Cadillac XT6 Review: Luxury Midsize SUV Balanced

Important Update: XT6 Discontinued in North America

Before reading this review, buyers should know a critical fact: Cadillac discontinued the XT6 for the North American market in late 2025. GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly plant ceased XT6 production for the US and Canada in November 2025. The XT6 nameplate continues in production for the Chinese market with a different engine lineup, but no new XT6 units are being built for North American dealerships.

This means the XT6 is now a used and certified pre-owned market vehicle only for American and Canadian buyers. This review remains useful for anyone shopping the used market, but treat all “where to buy new” guidance with that context in mind. Cadillac’s current three-row options for North American buyers are the XT5 (two-row, smaller), the Escalade (full-size), and the newer Vistiq (electric three-row).

Product Details

Detail	Information
Brand	Cadillac
Original MSRP Range	$53,690 to $65,210 depending on trim and options (final model years)
Used Market Range (2026)	Typically $35,000 to $50,000 depending on year, mileage, and trim
Engine	3.6L naturally aspirated V6
Transmission	9-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (EPA)	18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
Best For	Suburban families who prioritize long-haul comfort and American luxury over sporty handling or maximum cargo space, shopping the certified pre-owned or used market
Production Status	Discontinued for North America, November 2025; continues in China with a different engine

See the official Cadillac XT6 page for the final specifications as sold, and check Edmunds’ XT6 archive for pricing history and used listings.

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Overview

The Cadillac XT6 was a midsize luxury SUV built by General Motors’ premium arm, blending bold American styling with tech-forward features. It packed a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. Positioned against upscale family haulers like the Acura MDX and Genesis GV80, it was designed for suburban parents hauling kids to soccer while sneaking in cross-country escapes, slotting between the smaller two-row XT5 and the full-size Escalade in Cadillac’s lineup.

The XT6 launched for the 2020 model year and remained in production with incremental updates through the 2025 model year, at which point Cadillac ended North American production while continuing to build a China-market version with a different standard engine.

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Key Features in Detail

Super Cruise hands-free driving is the standout feature that distinguished the XT6 from most competitors in its price class. Super Cruise uses LiDAR-mapped data and an eye-tracking driver-attention camera to handle steering, acceleration, and braking on more than 200,000 miles of compatible divided highways in the US and Canada. Independent reviewers have consistently rated GM’s Super Cruise system as one of the more capable hands-free highway driving systems available at this price point, with the eye-tracking camera providing a meaningful safety advantage over systems that rely solely on steering wheel torque sensors to confirm driver attention. Cadillac’s Super Cruise typically carries a subscription cost of approximately $25 per month after an initial included trial period; confirm current pricing directly with Cadillac, as subscription terms can change.

The 14.2-inch touchscreen on later model years runs Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps and Google Assistant voice commands directly into the vehicle’s infotainment system rather than relying solely on a proprietary interface. This is a genuine advantage for owners already using Android devices and Google services, and the optional AKG Studio audio system (up to 19 speakers on the top trim) is well regarded in the segment.

Adaptive air suspension, available on Premium Luxury trim and above, adjusts ride height and damping firmness dynamically. Reviewers consistently praised its ability to smooth out rough pavement and adjust ride height for easier loading, a genuine comfort advantage over the standard coil-spring suspension fitted to base trims.

Third-row seating is power-folding and reasonably easy to access, but interior space is tight by segment standards. Reviewers across multiple outlets consistently describe the third row as better suited to children than adults on longer trips, a known trade-off of the XT6’s platform compared to larger three-row competitors like the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade.

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Performance

The 3.6L V6 delivers brisk, linear acceleration with a 0-60 mph time in the mid-6-second range, feeling planted during highway passing manoeuvres without the drama of a smaller turbocharged engine hunting for boost. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, and requires premium fuel, a genuine ownership cost consideration versus competitors that accept regular unleaded or offer hybrid variants.

Handling leans toward comfort over sportiness. The XT6’s wide stance keeps it composed through sweeping curves, but it feels notably less agile than the Genesis GV80 in tighter switchback driving. This is consistent with the XT6’s positioning as a comfort-focused highway cruiser rather than a driver’s SUV, and buyers cross-shopping for outright handling sharpness should look elsewhere.

For verified performance figures, see Car and Driver’s XT6 coverage for independently tested acceleration and braking data.

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Design and Build Quality

The XT6’s exterior styling features a prominent grille and vertically stacked LED lighting elements characteristic of Cadillac’s design language during this generation. Inside, Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim on higher trims deliver a genuinely premium feel, though some interior panels use hard plastics in lower-visibility areas, a common cost-management trade-off at this price point rather than a defect unique to the XT6.

At approximately 4,700 pounds, the XT6 is a substantial vehicle, but magnetic ride control on equipped trims noticeably smooths out the experience of driving it, particularly over expansion joints and broken pavement. Physical controls, including knurled climate knobs, remain usable with gloves on, an ergonomic detail some competitors have abandoned in favour of touch-only interfaces. The glossy piano-black interior trim used on the console is prone to visible fingerprints and smudging with regular family use, a common and frequently cited criticism.

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Compared to Rivals

vs Acura MDX: The XT6’s Super Cruise and larger touchscreen give it a technology edge for highway driving, but the MDX’s hybrid powertrain option delivers meaningfully better fuel economy for buyers who prioritise efficiency over hands-free driving capability.

vs Genesis GV80: The XT6 offers a more comfortable ride for family road trips, while the GV80 offers noticeably sharper handling and, in many trims, a more cohesive interior design executed to a higher standard.

vs Lincoln Aviator: The XT6’s infotainment responsiveness and Super Cruise capability are advantages; the Aviator counters with plusher interior materials on comparable trims and an available plug-in hybrid variant offering significantly better efficiency.

