2020 Cadillac XT6 Review

　　

2020 Cadillac XT6 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　It took time, but Cadillac's first three-row crossover is here. The 2020 Cadillac XT6 signals the Detroit luxury automaker's intention to compete at every level of the luxury SUV terra. But wait, you say. Doesn't the Escalade offer three rows? It does, yes, but the Escalade couldn't be more different from the all-new XT6.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$180/mo  for XT6 Premium Luxury

　　XT6 Premium Luxury

　　Premium Luxury 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $52,695 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $54,695 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $57,095 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The full-size Escalade remains a truck-based SUV powered by a thirsty V8. The XT6 is smaller and lighter thanks to its sedan-like chassis, and it is far more maneuverable than the Escalade's land-yacht proportions.

　　The XT6 is about the same size as the Audi Q7, one of its primary competitors, yet it offers a roomier third-row seat. It's also easy to reach that third row with second-row seats that slide and tilt forward. The Q7 is one of our top-rated luxury three-row crossovers, but on this score, the XT6 beats it handily.

　　To get that room, Cadillac took it out of the XT6's luggage space, which ranks low in the class — 12.6 cubic feet with all the seats up. But folding both rear rows opens up a properly large 78.7 cubic feet of space, ideal for times when you'll need to load it to the roof.

　　The XT6 comes with all the active safety features you expect on a modern vehicle, with even more that are optional. There's an 8-inch touchscreen display, two USB jacks for each row of seats, and an array of options that include a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless device charging.

　　Power comes from a 310-horsepower V6 engine, the same engine in the smaller XT5 crossover. That's slightly more power than many competitors and is adequate in hustling the larger XT6 to highway speeds. Properly equipped, the XT6 can tow up to 4,000 pounds. That's on the low side of the class, with some luxury rivals able to pull around 7,000 pounds, but it's still enough for most light-duty trailering.

　　Overall, the XT6 is a solid pick for a three-row luxury crossover SUV, though rivals such as the Q7, Acura MDX and Volvo XC90 are a little more compelling overall.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the XT6 drive? The XT6's 3.6-liter V6 engine propels the XT6 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is sufficient for a vehicle of this size but a fair bit behind the segment leaders. Oddly, the all-wheel-drive system doesn't engage automatically, so you have to switch it manually when you think you need it.

　　Other disappointing driving traits include torque steer — a trait where the steering wheel can jerk in your hands when you mash the gas — and tricky low-speed drivability because of an overly sensitive gas pedal. Also, the front chin spoiler, which helps with aerodynamics, scrapes on some driveways — a sign that you'll want to avoid off-roading.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the XT6? The fairly comfortable front seats have effective heating and cooling functions but lack some adjustability; lumbar support is only two-way adjustable, for instance, and there's no thigh cushion extension for those long of leg. The reclinable second-row captain's chairs are relatively comfy but nothing special. As for ride comfort, our test XT6 Sport did a good job of softening hard road impacts but didn't control well the residual up-and-down body motions that followed. This trait could be a problem for motion-sensitive rear passengers.

　　The automatic climate control system works well and responds immediately to your temperature demands, though the primary controls are split between physical buttons and the touchscreen, which is never really optimal. However, the cabin is pretty well insulated from sound. The XT6 isn't as quiet as an Audi Q7, but it's quieter than many luxury SUVs.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Cadillac decided to add a rotary controller to complement its touchscreen interface at a time when most other automakers are getting rid of them. We applaud this decision, but some of the remaining touch-sensitive controls are still finicky to use.

　　Entering and exiting is a breeze thanks to squared-off door openings and low stepover height. Even crawling into the third row is pretty easy if you get the second-row captain's chairs. Once you're in, there's a pretty good amount of room in all rows. Visibility is good all around and is aided by low-mounted side mirrors and an optional surround-view parking camera system.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The optional Bose audio system has enough output to let you really bump up your tunes with decent sound clarity. Unlike some weaker competitor systems, this one sounds loud at even half the volume. The native navigation responds to natural language and is fairly easy to use. For those who prefer their smartphones, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and there is no shortage of charge options. (We counted six USBs plus a wireless phone charger in our test XT6.)

