2021 Cadillac XT6

Even mainstream automakers have managed to make a three-row crossover look compelling: Kia, Toyota, Lincoln. The Cadillac’s upright windows and straight-line shapes are lifeless. Even stick-pin taillights can’t save it.

Inside, the XT6 is wrapped in good materials but they clash with low-cost surfaces and a dull design. The V-shaped dash isn’t much of a salve—compared to the Escalade the XT6 looks 10 years older inside. Not good for a car that was new just last year.

The new 237-hp turbo-4 is borrowed from the XT4 and XT5 crossovers, but in the XT6 it’s saddled with 400 to 800 more pounds to lug around—before passengers are aboard. We like the engine and its 9-speed automatic transmission in the XT4 and XT5 but raise an eyebrow on the task (and hills) coming to it in the XT6. We’ll report back once we drive it.

In the XT6 Premium Luxury and XT6 Sport, a 310-hp V-6 thumps out a lovely snarl when it’s pressed, and we prefer it. The automatic transmission mostly skips gremlins found in 9-speeds from competitors, our gripes are mostly with the throttle tuning (too sensitive) to steering (too quick) to braking (too firm).

Luxury and Premium Luxury models get front-wheel drive as standard equipment, and all-wheel drive costs $2,000 more. The system is similar to the twin-clutch version found in the XT4 and disconnects the rear axle for better fuel economy when all-weather traction isn’t needed. Tapping a button isn’t a big deal, but General Motors knows how to make an automatic system—if not here, then where?

When properly equipped, the XT6 can tow up to 4,000 pounds.

The XT6 mostly rides smoothly on a four-wheel independent suspension, and adaptive dampers are available. Buyer beware: In our experience, the adaptive dampers on the Premium Luxury versions weren’t quite dialed in. At slow speeds, it was too stiff; at high speeds, too soft. The XT6 Sport’s adaptive dampers controlled vertical motions better.

Same goes for steering. Premium Luxury versions felt a little schizophrenic with their steering at different speeds; Sport models speed up the steering and add heft, which we preferred if we’re pressed to make a pick.

The XT6 rode well on 20-inch wheels, but 21-inchers that are optional may be too tall.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and every XT6 gets power-adjustable heated front seats. Wonderful.

The second-row captain’s chairs are an excellent fit for our backsides as well. There are more than 40 inches of leg room, which is on par for its class, and the seats slide forward to access a cramped third row. A scant 29.5 inches of leg room pair with hard plastic armrests and a knees-up seating position in the wayback. We’d recommend saving the third row for occasional use or regular punishment—you pick.

Behind the third row is just 12.6 cubic feet of cargo room, which grows to 43.1 cubes with the third seats folded forward. Up to 78.7 cubic feet are available with the second row stowed, assuming your Costco run is a once-a-quarter affair.

A second-row bench is available, although we haven’t yet driven those models. Same goes for the new XT6 Luxury trim that wraps the Cadillac in synthetic leather upholstery instead of the real stuff, which is found on Premium Luxury and Sport models.

In-car storage is just so-so and so are the mishmash materials. The XT6 feels like it’s built to a price, and not the one we see on the sticker. Top trims get soft leathers as an available upgrade, but we can’t help but remember that a three-row Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade offers better tech, on-par interior materials (or maybe better), and comparable comfort for a price that tops out where the XT6 starts.

More on the safety ratings: The IIHS said the XT6 aced its battery of crash-tests and earned a “Superior” rating for its automatic emergency braking system. All of the headlight configurations were rated “Acceptable” by the agency.

Federal testers gave it a five-star overall score but noted that the XT6’s calculated rollover crash protection earned a four-star score, which is common among crossovers.

Every XT6 is equipped with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and parking sensors. Blind-spot monitors, automatic parking assistance, a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, night-vision cameras, and a head-up display are available on top models or as options.

Frustratingly, Cadillac’s ace Super Cruise driver-assistance feature is nowhere to be found on the XT6.

We’d step up to the XT6 Premium Luxury version that subs in real leather hides, 20-inch wheels, a power-folding third row, and more upgradable options. A premium package adds semi-aniline stitched leather upholstery, and adaptive dampers—along with a trip to the paint shop. Cadillac charges more for any color not called “silver.” Oof.

The XT6 Sport is on relatively even ground with the XT6 Premium Luxury, although Cadillac adds all-wheel drive, a sport suspension, and adaptive dampers to justify the name.

Cadillac’s 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is on par with rivals, although it doesn’t offer complimentary maintenance like some. 

For a three-row crossover, 20 mpg combined is on the low side of average.

The new turbo-4 under the XT6’s hood is more efficient, even if it’s less popular. It's rated by the EPA at 21/27/23 mpg, or 21/26/23 mpg with all-wheel drive.