2020 Cadillac XT6

Is the Cadillac XT6 a Good SUV?

Yes, the Cadillac XT6 is a pretty good luxury midsize SUV. It gets decent fuel economy, delivers a smooth ride, and doesn't feel underpowered driving around town or on the highway. Inside, there are three rows of spacious seats and many standard features, and most rivals can't match the XT6's max cargo capacity.

However, many class rivals are more athletic and fun to drive than the XT6, and they ride smoothly and get comparable gas mileage. Some competitors have more upscale interiors with comfier seats and infotainment systems that are a step ahead of this Cadillac's.

Should I Buy the Cadillac XT6?

The XT6 is an appealing option in this class, and its respectable starting price puts it on par with some of its competitors from a value standpoint. Still, you might be better off exploring alternatives like the Acura MDX or Mercedes-Benz GLE. You might even look at another Caddy, like the Escalade.

Compare the XT6, MDX, and GLE »

Should I Buy a New or Used Cadillac XT6?

The XT6 is brand new for the 2020 model year, so there are no older models available.

We Did the Research for You: 10 Reviews Analyzed

Our car reviews include everything you need to know before heading to the dealership. We combine the opinions of the automotive press with quantifiable data like crash test results and reliability ratings to form a complete picture of every vehicle we rank.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking vehicles since 2007, and our team has more than 75 years of combined experience in the automotive industry. Our car reviews are objective. To keep them that way, our editorial staff doesn’t accept expensive gifts or trips from automakers, and a third party handles all the advertising on our site.

How Much Does the Cadillac XT6 Cost?

The XT6 carries a base price of $52,695 for the Premium Luxury trim. Starting prices in this class range from the low-$40,000s to more than $70,000, putting the XT6 in the middle of the pack. The only other trim, the XT6 Sport, starts at $57,095. That's less than you'd pay for many rivals' top trims.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Cadillac dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Cadillac deals page.

Cadillac XT6 Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Cadillac XT6 or Acura MDX?

The Acura MDX gets better fuel economy than the XT6, and it handles corners with more agility, while still delivering a smooth ride. These are both luxury three-row SUVs, and while the Caddy has a roomier cabin, the Acura's seats are more comfortable. The MDX is also more stylish inside, and it has more cargo room behind the third-row seats (though the XT6 has more cargo space with all the rear seats folded down). Additionally, the Acura has a lower starting price than the Cadillac by nearly $10,000. Don't overthink this one; the MDX is the better SUV.

Which Is Better: Cadillac XT6 or Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of our highest-rated luxury midsize SUVs. It offers three punchy powertrains, two of which are much more powerful than the XT6's V6. The GLE gets better gas mileage and handles corners well without sacrificing ride quality. This Mercedes has arguably the nicest interior in the class, with plenty of space, comfortable seats, and an intuitive infotainment system. These two SUVs have similar starting prices, making the GLE a no-brainer in this comparison.

Which Is Better: Cadillac XT6 or Cadillac Escalade?

The Cadillac Escalade is a luxury large SUV, with the emphasis on large. It's big and powerful, with plenty of cargo space (especially in the long-wheelbase model), but it has the cumbersome handling and low fuel economy ratings to match. The XT6 has sharper handling and better fuel efficiency, and it actually provides about as much room for passengers as its larger sibling. The Escalade is a much better vehicle if you need to tow heavy trailers, as it is rated to pull double the XT6's 4,000 pound capacity.

As you might guess, these two Cadillacs are similar on the tech front, though the Escalade has the more luxurious cabin. Overall, the XT6 is the better choice for most buyers. The Escalade finishes near the bottom of its class rankings, and its base price is more than $20,000 higher than the XT6's.

Compare the XT6, MDX, and GLE »

XT6 Interior

How Many People Does the XT6 Seat?

In its base configuration, the XT6 seats seven people. The optional second-row captain's chairs drop seating capacity to six. Some rivals' seats are more comfortable and supportive than the XT6's, but most people will find this Cadillac's seats to be suitable. All three rows have ample head- and legroom for adult passengers, and it's easy to get in and out of the rearmost seats.

XT6 and Child Car Seats

There are two full sets of LATCH car seat connectors for the XT6's second row outboard seats. The third-row seats and the second-row middle seat (if you don't get captain's chairs) have a tether anchor but no lower anchors.  

XT6 Interior Quality

Inside, the Cadillac XT6 feels a little behind many of its classmates when it comes to materials quality and overall design. Still, this SUV has a well-built cabin that does a good job of insulating occupants from outside noise.

XT6 Cargo Space

When it comes to total cargo capacity, the XT6 is one of the best choices in the class, with 78.7 cubic feet of room behind the front seats. However, space dwindles to a meager 12.6 cubic feet if you have the second- and third-row seats in use. That enough room for several shopping bags, but not much else.

XT6 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

Standard features include a sunroof, wireless device charging, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, six USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features include a rear-seat entertainment system, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and navigation.

The CUE (which stands for Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system is fairly easy to use. The screen has sharp graphics and responds quickly to inputs. There's also a rotary control knob you can use if you prefer. Some rivals still have faster, more-intuitive infotainment systems, but there's nothing wrong with the XT6's setup.