　　We generally like the XT6's driving aids. Adaptive cruise works well, but the lane keeping system is more of a prevention aid than an active centering aid. Don't bother getting the expensive Night Vision option because it doesn't work very well.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Power flat-folding third-row seats are always nice to have, especially if they work quickly, as they do in the XT6. There are controls both at the cargo hatch and the rear passenger door, which is convenient. The cargo area's liftover height is a bit high, and storage behind the third-row seats, at 12.6 cubic feet, is below average. Max cargo capacity is a more appropriate-for-the-class 78.7 cubic feet.

　　Small-item storage in the cabin is also average. Others in the class offer more clever solutions. We had trouble finding space for sunglasses, for instance. And the upper tray under the armrest is a bit cumbersome to remove, especially if you have the USB cables plugged in. For family duty, the XT6 offers sufficient space in the second row to fit a large rear-facing car seat behind the driver.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The XT6 is estimated to return 22 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway), which is about where most of the competition falls. We achieved an average of 22.6 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, which is in line with our expectations, and possibly an indication that the XT6 should match its window sticker targets.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the XT6 a good value? The XT6 from a value standpoint is sadly less than the sum of its parts. The interior cabin materials are actually quite nice, but the execution of how those materials are put together is lacking. This cabin doesn't quite meet the level of sophistication of other competitors at this price, or even competitors that are thousands of dollars cheaper. Cadillac's MSRP seems too much for what you get here. Many competitors have more to offer, whether it's lower cost or better luxury.

　　Cadillac offers a better powertrain warranty than the Europeans, and its roadside assistance coverage is better than most others. It also offers one year of free scheduled maintenance, which is a small plus.

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　We dig the XT6's styling overall and that it's instantly recognizable as a Cadillac. The interior design is also cohesive and works with the underlying design, but it doesn't feel as upscale as others, especially at this price. Where this XT6 mostly loses us is the driving experience. At times we thought to engage the all-wheel-drive system full time just to get rid of the torque-steer issue, but that would come at the unnecessary cost of fuel efficiency. That probably detracts the most from the luxury experience.

　　

Which XT6 does zzdcar recommend?

With just two trims available, the best XT6 for your needs depends on whether you want the Sport's adaptive suspension or prefer the Premium Luxury's chrome styling accents. We say stick with the Premium Luxury. It's loaded with features and tech, and nearly every standard feature on the Sport — all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, towing features — is also available for Premium Luxury as an à la carte option or in a package.

　　

2020 Cadillac XT6 models

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 is available in two trim levels, Premium Luxury and Sport. Both come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine (310 horsepower, 271 lb-ft of torque) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Premium Luxury trims come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional. Sport trims are all-wheel-drive only.

　　Both trims come with nearly identical features, with the Sport offering a handful of performance and cosmetic differences. Highlights of the Premium Luxury include a sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, among other luxury touches.

　　Infotainment features are generous and include an 8-inch touchscreen with a secondary dial controller, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, six USB ports (two for each row of seats), a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection, and a wireless device charge pad.

　　The XT6 offers a pretty typical bundle of driver safety aids for a luxury crossover, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning and lane keeping assist, and parking sensors. You also get Cadillac's Rear Vision Camera, which fills the rearview mirror with a real-time image from a rear-mounted camera.

　　The Sport trim comes with the same features, but it adds an adaptive suspension, gloss-black exterior trim accents and towing aids.

　　Multiple options are available for both trims, with highlights including an upgraded Bose sound system, a navigation system, upgraded leather upholstery and interior trim, and adaptive cruise control. The XT6 can be configured for six passengers rather than seven. Also optional is Cadillac's Night Vision, which uses infrared to detect pedestrians or large animals beyond the reach of the headlights.

　　

2020 XT6 Highlights

Trim: Premium LuxurySportPremium Luxury

　　

Base MSRP	$52,695
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$180/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles