Compare the2025 Cadillac XT4VS 2025 Lexus NX

The Cadillac XT4 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The NX doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The XT4’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The NX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

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

There are over 2 times as many Cadillac dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the XT4’s warranty.

The XT4’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 32 more horsepower (235 vs. 203) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 184) than the NX 250’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the XT4 AWD gets better fuel mileage than the NX 350 running its gasoline engine (23 city/28 hwy vs. 21 city/28 hwy).

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the XT4’s fuel efficiency. The NX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Both the XT4 and the NX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All XT4s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The NX 350h/450h+ doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Cadillac XT4 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The NX 350 AWD requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The XT4 FWD’s standard fuel tank has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX (15.9 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The XT4 AWD’s standard fuel tank has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX (16.3 vs. 14.5 gallons).

The XT4 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The NX doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Cadillac XT4 higher (6 out of 10) than the Lexus NX (5 to 6). This means the XT4 produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the NX every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Cadillac XT4, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the NX.

The XT4 stops much shorter than the NX:

For better traction, the XT4’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the NX (245/45R20 vs. 235/60R18).

The XT4’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the NX’s optional 50 series tires.

The XT4 has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The NX doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The XT4 offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the NX; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XT4’s wheelbase is 3.5 inches longer than on the NX (109.4 inches vs. 105.9 inches).

The XT4 Sport AWD handles at .89 G’s, while the NX 350 AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The XT4 Sport AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.1 seconds quicker than the NX 450h+ AWD (26.3 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

The front grille of the XT4 (except with towing package) uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The NX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The XT4 uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The NX doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the XT4 Sport AWD is quieter than the NX 350 AWD (69 vs. 70 dB).

The XT4 has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 3.1 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front shoulder room, 3.4 inches more rear legroom and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the NX.

The XT4 has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the NX with its rear seat folded (48.9 vs. 46.9 cubic feet).

The XT4’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the NX’s (2000 vs. 0 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Lexus NX is only 2000 pounds. The XT4 offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

The XT4’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the NX.

The power windows standard on both the XT4 and the NX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the XT4 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The NX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

Consumer Reports rated the XT4’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the NX’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The XT4 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the NX.

The Cadillac XT4 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the overhead console. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Lexus charges extra for Homelink® on the NX.

Insurance will cost less for the XT4 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the XT4 will cost $180 to $2020 less than the NX over a five-year period.