The Premium SUV segment demands nothing but the best of its models. Every detail needs to be carefully crafted with prestige in mind, so it's no surprise that two of the forerunners in the class come courtesy of Buick and Cadillac with their XT4 and Envision models.
In this head to head 2025 XT4 vs Envision, we’ll be going in depth on each model’s offering to tell you what to expect in the 2025 model year.
Key Takeaways
- The XT4 simplifies its lineup. The Luxury trim is discontinued, with the Premium Luxury serving as the new starting point for the line.
- The Envision is a ride that aims to impress with its simple elegance, skipping an overly flashy presentation in favor of something sensible and more muted.
- LThe XT4 is bowing out at the end of the 2025 Model year, leaving this year as the last chance to get yourself a new XT4 off the lot.
Is a Cadillac XT4 a good car?
Yes, For 2025, the Cadillac XT4 lineup sees some notable changes. The base Luxury trim has been dropped, making the Premium Luxury the new entry-level model. Additionally, the previously optional Active Safety package is now standard across all trims, bringing features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system.
However, this will also be the XT4’s final model year, as GM plans to retool its Fairfax, Kansas, production facility to build the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV. Between the remaining trims, the Premium Luxury and Sport are priced similarly, but the Sport stands out as the more engaging choice. It features distinctive wheel designs, blacked-out exterior trim, and exclusive interior accents, along with a sport-tuned suspension equipped with adaptive dampers and better-bolstered front seats, making it the more rewarding option to drive.
Is the Buick Envision a good car?
The second-generation Buick Envision slots neatly between the subcompact Encore GX and the larger, three-row Enclave, offering a comfortable middle ground in Buick’s SUV lineup. Priced typically in the low $40,000s, it’s a pleasant, if not particularly thrilling, option in the luxury compact SUV segment. Power comes from a responsive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering adequate performance, though fuel economy is only average at 23 mpg overall.
Buyers can choose between front- and all-wheel drive. The Envision delivers a quiet and composed ride, with well-controlled body motions, though the larger 20-inch wheels on the top-tier Avenir trim slightly compromise ride comfort. While handling isn’t especially sporty, it feels planted and secure, making it a refined choice for those prioritizing comfort over agility.
Summary
Between the two, the XT4 makes more sense for a variety of reasons. First off, the interior is a highlight as always in a Cadillac model. Stepping into the plush XT4 feels more akin to sitting in an upscale sofa at times, and its forward thinking technology and assistance features only make the cozy ride even more convenient. For the cozier, more prestigious ride, the Cadillac XT4 is without comparison and it’s for that reason that it gets our pick in this head to head.
