Compare the2024 Subaru CrosstrekVS 2024 Cadillac XT4

The Crosstrek has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The XT4 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Crosstrek. But it costs extra on the XT4.

The Crosstrek’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The XT4 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Crosstrek and the XT4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

There are over 12 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Cadillac dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Crosstrek’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Crosstrek’s reliability 57 points higher than the XT4.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Cadillac vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru 10 places higher in reliability than Cadillac.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Crosstrek lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The XT4 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Crosstrek gets better mileage than the XT4:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Crosstrek uses regular unleaded gasoline. The XT4 requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The Crosstrek has a standard locking fuel door. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the XT4. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

The Crosstrek has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The XT4 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Crosstrek stops shorter than the XT4:

For better maneuverability, the Crosstrek Wilderness’ turning circle is 3.2 feet tighter than the XT4’s (34.8 feet vs. 38 feet). The Crosstrek’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the XT4’s (35.4 feet vs. 38 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek has a 2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the XT4 (8.7 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the Crosstrek to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Crosstrek Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 2.6 inches higher than on the XT4 (9.3 vs. 6.7 inches).

The Subaru Crosstrek may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 500 pounds less than the Cadillac XT4.

The Crosstrek is 4.5 inches shorter than the XT4, making the Crosstrek easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Crosstrek is 5.4 inches narrower on average than the XT4, making the Crosstrek easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The Crosstrek has .4 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front hip room, 5.4 inches more rear hip room and .2 inches more rear shoulder room than the XT4.

The Crosstrek has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the XT4 with its rear seat folded (54.7 vs. 48.9 cubic feet).

The Crosstrek’s cargo area is larger than the XT4’s in almost every dimension:

The engine in the Crosstrek is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the XT4. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The XT4 (except Luxury)’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Crosstrek’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Crosstrek as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Cadillac XT4 isn't recommended.

The Subaru Crosstrek outsold the Cadillac XT4 by over seven to one during 2023.