Comparison Table

Model	Powertrain	Fuel Economy	Third Row	Hands-Free Driving	Status (2026)
Cadillac XT6	3.6L V6, 310 hp	18/25 mpg	Cramped	Super Cruise (excellent)	Discontinued (NA); used market only
Acura MDX	V6, hybrid available	27 mpg combined (hybrid)	Adequate	Standard ACC only	In production
Genesis GV80	Turbo I4 or V6	Varies by engine	Adequate	Highway Driving Assist II	In production
Lincoln Aviator	V6, PHEV available	Varies; PHEV strong	Adequate	Standard ACC + BlueCruise (select trims)	In production

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Value for Money: The Used Market Opportunity

With North American production ended, the XT6’s value proposition has shifted entirely to the used and certified pre-owned market. Original MSRP for final model years ranged from approximately $53,690 to $65,210 depending on trim and options. As of 2026, used XT6 listings typically range from the mid-$30,000s for higher-mileage earlier model years to around $50,000 for low-mileage, well-equipped recent examples still under factory warranty consideration.

This is where the XT6 becomes a genuinely compelling purchase for the right buyer: depreciation on a discontinued nameplate is typically steeper than on a vehicle still in active production, meaning well-equipped, low-mileage examples can often be found at a meaningful discount to comparable competitors that remain in production. Buyers should factor in the Super Cruise subscription cost after any included trial period, confirm the vehicle’s compatible-road hardware and camera system are functioning correctly during a pre-purchase inspection, and check GM’s certified pre-owned program eligibility, which can extend powertrain coverage.

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Who Should Consider a Used XT6

Consider buying if:

• You are shopping the used or certified pre-owned market and want three-row American luxury with class-leading hands-free highway technology
• Long highway commutes or road trips are a regular part of your driving, where Super Cruise delivers genuine day-to-day value
• You tow occasionally, seasonally, within the roughly 4,000-lb capacity range
• You want a Google built-in infotainment experience integrated natively into the vehicle

Skip if:

• You need guaranteed manufacturer support and the latest technology, since a discontinued nameplate means no further model-year updates
• Third-row space for adult passengers is a hard requirement, where the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade offer meaningfully more room
• Fuel efficiency is a priority, where a hybrid competitor like the Acura MDX or Lincoln Aviator PHEV will save meaningfully on fuel costs
• You specifically want a new vehicle with a full new-car warranty, since new XT6 units are no longer available in North America

Final Verdict

The Cadillac XT6 earned its reputation as a genuinely capable highway cruiser, and Super Cruise remains one of the more compelling reasons to consider it even now that the nameplate has ended North American production. For buyers focused on long-haul comfort, hands-free highway driving, and American luxury styling, a well-chosen used XT6 continues to make a credible case, particularly given the value opportunity created by its discontinuation. Buyers whose priorities centre on maximum efficiency, class-leading handling, or a guaranteed new-vehicle warranty should look at competitors still in active production.

Where to Buy

New XT6 units are no longer available through Cadillac dealers in the United States or Canada as of late 2025. Prospective buyers should search certified pre-owned and used listings through Cadillac’s certified pre-owned program or major used-vehicle marketplaces. Review Cadillac’s official specifications archive for final model-year details before purchasing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cadillac XT6 still in production?

No, not for the North American market. GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly plant ceased XT6 production for the United States and Canada in November 2025. Cadillac continues to build a version of the XT6 for the Chinese market, but that version uses a different standard engine and is not sold in North America. Buyers in the US and Canada can only purchase an XT6 through the used or certified pre-owned market going forward, as no new 2026 or later model year XT6 units will be produced for these markets.

What engine does the Cadillac XT6 use and how much horsepower does it have?

The Cadillac XT6 sold in North America used a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. This engine required premium fuel and was EPA-rated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Chinese-market version of the XT6, which remains in production, uses a different turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at approximately 233 horsepower, reflecting different market requirements and fuel economy regulations.

How much does Cadillac Super Cruise cost on the XT6?

Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system typically includes an initial trial period with the vehicle, after which a subscription fee of approximately $25 per month applies to maintain access to the feature. Exact pricing and trial terms have varied by model year and Cadillac’s current policies, so buyers should confirm current subscription pricing directly with Cadillac or a dealer before purchasing, particularly on the used market where the original trial period will likely have already expired.

Is a used Cadillac XT6 a good buy in 2026?

For the right buyer, yes. With North American production discontinued, used XT6 pricing has become more attractive relative to comparable three-row luxury SUVs that remain in production, since discontinued nameplates typically depreciate faster. Buyers who prioritise highway comfort, Super Cruise hands-free driving, and American luxury styling can find genuine value in a well-maintained used example. Buyers should have any used XT6 inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase, confirm the Super Cruise hardware and camera system function correctly, and check eligibility for GM’s certified pre-owned program, which can extend powertrain warranty coverage on qualifying vehicles.

What is replacing the Cadillac XT6 in Cadillac’s North American lineup?

Cadillac has not announced a direct one-for-one replacement for the XT6 in North America. The brand’s current SUV lineup includes the two-row XT5, the full-size Escalade, and the newer three-row electric Vistiq, which occupies a similar size and price segment to the XT6 but with an all-electric powertrain rather than a V6. Buyers specifically wanting a gas-powered three-row Cadillac SUV with a V6 engine will need to shop the used XT6 market, as Cadillac’s current North American production lineup does not include a direct gas-powered successor in this segment.