2023 Cadillac XT6

　　

2023 Cadillac XT6 Review

byClint SimoneSenior Reviews Editor

　　Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining zzdcar as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.

　　, rating written byClint SimoneDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　The biggest of its XT-branded crossover SUVs, the 2023 Cadillac XT6 sits just below the truck-based Escalade in the brand's lineup. This is a family-oriented three-row luxury SUV that competes against models such as Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Lincoln Aviator and Volvo XC90.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Cadillac XT6 Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$199/mo  for XT6 Luxury

　　XT6 Luxury

　　Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $48,595 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $50,595 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $54,795 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $56,795 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $60,095 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　For the 2023 XT6, Cadillac has added more standard features to the midlevel and top trims, with navigation and ventilated front seats now standard on Premium Luxury and Sport models. Unchanged for 2023 are the powertrain options. Those two trims still come with a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, while the entry-level Luxury trim uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. All-wheel drive is available on every XT6 model.

　　We appreciate the XT6's comfortable cabin and its easy-to-use technology suite. While it may be missing out on flair compared to some of its closest rivals (and the Escalade), the XT6 is a well-rounded option for buyers. See our Expert Rating below for our test team's detailed evaluation of the XT6's performance, utility and more.

　　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? We tested the XT6 with its 3.6-liter V6 engine. At our test track, the XT6 accelerated from 0 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 on manually when you think you need it.

　　Other disappointing driving traits include torque steer — that's when the steering wheel pulls to one side when you mash the gas — if you don't engage AWD 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. For example, lumbar support is only two-way adjustable, 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below