2024 Cadillac XT6

Overview

Think of the Cadillac XT6 as the gateway SUV between the compact XT4 and XT5 and the full-sized Escalade land yacht. Like the Escalade, the XT6 has three rows of seats, but it has more compact exterior proportions and utilizes a unibody architecture, which provides for livelier handling and easier maneuvering in tight spaces. There’s seating for seven, though adults in the third row will feel pinched. The familial Cadillac SUV styling means the XT6 looks precisely like the Escalade’s lighter, leaner little brother. Unfortunately, the interior’s materials don’t follow through on the promise of the sharply styled exterior.

What’s New for 2024?

The 2024 Cadillac XT6 picks up two new colors: Emerald Lake Metallic and Midnight Sky Metallic. Otherwise, it’s unchanged.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Though the Sport trim gets the V-6 and AWD as standard equipment, the XT6 is at its best as a luxury cruiser. As such, we feel the money saved by choosing the Premium Luxury model is better spent towards that end. We’d add the Technology package (8.0-inch digital gauge display, head-up display, 360-degree exterior camera system, and more) as well as the Driver Assist package (adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection) and still save a few bucks.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The XT6 returns for 2024 with no change to the powertrains. That means a choice of either a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 310-hp V-6 engine. A nine-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission offering. The Luxury and Premium Luxury XT6 trims are offered in front- or all-wheel drive, but the Sport is an AWD-only model with additional spirit baked in via a torque-vectoring rear differential and steering tuned for quicker reflexes. Twenty-inch wheels come standard, but you can get 21-inchers on the Sport model. A Platinum package is available and gives the XT6 all the goodies, including the sport suspension. Handling is reasonably athletic for a three-row crossover, but no one will mistake it for the agile CT5-V sedan. Still, if the performance leaves you wanting, you can take solace in its well-proportioned good looks.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA pegs the four-cylinder XT6’s fuel economy at 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. (Highway drops to 26 with AWD.) V-6 models are nearly as efficient, checking in at 19 and 26 mpg city and highway, respectively. (AWD drops both figures by one.) That said, when we ran an all-wheel-drive XT6 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, we earned a less-than-ideal 22 mpg. For reference, the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 we tested on that route earned 23. For more information about the XT6’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Cadillac XT6 offers both six- and seven-seat layouts, facilitated by either captain’s chairs or a three-seat bench in the second row. Like many mid-size three-row SUVS, the third row is designated for two passengers, but access and accommodations are tight for fully-grown adults. While the XT6’s first and second rows are comfortable, the trimmings don’t measure up when compared with those of the Audi Q7 or the BMW X5. Cargo space is limited, too, with room for only three carry-on suitcases behind the third row. But lowering the back two rows frees up enough room to fit 31 suitcases. The Q7 accommodates four cases behind its third row but just 25 with the seats down, making the XT6 the better choice if you need to transport big, bulky cargo.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

All XT6 models feature standard touchscreen infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, onboard Wi-Fi with available hotspot capability (three-month trial included), and wireless device charging. Cadillac’s latest software is displayed crisply on an 8.0-inch screen and reacts promptly to commands. Navigation is standard on the Premium Luxury and Sport trims and available on Luxury.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A host of driver-assistance features (automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear park assist) are standard on the XT6, while more advanced features (adaptive cruise control, night vision, reverse braking) are available as options on the Premium Luxury and Sport. For more information about the XT6’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

All Cadillac models, including the XT6, come with the same standard warranty package. It entails bumper-to-bumper coverage for four years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain warranty that stretches to six years or 70,000 miles. Most of the XT6’s European rivals offer only a four-year/50,000-mile package for both warranties.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visitArrow pointing downArrow pointing down

Specifications

Specifications

2020 Cadillac XT6 Sport AWD

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, front-/all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED

$65,940 (base price: $58,090)

ENGINE TYPE

DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement

223 cu in, 3649 cc

Power

310 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque

271 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

TRANSMISSION

9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 112.7 in

Length: 198.8 in

Width: 77.3 in

Height: 68.9 in

Passenger volume: 137 cu ft

Cargo volume: 13 cu ft

Curb weight: 4703 lb

C/D
TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 6.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.6 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 26.6 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.1 sec @ 96 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 132 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg