The midsize Cadillac XT6 debuted in 2020, ten years after the firm discontinued the SRX, to bridge the gap between the full-size Escalade and the tiny XT4 and XT5. Although there is a lot of competition in the premium three-row SUV market, it is still challenging to identify the Cadillac XT6 brand. It doesn’t affect the power, fuel economy, or payload capacity category. Although it isn’t the most luxurious, showy, athletic, or roomy, it is still reasonably priced and functions well. It fulfils many buyers’ requirements, particularly regarding choices and technology.
The XT6 has three trim levels: Luxury, Premium, and Sport. All trim levels have an extensive list of standard safety features and technology. However, since a revised model is anticipated for next year, the XT6 only gets a few minor updates for 2023, like new exterior colour options and standard heated and ventilated second-row outboard seats on the mid-tier Premium Luxury trim.
Despite being a relative newcomer, the General Motors brand sold more than 20,000 XT6s in 2022 and was able to compete with more established brands like the Acura MDX, Infiniti XC60, and Volvo XC90. Furthermore overlooked is the fact that the parent firm also provides the standard platform for the luxury GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave badges. In summary, GM’s midsize eight-seaters have found a lot of consumers.
The only available powertrain options for the XT6 are a 3.0-liter V6 or the base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s not thrilling or fuel-efficient, but a capable road fighter can tow up to 4,000 pounds when outfitted correctly. Unlike other well-liked cross-shopped vehicles, an electric or hybrid drivetrain is not an option for the XT6. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are options. Starting at $49,940, the basic front-wheel Luxury model comes with a $1,395 destination charge. The highest Sport model, exclusive to AWD, starts at $61,440.
The area behind the steering wheel is where the car shines. Along with a good array of basic safety and tech features, it can be equipped with optional advanced driver-aid features like a full-colour head-up display, night vision, and GM’s hands-free Super Cruise subscription (with a free three-year trial when purchasing a new car).
However, these add-ons increase the buying price, which escalates rapidly as customers customize their cars to match their requirements and desires. However, compared to more costly options, it still provides exceptional value for the premium midsize crossover class, even with all its features installed. It’s a sensible decision rather than going all out for an Escalade.
What’s New
- The exterior paint choices are Argent Silver Metallic, Opulent Blue Metallic, and New Radiant Red Tintcoat.
- Cadillac Premium Luxury and Sport models now have a multimedia display with inbuilt navigation.
- On Premium Luxury and Sport grades, ventilated front and heated outboard rear seats are now standard.
Performance: Cadillac XT6
Although the XT6 is solid and swift enough to be a daily driver for the morning commute, it won’t quench anyone’s need for speed or high-speed manoeuvres. But remember, this is a massive three-row midsize SUV.
There are just two engine options: the base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the Premium Luxury and performance-focused Sport models have a 3.6-litre V6 engine that generates 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic gearbox is matched with both powerplants; the V6 engine can tow up to 4,000 pounds. Front-wheel drive is standard for the Luxury and Premium Luxury grades; all-wheel drive is optional. For Sports models, however, AWD is the sole available setup.
The 4,441-pound crossover exhibits nimble handling at highway speeds, and the V6 engine offers pleasing acceleration right out of the gate. However, it doesn’t seem connected to the road at sharp curves. The optional Platinum Package comes with four customizable drive modes to assist in adjusting the performance, comfort balance, and driving conditions. Increasing the degree of individual mode customization will significantly enhance this function.
Fuel Efficiency: Cadillac XT6
For SUV customers who would like not to spend hundreds of dollars on gas each month but still want to overtake other cars quickly and accelerate swiftly onto highways, finding the right balance between power and fuel efficiency is a never-ending battle.
Although the Cadillac XT6 does not have the best fuel efficiency, consumers may still go worse than the EPA’s estimated 23 mpg combined city and highway driving for versions with front-wheel drive and the standard 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. The highway fuel economy decreases to 26 mpg with AWD installed. However, the city fuel efficiency remains constant at 21 mpg regardless of the drivetrain.
For cars with the 310 horsepower 3.6-litre V6 engine with FWD, the combined fuel efficiency drops even further to 21 mpg in 19 cities and 26 highways; AWD-equipped vehicles only get 25 mpg on the road. For the class, it is approximately average when equipped with traditional engines.
The 2023 Acura MDX, for instance, is estimated by the EPA to get 17 to 19 mpg in the city and 21 to 26 mpg on the highway, whether powered by a 290 horsepower 3.5-litre V6 or a 355 horsepower V6, respectively. With a powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine, Lincoln Aviator owners can anticipate the same fuel efficiency and much greater power. Similarly, depending on engine size, the Volvo XC90 is predicted to get between 19 and 21 mpg in the city and 27 and 30 mpg on the interstate.
For those who care about the environment, there is also the Aviator, which can get up to 56 MPGe in combined driving, and the XC90, which can achieve 27 mpg when driven as a conventional hybrid or 55 mpg when fully charged but comes at a high premium with a plug-in hybrid engine.
Sadly, the XT6’s thirsty V6 engine didn’t quite meet the EPA’s predicted fuel economy in our real-world test drive, only managing 20.3 mpg, and an electric or hybrid drivetrain isn’t an option.
Safety and Assisting Driver:
The Cadillac XT6 is worth looking at only for its technological features. Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, blind spot warning with lane-change alerts, rear cross-traffic warning, parking collision warning, rear seat reminder, and teen driver controls are among the features that come standard on all Cadillac models. Standard equipment includes cornering lighting and automatic high beams.
Rear automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are two examples of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that can only be added as part of the $1,300 Driver Assist Package, which is an additional cost that also includes reverse automated braking, and is only available on Premium Luxury and Sport models. The $2,350 Technology Package consists of the public head-up display and rear pedestrian alert; night vision costs an additional $2,000.
An available Surround Video Recorder system is a theft deterrent when the car is parked and in security mode. Similar to Tesla’s security system, drivers may download footage from the external SD card (not included), and specific exterior actions will cause the car to “wake up” and start recording. The driver must actively choose to capture video while driving for the device to function as a dashcam. This option must be selected for each journey.
The parent firm General Motors’ conditionally hands-free driving Super Cruise technology may make drivers feel more comfortable on more than 400,000 miles of mapped roads, even if it’s more of a convenience tool than a safety element.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the midsize SUV a Top Safety Pick+ certification in 2022; however, a more stringent evaluation in 2023 reduced the grade to only an overall “Good.” Even if the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it a perfect five-star rating, it nonetheless received a lower grade from us.
Coziness & Space:
The luxurious Escalade’s reputation has raised high expectations for the Cadillac XT6, and although it falls short of those aspirations, the interior still impresses. Every model has a sunroof that opens up the interior. It comes standard with a selection of luxurious leather options and is dressed in a smart-looking faux leather fabric.
Although the front seats include movable leg cushions for taller people and are very supportive and comfy, they do not have the massage functions other rivals have. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic heated front seats are included as standard, which activate according to the outside temperature. The Premium Luxury model now comes with ventilated seats as standard equipment. However, they make a lot of noise about the slight cooling they provide.
The middle-grade model now comes with outboard heated seats as standard, and the second row (which has 39.1 inches of legroom, which is about average but a full inch shorter than the Aviator’s) may be outfitted with two captain’s chairs rather than a bench (a $800 option), reducing seating capacity to six.
The midsize SUV’s main draw is its third-row capacity, which makes it ideal for the odd additional passenger. Although there is ample space within the interior for passengers to walk to the backseat, there is just 29.5 inches of legroom—average for its class but less than the XC90, which offers 31.9 inches of space.
To accommodate a passenger five feet six inches tall in the third row, the manually sliding seats in the second row must be positioned forward. Consequently, this leaves little space for even the tiniest people in the second row to depart the car politely.
Infotainment: Cadillac XT6
While the car industry seems to be moving toward an all-digital dashboard, the Cadillac XT6 sticks to the classics by including an analogue speedometer and tachometer and limiting the graphics to an 8-inch driver information screen between them. It’s difficult to argue against this equilibrium. The eight-inch voice-activated touchscreen, two of the six USB ports located throughout the cabin, integrated applications, and other elements of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) standard are all centred on the dash.
Cadillac has improved its electronics game and created an infotainment system that is so feature-rich, intuitive, and captivating that it surpasses smartphone use. The inbuilt navigation, which is standard on the Premium Luxury trim and above, may reroute traffic. Still, it’s not always accurate, so drivers may hesitate to rely on it over Google or Apple map applications.
Smartphone applications are simple to use with essential wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The optional OnStar service is now a tedious and sluggish automated system, although it was once a responsive substitute for utilizing personal gadgets. It’s a good safety net and backup plan for drivers who don’t mind another membership service, provided money isn’t a concern.
