GM is cutting its cheapest crossover in January amid a hurried shift to EVs

General Motors is doing more than talking about making the transition to electric vehicles. The American automaker is continuing to show its commitment by cutting another gas-powered model from its lineup, this time from its luxury-focused brand. The Cadillac XT4, the marque’s most affordable crossover, is getting the ax for good come January 2025.

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The Cadillac XT4 saw just six years on the market

Introduced for the 2019 model year, the Cadillac XT4 became the cheapest model in the brand’s lineup. Starting at under $35,000, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 received mixed reviews, ranging from a responsive turbocharged engine to a ride that could use some refinement.

Five years later, the 2024 model arrived with a refreshed style both inside and out, complete with front lighting that resembles that of the Cadillac Lyriq EV. That’s not all the XT4 borrows from Cadillac’s EVs though as in the cabin, the XT4 comes with the Lyriq’s 33-inch infotainment display, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

For its final model year, the Cadillac XT4 lost its Luxury trim level but kept the Active Safety Package as standard on all other trims. The 2025 XT4 offers one last hurrah before extinction, maintaining its status as the brand’s cheapest crossover with a starting price right around $40,000 MSRP.

The Cadillac XT4 does have a successor, at least in spirit. The Cadillac Optiq takes the XT4’s place as the brand’s smallest and most affordable crossover - and it's an EV.

The XT4 production line will be retooled for EVs

The discontinuation of the Cadillac XT4 is an unexpected one in terms of timing. GM previously said there would be a temporary pause on the model’s production line to retool the factory for the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt EV. Originally, GM planned to produce the XT4 and Bolt EV on the same assembly line but it looks like those plans have changed as the plant will now exclusively produce the Bolt.

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Plans for the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City haven’t changed, with GM moving forward with its $390 million investment. The retooling will result in assembly lines going quiet for a full year. As a result, GM’s shutdown means suppliers need to cut costs, resulting in the loss of around 1,000 local jobs. Some suppliers, like Yanfeng and OPmobility, will close their manufacturing facilities permanently.

The Cadillac XT4 is just the latest casualty in a long line of sacrifices

General Motors has been on a rampage recently, and the Cadillac XT4 is just the most recent model leaving the market in 2025. Perhaps the most notable is the Chevrolet Camaro, a staple in the muscle car segment and one of the few true American competitors to the Ford Mustang. The sixth-generation Camaro officially left the lineup following the 2024 model year but there is hope for a renewed Camaro sometime in the future.

“While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro’s story,” said Scott Bell, VP of Global Chevrolet.

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The Chevrolet Malibu is also saying its goodbyes after more than 25 consecutive years of production. The original Malibu made its debut in the 1960s and has since become a staple in automotive pop culture. With more than 10 million units sold since 1964, the Malibu is the last sedan to leave the Chevrolet lineup.

Final thoughts

GM is clearly accelerating its timeline when it comes to EV production by cutting the Cadillac XT4 earlier than expected. The Chevrolet Malibu, which will cease production in November, marks another casualty as the age of electrification continues. But it’s the loss of the Chevrolet Camaro that hits the hardest among enthusiasts. Thankfully, it looks like the famed muscle car won’t be gone for good.

The loss of nearly 1,000 jobs is also a major blow to the surrounding community. With some suppliers shuttering their facilities for good, a recovery once the Fairfax Assembly plant’s retooling is complete is up in the air. EVs still need parts, though, so hopefully new suppliers can move into the area when the time comes.

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