CadillacXT6

　　

2024 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.

　　, rating written byDan FrioDirector, 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 2024 Cadillac XT6 is Cadillac's largest SUV not named Escalade. With its crisp straight lines, tall front end and mesh grille, this three-row crossover is instantly recognizable as a modern Caddy. It also has some classic Cadillac traits such as easy-to-access seats, excellent visibility all around, and a stockpile of the brand's latest technology features. As a more fuel-efficient (and less expensive) alternative to the Escalade, the XT6 is worth a look.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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) - $48,795 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $50,795 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $54,995 MSRPPremium Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $56,995 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $60,295 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Not much power under the hood

The XT6's base 235-horsepower four-cylinder is underwhelming, making the optional 310-horsepower V6 more of a necessity if you desire anything that resembles swift acceleration. But even with the V6, the XT6 can feel a bit slow when trying to get up to highway speeds with a few passengers aboard. Competing luxury SUVs often have more muscular engines to pick from.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Lincoln Aviator offers similar style and features, and it's also quicker than the Cadillac. We also like the Acura MDX for its value for the money and sporty handling. The new Lexus TX is another compelling alternative. It's very roomy and has a high-quality cabin. And if you don't mind shopping from a non-luxury brand, the Mazda CX-90 matches or betters the XT6 in many ways.

　　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.

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