Read more about interior »

XT6 Performance

XT6 Engine: It Could Certainly Be Worse

The XT6's only powertrain choice consists of a 310-horsepower V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is strong enough that you won't be left wanting for power during highway merging and passing, but it's less inspiring than some rivals' base powertrains. Additionally, the available engines of several competitors have horsepower ratings that will put the XT6's to shame.

XT6 Gas Mileage: OK, Not Great

This Cadillac gets typical fuel economy ratings for a luxury midsize SUV. Front-wheel-drive XT6 models earn 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and all-wheel-drive models get 17/24 mpg city/highway.

XT6 Ride and Handling: At Least It's Smooth

The XT6 provides a cushioned ride over almost any road surface. However, it doesn't have the liveliest handling, as there's noticeable body roll around turns. The steering feels somewhat disconnected from the road, and several class rivals feel more agile overall.

XT6 Towing Capacity

When properly equipped, the XT6 can tow up to 4,000 pounds. That's enough to pull a small trailer or boat, but many class rivals can tow more weight.

Read more about performance »

XT6 Reliability

Is the Cadillac XT6 Reliable?

J.D. Power gives the 2020 Cadillac XT6 a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average for the auto industry. However, many class rivals earn higher ratings.

Cadillac XT6 Warranty

Cadillac covers the XT6 with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Read more about reliability »

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Cadillac XT6?

The cost of insuring a Cadillac XT6 will depend on a variety of factors, including your deductible, the level of coverage that you want, and the type of insurance that you choose. Your age, gender, location, credit score, and driving record can also have an impact on your insurance rates. Check out our car insurance guide to find the best policy for you.

XT6 Safety

XT6 Crash Test Results

The 2020 XT6 has not yet been put through crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

XT6 Safety Features

Standard driver assistance features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a safety alert seat that vibrates in unison with other safety warnings. The XT6 also comes with the Teen Driver system, which lets you do things like set speed and volume limits for secondary drivers.

Available active safety features include a rearview camera mirror, adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, rear pedestrian braking, a surround-view parking camera system, a recorder that lets you record surround-view images on an SD card, a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and Night Vision infrared pedestrian and large animal detection.

Read more about safety »

XT6 Dimensions and Weight

The XT6 is 16.6 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 4,441 to 4,690 pounds.

Where is the Cadillac XT6 built?

Cadillac builds the 2020 XT6 in Tennessee.

Which Cadillac XT6 Model Is Right for Me?

There are two XT6 trims to choose from: Premium Luxury and Sport. All models come with a 310-horsepower V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. There really isn't a lot to separate these two trims, as they have nearly identical features lists. Most buyers should stick with the Premium Luxury trim.

Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury

The XT6 Premium Luxury starts at $52,695 with front-wheel drive and $54,695 with all-wheel drive. Standard features include leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, Teen Driver, tri-zone automatic climate control, and wireless device charging.

The XT6 also comes with the CUE infotainment system, which features an 8-inch touch screen, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, six USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Standard driver assistance features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a safety alert seat.

There are plenty of optional features, including ventilated front seats, second-row captain's chairs, heated second-row seats, a rear-seat entertainment system, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, a rearview camera mirror, adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, a surround-view parking camera system, a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and Night Vision infrared pedestrian and large animal detection.

Some of these features can be added individually, while others are part of option packages that can cost as much as $4,900.

Cadillac XT6 Sport

The XT6 Sport, which only comes with all-wheel drive, starts at $57,095. The Sport comes with an adaptive damping performance suspension but otherwise has the same standard and available features as the Premium Luxury trim.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Cadillac dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Cadillac deals page.

See 2020 Cadillac XT6 specs and trims »

The Final Call

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 is one of GM's newest SUVs. Its spacious, quiet interior and lengthy features list make it an intriguing option in the crowded luxury SUV class, but there are just too many areas where the competition surpasses the XT6 for this Cadillac to be a serious contender.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "In general, the XT6 makes a solid case for itself. It delivers power, space, and technology and convenience features at competitive price points when compared to other luxury vehicles." -- Edmunds
• "So, it's possible the XT6 will be eclipsed in the near future by the Aviator, which seems much more appealing on paper and in person. Until then, though, Cadillac's long-awaited three-row crossover is another reminder not to judge a book by its cover, or rather a car by its sheetmetal. It may not be a design revelation, but its refinement, spaciousness and pleasant driving dynamics make it a solid choice for families seeking something ritzier than the usual three-row crossover." -- Autoblog
• "It's a truly a midsize three-row. It's priced closer to the Germans, though. The true test will be Lincoln's next three-row, the Aviator, which will be similar in price and attitude. So, it looks like a supermodel; that's a slam dunk, and it's not completely devoid of substance. Dynamically, it's probably a step behind those aforementioned Germans, and a step ahead of the MDX and QX60, but do luxury crossover buyers care about that? I don't think so. It's also the newest three-row on the block, and Cadillac is solidly moving in the right direction." -- Autoweek