Do you need a three-row SUV? Trying to avoid the massive size and gas-guzzling experience of a full-size SUV? Consider driving the 2022 Cadillac XT6 instead of those hulking thirsty beasts. The XT6 is a mid-size three-row luxury crossover SUV that offers everything you need for a family of seven. Although relatively new to the market, the XT6 brings you the Cadillac qualities you admire by delivering an immersive driving experience, premium cabin materials, advanced electronics and attractive style.
Is the 2022 Cadillac XT6 a good SUV to drive?
You’ll want to switch to the Sport trim, which houses the more powerful V6, but there’s plenty of power and driving dynamics in this luxury SUV. This vehicle gives you adaptive suspension, faster steering and torque vectoring in the AWD system when you are in the Sport trim level. Consumer Reports rates the XT6 with a 69/100 and places it in the top 10 luxury SUVs.
While we’re on the subject of power
There are two powertrains in the Cadillac XT6. The base unit is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Power reaches 237 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of couple. These numbers are a bit meager for a three-row SUV. The fuel economy of 21 cities/27 hwy does not compensate for this fact. Do yourself a favor, skip this basic drivetrain.
The move to the 3.6-litre V6 engine is the right choice in this luxury SUV. You’ll enjoy 310 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. torque during your ride. Fuel economy comes in at 19 city/26 hwy mpg for FWD models, meaning you’re not giving up much compared to the smaller engine.
The V6 powertrain pulls 4,000 pounds compared to 1,000 for the four-cylinder; another reason to opt for the larger engine.
What features will you find in the XT6?
RELATED: More and more people are buying the Cadillac XT6
Even if we skip the basic luxury equipment because of the lack of power, it is the basic equipment of this SUV. According to Kelley Blue Book, the different finishes and packages you’ll find in the Cadillac XT6 are:
Luxury
- 18 inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights with automatic high beam
- sunroof
- Keyless access
- Start with push button
- Remote engine start
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Heated/electrically adjustable front seats
- Driver side memory
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Self-dimming rear view mirror
- Powered tailgate
- 8-inch touchscreen
- satellite radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Two USB-A ports
- Four USB-C ports
- Natural Speech Recognition
- Bose 8-speaker audio system
- Smart System safety package
Premium luxury
- V6 engine
- 20 inch alloy wheels
- Heated/electrically adjustable steering wheel
- Wireless phone charging
- Windshield wipers with rain sensor
- Hands-free tailgate
- Optional adaptive suspension
Sport
- Brembo brakes with red painted calipers
- Adaptive sport suspension
- AWD
Luxury finishing options
- AWD
- 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels
- Optional exterior cosmetics package
Sports and luxury options
- Captain’s seats in the second row
- Adaptive cruise control
- Heated/ventilated front seats
- Heated Outer Rear Seats
- Bose 14-speaker audio system
- 8-inch digital driver display
- 360 degree camera system
- Self-parking function
- Rear view camera mirror
- night vision
- Semi-aniline leather upholstery
What do we find in the Smart System safety package of this luxury SUV?
The Smart System is a comprehensive safety package that delivers the alerts, warnings and monitoring you want, whether you’re driving or another family member is behind the wheel. This package contains:
- Collision Warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian Detection
- Safety warning seat
- Blind spot monitoring
- Crossing traffic warnings behind
- Parking sensors front/rear
- Teen Driver (allows parents to set parameters for teens)
- Back seat reminder
How much does the XT6 SUV cost?
The Cadillac XT6 starts at $48,595, but that’s for the deluxe version with the smaller engine. Switching to the Premium Luxury model will require you to spend an additional $4,400, but you’ll have the V6 and more features. For the Sport trim, you’ll have to spend $58,295 with no options.
What is comparable to a Cadillac XT6?
There are several mid-sized three-row luxury SUVs in this class, including:
- Lincoln Kite
- Volvo XC90
- Genesis GV80
- Acura MDX
- Lexus RX-L
- Audi Q7
- BMW X5
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
With the exception of the Acura MDX, all models start at a higher price than the XT6.
Should you drive the Cadillac XT6?
A place in the top 10 luxury SUVs isn’t bad, but CR has the Cadillac XT6 at number nine, meaning eight others are ranked higher. You could drive a Lexus RX-L or Acura MDX for a similar price. Both are rated higher than the XT6. These two don’t offer as much room in the cabin as the XT6, which may factor into your decision.
RELATED: The 2020 Cadillac XT6 is exactly where a luxury car doesn’t want to be