2020 Cadillac XT6 Luxury in an SUV!

By Charles Donaldson

Cadillac has re-entered the three-row, midsize crossover with the All-New 2020 XT6. For a while now Cadillacs only offered 3-rows of seating in the Escalade, which is a very different vehicle compared to the XT6. The Escalade is based on a truck platform and the XT6 is based on a smaller, lighter sedan-based chassis utilized in the well-received Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave.  Being served on a car-platform delivers a completely distinct and more comfortable ride and feel. The XT6 motions that Cadillac will now compete in every category of the luxury SUV/Crossover market.

Pricing and Trims
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 is available in two trim levels: Premium Luxury FWD ($53,690), Premium Luxury AWD ($55,690), and Sport AWD ($58,090).

What’s New for 2020?
Everything, as 2020 is the first year of the premium midsize XT6 SUV/Crossover. The XT6 is the third and largest version of the XT series. With clean bold lines, the XT6 is beautifully designed with a luxury interior. There were a few issues including not enough noise dampening and little cargo space behind the third row.

Interior Highpoints
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offers a roomier third row seating compared to most of the luxury three-row vehicles on the market. However, this comes at the expense of a reduced amount of cargo space behind the third row of seats – only 12.6 cubic feet compared to the 2020 Lincoln Aviator’s 18.3 cubic feet. The XT6 does provide some hidden storage under the cargo hold accessible by lifting the floor panel.

The interior was beautiful and well-crafted including the following features: an ultra view (panoramic view) sunroof, tri-zone climate control, NFC wireless phone charging and pairing for compatible phones, Bose® 8- speaker audio system, and an 8” full color touch display screen. Some notable optional equipment items are head-up display, surround vision recorder, night vision, and automatic emergency braking. The Premium Luxury models are trimmed with exotic wood decor, while the Sport features performance-inspired carbon fiber trim.

Exterior Highlights
The Sport trim exterior accents are defined by darker, more aggressive performance-inspired details compared to the Premium Luxury trim including black exterior details, a more assertive front and rear fascia, clear tail light lenses, a mesh-pattern grille, and 20-inch wheels.

The XT6 is approximately the same size as the Audi Q7. The design style is sleek – starting with a powerful and menacing expression front end. The front grille houses vertical lights elongating the XT6’s snarl. Sharp, yet less edgy, as with past Cadillacs, the XT6 lines are clean and inviting.

Performance Specs
The XT6 driving dynamics are powered by Cadillac’s 3.6L DOHC V-6 engine rated at 310 horsepower and mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission featuring next-generation Electronic Precision Shift. To improve fuel efficiency, the 3.6L is equipped with Active Fuel Management technology that allows it to operate as a V-4 when V-6 power is not required. The XT6 is available in both Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive.

Cool Features:

• Head-up display
  
• On-board phone charging system (tucking your phone in a slot to charge)
  
• Surround Vision Recorder

Safety & Integrity
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 is loaded with standard and available safety features. Here are some of the standard items: HD Rear Vision Camera with Remote Wash, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Safety Alert Seat, and Speed Limiter.  The optional list is also plentiful: Rear Camera Mirror with Remote Wash, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Parking Assist with Braking, Rear Pedestrian Alert, HD Surround Vision, Surround Vision Recorder, Head-up Display, Reverse Automatic Braking, Night Vision, and Hitch Guidance (with Hitch View).

In Summary – The Cadillac XT6 is distinctively designed with a long list of technology options. It has wonderful acceleration, a comfortable ride, and communicated steering. It is in a very competitive market with a few new competitors coming on board. With that said, if you are looking for an American brand luxury crossover then the XT6 should be on your list to check out and test drive.

Specifications.

2020 Cadillac XT6 Sport AWD

Base price:                    $57,095 as driven: $71,840 (including destination & optional features)

Engine:                         3.6-liter V6

Horsepower:                 310 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque:                        271 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

Transmission:               9-Speed Automatic Transmission

Drive:                             All Wheel Drive

Seating:                         7-passenger

Cargo Volume:             12.6 cubic feet

Curb weight:                4690 pounds   

Fuel Capacity:             22 gallons

Fuel Economy:            17 MPG City, 24 MPG Highway

Turning Radius:           39.1 feet

Wheelbase:                 112.7 inches

Warranty:                     4 years/50,000-miles

Also Consider:              Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride,
Lincoln Aviator, Volvo XC90