is very quiet at highway speeds Supremely comfortable ride and seats Lots of standard high-tech safety features
CONS Remote Touchpad interface is frustrating to use Limited cargo volume Not much fun to drive
The 2021 Lexus NX's #7 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Compact SUVs category. Currently the Lexus NX has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 31 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.The 2021 Lexus NX 300 ranks in the lower half of the luxury compact SUV class.
Pros Roomy seating Smooth, quiet ride Many standard safety features Great predicted reliability rating
Cons Frustrating infotainment controls Relatively small cargo area
Even though the subcompact NX is on the far side of the age curve, Lexus hasn't made any major changes to it for 2021. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard, as are power-folding exterior mirrors with an auto-dimming function. Inside, Lexus has tweaked the NX's steering wheel and tachometer designs. Opting for the upgraded Mark Levinson stereo system now includes a Mark Levinson-branded amplifier. And a new color joins the options sheet: Nori Green Pearl.
Pros Chiseled styling, proper SUV seating height, spacious interior.
Cons Fussy infotainment controller, middle-of-the-pack acceleration, starting to show its age.
