With vehicles like the Escalade and CT5-V Blackwing getting all the attention, it’s easy to forget that the Cadillac XT4 even exists. Sure, it’s neither a cultural nor performance icon, but it’s a fine machine, ready to take those daily duties. And more importantly, it’s actually fun to drive.

The XT4 was a stunner when it was first introduced back in 2018 as a 2019 model. It felt more fresh, more youthful, when compared to stodgier siblings like the XT5 and XTS of the era. And yes, those are two different names for two completely different vehicles. Sure, a few jokes were cracked about the XT4’s “thumbs-down” headlamps, but this little crossover felt right at home alongside more exciting models like the ATS and CT6.

Today, though, Cadillac’s design language has continued to evolve, with vehicles like the Lyriq defining the current look of the brand, knocking some of the excitement off the XT4. It’s still a handsome-looking machine, but will appeal more to those looking for something sensible rather than exciting. Keep in mind: the XT4 is playing in the luxury space, which for better or worse, is subject to the whims of ever-changing fashion, it no longer feels as contemporary as its peers.

Also feeling a bit behind the times is the XT4’s interior. Like the exterior, it’s handsomely simple, but it lacks, to use a words the kids say, “zazz.” The kids still say “zazz,” right? Moving on.

In a world where a “screens everywhere” design language signifies all things modern, the XT4 is charmingly old school with its analog gauges and relatively small touchscreen infotainment display. The uncomfortably uncomfortable-to-use haptic plastics that make up the old CUE system are nowhere to be found, with real physical buttons and dials handling much of the important in-car controls.

Our Cadillac XT4 Sport test model gets the none-more-black interior, with everything from the steering wheel to the dash to the seats crafted from materials with a color value of 0. Orange contrast stitching adds visual interest, as does the carbon fiber trim. While not the fanciest place to spend time, the seats are comfortable, the dual zone climate controls work as advertised, and occupants both front and rear get to enjoy a generous amount of room.

While technically classified as a small SUV, the Cadillac XT4 Sport drives more like a hot hatch than it does a luxury vehicle. It’s powered by a buzzy 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder, rated here at 235 horsepower, and its 258 lb-ft of torque is available from 1500-4000 rpm. Transmission is a 9-speed automatic that, as advertised, delivers smooth shifts. This transmission also feels as if it uses shorter gears down low, because the XT4 is absolutely lively off the line. It won’t force your eyeballs out the back of your skull, but it delivers a sense of fun not found in Cadillac’s other, non-V-badged offerings. An available active sport suspension does a good job of keeping things composed while also keeping the XT4 flat in the corners. And the steering has just enough weight to give this crossover feel more engaging than you’d expect. It’s not a proper hot hatch, but it’s as close as a Cadillac-badged vehicle will get.

And that leaves us with an idea. We’d love to see a true V-badged version of the XT4. Not as a ‘Ring taxi, but as something like an epic rally fighter. Turn up the boost, tweak the AWD system, beef up the mechanicals and let ‘er rip. Maybe we could convince renowned artist Jon Sibal to render one, which would hopefully then inspire Cadillac to actually build one. Or maybe we can bring our expectations back down to earth and remind ourselves that the Cadillac XT4 is a fine, well-appointed daily driver, that offers a surprising amount of fun given the badge.

The Cadillac XT4 Sport