2025 Cadillac XT4 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference lies in the MSRP, with the 2025 Cadillac XT4 starting at $40,795 compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander's $45,270, representing a $4,475 initial saving for the Cadillac. Performance metrics favor the Highlander, boasting 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly surpassing the XT4's 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows the XT4 achieving a better 26 MPG combined versus the Highlander's 24 MPG combined, although the Toyota uses regular unleaded fuel while the Cadillac requires premium. Dimensionally, the Highlander is substantially larger at 194.9 inches long and 68.1 inches tall, but this results in less usable space, as the XT4 offers 22.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft. The XT4 maintains a front-wheel-drive base, whereas the Highlander provides standard all-wheel drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Cadillac XT4
The Cadillac XT4 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG and lower entry price point of $40,795.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is superior for families because its larger exterior dimensions (194.9 inches long) likely translate to better interior room, despite having less stated cargo volume.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the Cadillac's output.
2025 Cadillac XT4
The Cadillac XT4 provides better immediate value with a $4,475 lower MSRP and better efficiency at 26 MPG combined.
Choose the Cadillac XT4 if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing initial purchase cost, as the MSRP starts at $40,795.
- You prioritize better fuel efficiency, evidenced by the XT4's 26 MPG combined rating.
- You need a tighter turning radius or easier maneuverability, implied by its shorter 180.1-inch length.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You require maximum power, as the Highlander delivers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- All-wheel drive capability is essential, as this is the standard configuration for the Highlander.
- You prefer utilizing regular unleaded fuel instead of the Cadillac's premium requirement.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Cadillac XT4 | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 194.9" |
| Width | 76.7" | 76.0" |
| Height | 64.1" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 109.0" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 235 hp @ 5000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/29 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 381.6/461.1 mi. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 33.0 in | 8.0 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 Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.1 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.0 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 57.2 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 | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.8 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | P235/65R V |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Cadillac | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac XT4 and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Which vehicle offers better cargo capacity between the 2025 XT4 and the 2026 Highlander?
The 2025 Cadillac XT4 offers significantly more stated cargo volume at 22.5 cubic feet, compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander's 16 cubic feet. This suggests the XT4 is better equipped for hauling gear despite being shorter overall.
Does the price difference justify the power gap between the two crossovers?
The Highlander costs $4,475 more but provides 30 more horsepower (265 hp vs 235 hp) and 52 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 258). Enthusiasts may find this added performance worth the premium.
What is the main difference in drivetrain and fuel requirement?
The 2026 Highlander comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and runs on regular unleaded gasoline. Conversely, the 2025 XT4 is standard FWD and recommends premium unleaded fuel.
How do the size differences translate for buyers?
The Highlander is substantially longer at 194.9 inches and taller at 68.1 inches, suggesting a more commanding presence and potentially more headroom, whereas the XT4 is more compact at 180.1 inches.
Which vehicle will save more money at the pump over the long term?
The Cadillac XT4 is projected to be cheaper to fuel due to its higher combined MPG rating of 26, compared to the Highlander’s 24 MPG combined rating.
How many gears do the transmissions have?
The Cadillac XT4 utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2026 Toyota Highlander is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool