2020 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury AWD: The Brand’s Three-Row Crossover

Highlight: The Cadillac XT6 shares a platform with the Buick Enclave.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $70,890 (Base Model: $53,690)

Seating Capacity: 6 or 7

Standard Safety Features: ABS; air bags; a rearview camera; an automatic rearview mirror; a front and rear park assist system; an electronic stability control system; a traction control system; a teen driver safety configuration system; a forward collision alert system; a following distance indicator; a lane change alert with side blind zone alert system; a lane keep assist system with a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a safety alert system; OnStar’s safety and concierge system; a road emergency tool kit; a teen driver safety system; a tire inflator kit;  compact tire; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment Luxury Base: 20-inch wheels; three rows of seats; a power third row;  an adaptive remote start; a lockable glovebox; memory package power driver’s seat, exterior mirrors, and an inside rearview mirror; power front seats; heated front seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a heated steering wheel; a panoramic sunroof; a wireless charging system; Daytime Running Lights; a rear spoiler; an electric parking brake; an automatic start/stop saving gas feature; a lockable glovebox; a power tilt/telescopic steering column; and a power liftgate
                                                            
Options On Test Vehicle: semi-Aniline leather seating; leather console and doors; micro sueded headliner; a performance suspension; a real-time dampening suspension system; premium floormats; a rear camera mirror with washer; an 8-inch color instrument gauge cluster; automatic parking assist with braking; a rear pedestrian alert system; HD surround vision system; a Heads Up Display System; a surround vision recorder system; a night vision system; auto seat belt tightening; an adaptive radio cruise control system; enhanced automotive emergency braking; a reverse automotive braking system; a navigation system; a 14-speaker Bose system; 6-passenger seating; a premium headlamp system; heated rear second row seats; an air ionizer; dark Mocha metallic paint; 20-inch spoke alloy wheels and a security cargo shade

Other Trim Levels:  

Sport AWD

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-speaker Bose AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Apple CarPlay & Android: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.6-liter turbo, 6-cylinder/310-hp

Recommended Fuel Sport: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage:18-city/26-hwy

What’s New: This is Cadillac’s first three-row crossover. Unlike the massive, truck-like Escalade, the XT6 is based off of a car platform.

Why: Cadillac’s much anticipated newest arrival, the XT6, is a little late to the party, but it still manages to be right on time, if that makes and sense. These days consumers are trading-in their coupes and sedans for crossovers, SUVS and trucks. With that being the case, Cadillac has finally filled that void with the all-new three row crossover, which is available in two trims, luxury or sport.

The luxurious vehicle, which is powered by the same engine that is found in the Buick Enclave and some midsize XT5s, is more than adequate for the people mover. The all-new XT6 is available in a variety of driving modes too, depending upon the trim.

The newest Cadillac to be added to the portfolio is powered by either a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration.

The well-equipped XT6 we reviewed was outfitted with over $15,000 of optional features. Those features ranged from second row captain chairs to a more performance-oriented suspension system to heated rear seats to an upgraded 14-speaker BOSE system to a navigation system.

Not only did the vehicle have a host of optional features, the product planners at Cadillac made sure they created a healthy list of standard luxury features, more specifically self-driving aids. Those driving aids ranged from a lane keep assist system with lane departure to a lane change alert with side blind zone alert to front pedestrian braking.  

Moreover, for those seeking to add some flair to the XT6, a sports trim is available. This crossover is outfitted with a black grille, black window moldings and roof rails and the option of adding-on 21-inch wheels.

Inside the vehicle, the user interface for the infotainment system is the same as in the 2020 XT5 we recently reviewed. Unlike the previous generation of Cadillacs, the infotainment incorporation both a smartphone-like touchscreen system, a knob and an easy-to-use iDrive-like system, which was first used by BMW. Most automakers these days have come up with some form of an iDrive system. Cadillac’s system controls everything from the radio to the navigation system to the audio system.

Unlike BMW’s system, Cadillac’s system is a thoughtfully designed, user friendly system. The previous interface was not only overly complicated it was too advanced for the average aged Cadillac buyer. The design team managed to achieve the right balance.  

Lastly, buyers can opt for such driving aids as a night vision camera to a heads up display system to automatic parking assist with brakes.

But: The conservatively styled three row crossover lacks the stylish exterior flair as seen in the cross town rival – the Lincoln Aviator. The cross town rival also offers significantly more horsepower. In fact, some of the rivals offer a variety of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid.

Also the third row seating is extremely tight. In fact, when it’s in use, the cargo room is virtually non existent.

Moreover, for those seeking to hold the price of their new Cadillac, we suggest steering away from the Night Vision System. We're not quite sure of the added value 

Lastly, Cadillac needs to add an automatic brake hold feature like what's found in many of the imports that allows the vehicle to remain stationary, without keeping one’s foot in the brakes, while temporarily stopped at a traffic sign or light.

Verdict: While the XT6 and Lincoln’s upcoming Aviator are late to the party, Acura, Buick and Volvo have greatly benefited from having three-row luxury crossovers in their line up. Cadillac should benefit from the same boost too, although they can’t make up ground for the years of lost sales.

The conservatively styled Cadillac is the right vehicle for the brand’s portfolio. It fills a slot that the truck-like Escalade can’t. It rides like a car, while offering the additional seating required that the XT5 isn’t able to capitalize on due to its seating cap of five.

For domestic luxury buyers, who were forced to buy an import, they can now can stay at home, when considering a three-row luxury crossover.

Buyers seeking to hold down the price can shy away from many of the options on our vehicle, while still purchasing the new Cadillac for a price point under $60,000. On the other hand, for those buyers wanting all of the bells and whistles they can push the price tag near $80,000.

Competition: Acura MDX; Audi Q7; Buick Enclave; Lexus RX-L Lincoln Aviator; Infiniti QX60; and Volvo XC90