Cadillac's SRX-replacing XT5 crossover may be slated for a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the United States.

The luxury arm of General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] initially plans to offer the XT5 only with a 3.6-liter V-6, but the brand's boss told Automotive News (subscription required) that the 4-cylinder is under consideration for the American market. It's already available in China, where vehicle taxes are based on engine displacement.

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The XT5 hits the market here in the U.S. next month in both front- and all-wheel-drive versions powered by the 310-horsepower V-6. A big advantage to the 4-cylinder is that it could boost the XT5's fuel economy, which is rated at 22 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive model thanks in part to a start-stop system.

This wouldn't mark the first time for Cadillac to offer a boosted crossover in the U.S. The automaker briefly sold a 2.8-liter V-6 with a turbocharger in the SRX, but the motor was marketed more as a premium, performance-oriented powertrain. The 4-cylinder would make more sense as an entry-level model, which would allow the automaker to offer the XT5 at a lower price point than the V-6's $39,990 base price.

In Cadillac's ATS, the 4-cylinder makes 272 hp. The Chinese-specification XT5 is anticipated to produce 256 hp, however.

For more on the XT5, read the in-depth reviews over at The Car Connection.