GM will definitely need to fill up the spot below the XT5 mid-size luxury SUV. The most likely option is the 2021 Cadillac XT3, a compact crossover that should debut next season. Experts from GM Authority are analyzing this possibility, but there are no too many details about the upcoming vehicle. It will be positioned below the existing XT5, and future subcompact XT1 or XT2. Alpha 2 platform will underpin the upcoming vehicle. Finally, we will see the most similarities with the CT5 luxury car.
The release date of the new vehicle is not set yet and all the information is still the speculation. Still, the carmaker needs a representative in the best-selling segment. The 2021 Cadillac XT3 will be also different and smaller than the XT4, which has a coupe-like shape. The new crossover will be able to compete with Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Lexus NX. The styling will be very similar to the existing models, especially XT5 and XT4. General Motors is working on a hybrid engine and this could be one of the options for the upcoming vehicle.
Where Does the 2021 Cadillac XT3 Fit?
The compact luxury crossover class is the hottest segment in the market. The best-selling numbers are coming from this realm and Cadillac still doesn’t have a model there. The company worked on the XT6 and XT4, but the arrival of the 2021 Cadillac XT3 will make a whole new image. As we suggested after the early success of the mid-size XT5, the carmaker will expand the lineup.
Escalade is not going to be renamed to the XT- nomenclature, but it still shares the future with its new siblings. For a long time, this was the only crossover SUV by the premium carmaker. It is still a flagship model and the vehicle that brings you the most features. However, the difference in price will make you pick a smaller unit instead of paying $85,000 for the full-size three-row SUV.
Possible Engines
We will check the existing lineup and powertrains of competition to see what we could find under the hood of the 2021 Cadillac XT3. First of all, let’s check what XT4 got. A 2.0-liter turbo-four is the perfect choice for the small crossover. For the luxury segment, the power outputs go over 200 hp, and this engine is good for 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A larger XT5 is exploiting a V6 unit and it is too big for the compact model. However, some higher levels could take advantage of 310 hp and 270 lb-ft tunings.
A 1.4-liter turbocharged engine for Chevy Trax is not powerful enough with 140 hp. On the other hand, Equinox is slightly better with 170 hp coming from a 1.5-liter mill. A 2.0-liter turbocharged powerplant in the previous version of the mid-size Traverse could burst 255 hp.
Now let’s see what do the rivals offer. BMW X3 starts the offer with a 2.0-liter motor and 250 hp, while it boosts the performance with the M edition that exploits a V6 unit. A 2.0 is also under the hood of the Lexus NX and provides 235 hp. GM’s archrival, Ford, is using the same displacement for its premium Lincoln Corsair. It is good for 250 hp. All this information suggests that 2021 Cadillac XT3 will borrow the setup from the XT4.
2021 Cadillac XT3 Hybrid
What does GM doesn’t offer yet is a hybrid configuration? This is the major lack of the automotive giant and the company has to do something quickly about that. The 2021 Cadillac XT3 is the perfect chance to rebuild the image. While Ford and Toyota are electrifying more and more of their vehicles, the only such model in GM’s lineup is Chevy Bolt EV. And it is pretty old already. The same 2.0 engine could serve as the base and it will improve the efficiency of the standard petrol setup. The XT4 returns 24/30 mpg and the upcoming XT3 should have similar numbers. The hybrid unit will make it to at least 30 mpg combined.
Release Date
The company is delaying all the premieres because of coronavirus. The situation might be a blessing in disguise for the GM since it will have more time to catch up with the competition. Still, if the hybrid is not happening, then the chances for the 2021 Cadillac XT3 are not too great. Also, one of the major downsides for the rest of the XT- lineup is lack of options. Cadillac needs to stack the interior with premium equipment and features to bring more buyers, especially the younger population.