This week we take a look at the all-new 3-row 2020 Cadillac XT6 luxury crossover SUV. XT6 was created to fill a hole between the 5-passenger XT5 SUV, and the huge Escalade, which is expensive and too large for many.
Exterior
The XT6 has the signature Cadillac look with the vertical LED lights in the front, 20” wheels, and a large grill that gives the XT6 an aggressive look. A rear spoiler and square dual exhausts pipes finish the rear view.
Powertrain
Pop the hood and you’ll find the very proven 3.6-liter V6 putting out 310-horses that is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that has very responsive shift paddles. XT6 comes standard with front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is optional, which is what I am reviewing this week.
Interior
The XT6 comes in just 2 trim levels, the top-of-the-line Sport, and the Premium which is what I am reviewing.
Inside the XT6, you will find rich leather seating that is unbelievably soft and if you have back problems, the power lumbar supports have a lot of range.
A bright, colorful dash greets you when you sit behind the power tilt steering wheel with controls. In the center of the large tachometer and speedometer, is the driver information system that is controlled from the steering wheel and gives the driver a ton of information.
Going across the dash to both door panels, you’ll find some beautiful bronze carbon fiber, which comes standard with the Premium package.
The center console has large, hidden cup holders, and there is a place to charge your cell phone. You will also find the shifter, and you can change the drive modes from Touring, All-wheel drive, Sport, and Off-road. There are also shortcuts to audio, navigation and Bluetooth.
Above the shifter are the climate controls, heated and cooled front seats buttons, then just above that is the 8” color touchscreen that operates the Cadillac CUE system, which stands for Cadillac User Experience. It has been one of my favorite interface systems for years. You can use the system as a touch screen, or there is a round knob on the console if you prefer. CUE offers an enhanced 3D GPS navigation, Wi-Fi, and phone integration compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
One cool feature is the surround view cameras will record all around the car, much like a dash cam.
From the driver’s seat, you have a terrific head-up display, and if you hit a button on the inside rearview mirror, it becomes a rearview camera to give you a much wider view of what is behind you.
Utility
The back seat of the XT6 is spacious and built in a 40/20/40 configuration, but you can get captain’s chairs. You can slide the seats forward and backwards, or easily fold them down for 3rd-row access.
Perhaps the big surprise for me was the 3rd-row seat leg and head room. Two adults would actually be quite comfortable back there. The 3rd-row seat can be raised and lowered with switches in the rear.
Standard Equipment and Options
The XT6 Sport comes with everything you would expect from a loaded Cadillac. Most notable are the Bose stereo system, heated rear seats, a power panoramic moon roof, power hands-free lift gate, keyless entry, and remote start.
On the safety front, you get blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alert, lane keeping assist, forward and reverse automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control.
There are $15,000 in various options including Night Vision, a cabin ionizer, heated and cooled front seats, emergency braking, and a rear camera washer.
Verdict
The XT6 handles, rides, and corners extremely well, and is incredibly quiet inside. Fuel economy is 17 in town and 24 on the highway.
It also has start/stop technology but there is a button to turn it off.
MSRP is $71,585 which puts the XT6 in line with other 3-row luxury SUVs and it is over $20,000 less than its big sister, the Escalade.
2020 Cadillac XT6 Premium
- What I liked most: The looks inside and outside.
- What I would change: Could use a little more horsepower.
- MSRP: Base price $54,694 as equipped $71,585.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 17 in town, 24 highway, 20 combined.
- Official Color: Manhattan Noir Metallic.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2800 miles.
- Weight: 4690 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Compact spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 198.5” long/77.3” wide/”69.9 high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 4,000 pounds.
- 2020 Cadillac XT6 in a few words: A great addition to the Cadillac lineup!
- Final Assembly Location: Spring Hill, TN.
- Manufacturers website: www.cadillac.com
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 6-year/70,000 mile power train warranty, free first maintenance visit.