User profiles that may be customized and shared between cars are included with the CUE. These profiles learn the preferences and habits of the driver and save the settings in the cloud. The technology may give traffic updates based on travel habits and commonly used routes if drivers take the time to set up their profiles.
For those who want it, wireless device charging is offered; strangely, despite each row having two plugs, there isn’t a 120-volt charger for corded appliances.
Storage & Cargo Space:
One of the primary reasons people claim they want an SUV is cargo space; however, the Cadillac XT6 has less room than a Honda Civic for storage behind the third row when a family is present.
The XT6’s cargo capacity, when the third row is folded down, is just 12.6 cubic feet, less than that of its rival, the Civic, which has a trunk that can hold 14.8 cubic feet. In contrast, the XC90 provides 15.8 cubic feet of room behind the third row, while the Aviator creates 18.3 cubic feet. However, the standard power-folding third row is a valid (albeit sluggish) feature for those who may have their hands full while filling the trunk. Customers will likely fold the third row flat most of the time, so its capacity triples to a generous 43.1 cubes. The MDX is the only rival vehicle with a larger cargo size than the others, with 45.1 cubic feet behind the second row.
The XT6 has suitable compartments in the cabin to hold commonplace items. These include an angled slot that keeps cell phones from sliding around while driving (the case also serves as the optional NFC wireless charging station) and a passthrough beneath the console that can accommodate a medium-sized bag.
Design: Cadillac XT6
The Cadillac XT6’s angular design lends it a formal feel without being too ornately dressed for the event. However, it doesn’t have the edge customers may expect from the brand. Cadillac’s XT6 has a stylish posture that isn’t too aggressive or tough and looks great on standard 18-inch wheels. However, it lacks the flashiness of the VIP-favorite Escalade. The grille is Cadillac.
The Radiant option ($4,395) brightens the grille, adding 20-inch chrome wheels and an illuminated cargo sill plate. At the same time, the Onyx package ($4,895) darkens any metalwork down to the tailpipes with a gloss black finish to improve its street appearance. Though such bundles are pricey for attracting attention, customers may add some of the most striking components independently, like the Cadillac crest puddle light ($285), a la carte.
However, while dressed up, it still lacks some of its more fashion-forward rivals’ attention-grabbing embellishments. In contrast to the brand’s striking design cues, the XT6 is somewhat subdued.
Is the Cadillac XT6 Worth it?
With a $1,395 destination charge included, the basic Cadillac XT6 Luxury model offers an appealing starting price of $49,940. However, as many buyers of midsize SUVs prioritize safety above all else, they will have to upgrade to the Premium Luxury model to have the entire package of cutting-edge driver assistance systems, which are now practically necessary for many high-end drivers.
Moving up a trim level, though, brings the MSRP to $56,140, and that’s before you add the $2,350 Technology Package, the $1,300 Driver Assistance Package, and the $2,500 Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system. Upgrading results in 20-inch wheels, a 3.6-liter engine with increased horsepower (but higher fuel costs), and other external enhancements like flashy finishes. Additionally, for around $60,000, purchasers who are picky about extra aesthetic upgrades may have a fashionable, cosy, and well-equipped three-row SUV.
What is the cost of insurance for the Cadillac XT6 in 2023?
The XT6’s insurance costs are comparable to most of its rivals. On average, a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record should pay a yearly premium of around $2,400 in all 50 states. A basic Acura MDX costs $2,100, a Volvo XC90 costs $2,200, and a Lincoln Aviator costs $2,450.
Cadillac XT6 Generations
First Generation
2020 to Present
Cadillac said the XT6, a brand-new, three-row, full-size crossover SUV, will be produced in 2019. In June 2019, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 went up for sale. The General Motors brand introduced a new primary “Luxury” grade and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for 2021.
Verdict
The Cadillac XT6 of 2023 approaches luxury in a restrained and helpful manner. Due to its subtle appearance and edgier interior style than its flashier rivals, the midsize three-row SUV went unnoticed for a while. Still, it is gaining popularity among customers who want a premium car with more luggage and legroom than a tiny crossover with seating for seven. Its performance is mediocre, and it doesn’t have an electric powertrain option. Still, families that value cutting-edge driver assistance systems that relieve some of the strain on the driver may find it appealing because of its excellent scores for comfort and technology. It’s a decent deal at under $50,000, which may be what some drivers seek in terms of a fashion statement.
