2025 Cadillac XT4 vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,795 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between a luxury compact crossover like the 2025 Cadillac XT4 and a spacious, utilitarian wagon like the 2026 Subaru Outback can be tough. The core dilemma often centers on brand prestige versus raw utility and cost savings. The Cadillac starts at a higher MSRP of $40,795, offering a punchier 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, though it asks for premium unleaded fuel. Conversely, the Subaru undercuts the XT4 by a significant $5,800, sporting a base price of $34,995. While less powerful at 180 hp, the Outback is substantially more practical, boasting 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the XT4’s 22.5 cu ft. Furthermore, the Outback achieves slightly better fuel economy at 27 combined MPG using regular fuel, while the XT4 manages 26 combined MPG. For many buyers, that $5,800 savings and superior hauling capacity make the Outback the rational choice.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Cadillac XT4

The 2025 Cadillac XT4 wins for commuters due to its slightly better city MPG (24 vs 25 for the Outback, but the premium feel is prioritized) and superior power delivery.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the clear family winner because it offers significantly more cargo capacity at 34.6 cu ft versus the XT4's 22.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Cadillac XT4

The Cadillac XT4 appeals more to enthusiasts, providing an extra 55 horsepower and 80 lb-ft more torque for spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback offers superior value, starting $5,800 cheaper and providing better cargo utility and standard AWD.

Choose the Cadillac XT4 if...

You prefer the higher output of 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque from the Cadillac engine.
You value the slightly more nimble dimensions (180.1 inches long) typical of a compact luxury crossover.
You are willing to pay the higher MSRP ($40,795) for the premium brand experience.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You absolutely need maximum space, leveraging the Outback's substantial 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prioritize year-round driving security with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
You want to save $5,800 upfront and use less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac XT4	Subaru Outback
Length	180.1"	191.7"
Width	76.7"	74.0"
Height	64.1"	67.5"
Wheelbase	109.0"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	235 hp @ 5000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/29 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/461.1 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Infotainment Display	33.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.1 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.8 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/60R18	225/60R H
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac XT4 and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How much more cargo space does the Outback offer over the XT4?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is substantially more practical for hauling gear, offering 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is a major advantage over the 2025 Cadillac XT4, which provides only 22.5 cubic feet.

Is the Cadillac XT4 significantly more powerful than the Outback?

Yes, the Cadillac XT4 boasts a 55 hp advantage, producing 235 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp. The XT4 also delivers much higher torque at 258 lb-ft versus the Outback's 178 lb-ft.

Does the Subaru Outback use cheaper fuel than the Cadillac?

The Subaru Outback uses regular unleaded gasoline, helping keep running costs down. The Cadillac XT4 recommends, and generally requires, premium unleaded fuel, increasing routine fueling expenses.

Which vehicle is better equipped for foul weather conditions?

The Subaru Outback is inherently better suited for varied conditions, as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Cadillac XT4, in this configuration, is front-wheel drive (FWD).

What is the price difference between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Cadillac XT4 carries an MSRP starting at $40,795, which is $5,800 more expensive than the 2026 Subaru Outback, starting at $34,995.

How do the highway fuel economy ratings compare?

The Subaru Outback edges out the Cadillac slightly on the highway, achieving 31 MPG compared to the XT4's 29 MPG rating, despite the XT4's lower overall combined rating of 26 MPG.