Matthew DeBord/BI
- I tested a 2020 Cadillac XT6, a luxury three-row SUV that sits between the big-guy Escalade and the smaller XT4 and XT5.
- My tester was well-optioned and richly priced, at $71,585.
- The 310-horsepower V6 engine was competent, but I experienced some issues with the vehicle's all-wheel-drive system in snowy weather. I chalked them up to being on all-season tires, but I also thought that the XT6 could use a bit more power.
- The XT6 is worth a look, but it's my least favorite of Cadillac's current SUV lineup.
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When you get right down to it, three-row SUVs have a simple raison d'être: provide a ute-alternative to the stigmatized minivan.
With this comes one significant compromise, and really two. First, with all three rows in business, cargo capacity on midsize SUVs is drastically reduced. Second, the third row is really good for not much besides seating small children. Plus, the third row tends to be difficult to access.
But that minivan stigma — it is strong, it is powerful.
And as a consequence of the attendant insecurity, we have droves of three-row SUVs on the market.
Naturally, the luxury brands have gotten in on the action. Today's example is the Cadillac XT6, a seven-passenger hauler that sits above the XT4 and XT5, but below the mighty Escalade, in Caddy's lineup.
It's an important vehicle for Cadillac, which once the redesigned Escalade hits next year will be fully staffed-up with premium utes.
But is the XT6 any good? Read on to find out.
My Cadillac XT6, in "Premium Luxury" trim, arrived just as an early snowstorm had blanketed out suburban New Jersey test center in white.Matthew DeBord/BIThe snow hid the handsome "Satin Steel Metallic" paint job.Matthew DeBord/BI
Icy snow on the iconic Caddy shield.Matthew DeBord/BI
On balance, the XT6 wears its size well. However, the rear is crimped, while much of design action is up front. My tester rode on 20-inch wheels, a welcome $2,000 extra.Matthew DeBord/BI
The Cadillac XT6's design is consistent with the brand's more subdued, stately SUV presentation. The drawback is that the XT6 doesn't exactly pop visually.Matthew DeBord/BI
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- I drove a $47,000 Kia Telluride — and the verdict is that this upstart SUV is the best on the market
- Porsche just announced a new Macan GTS SUV, with 375 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds
- I wish every automaker would follow Kia's lead with infotainment, climate, and other vehicle controls
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