Remember when people used to refer to something as the “Cadillac of”? That always really perplexed me growing up in the early 2000s as most of the Cadillacs around were dreary reimagined GM products. It wasn’t until I first stepped inside a third generation Escalade did I really understand what people were getting at. Enter the 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport, the Cadillac of three-row unibody luxury crossovers.
Cadillac now offers a complete range of crossovers and SUVs, from the compact XT4 to the largest Escalade. Despite the popularity of the Escalade, there was room in the lineup for a three-row unibody crossover that appeals to a wider audience, with a more affordable price. We had the opportunity to test drive the XT6 Sport, which comes with the impressive Super Cruise feature.
In terms of design, the XT6 is an appealing SUV with a boxy yet modern look that reflects Cadillac’s distinctive style. The sharp LED lighting and well-proportioned body add to its overall attractiveness. The XT6 is built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave, which results in similar dimensions, but each vehicle has its own unique interior and exterior styling.
The interior of the Cadillac XT6 features slightly more upscale cabin appointments compared to its platform siblings. However, the overall design remains fairly simplistic. The infotainment system is equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen, showcasing Cadillac’s latest version of the “CUE” system, which now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging is also available, although certain expected tech features for its price range, like a digital gauge cluster, are missing. The materials used are a mixed bag, but I think that the $4,370 Platinum Package equipped on our tester adds a lot of nice materials not usually associated with GM products.
The XT6 offers two engine options: a base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, similar to the base engines found in the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, or the widely used GM 3.6-liter V6. In this review, we highly recommend the latter engine. The GM 3.6-liter V6 generates 310 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 271 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 RPM. The transmission is a nine-speed automatic that operates quietly and relatively smoothly, although we did notice a few abrupt and hesitant shifts during low-speed city driving. The selectable all-wheel-drive system was left off for most of our testing as driving with it on resulted in a suspicious high-pitched whining sound.
The XT6 delivers a driving experience that reflects its size. The 310-horsepower V6 engine provides adequate acceleration, but it lacks the same level of perceived speed and torque as the V6 engine found in the Acura MDX. The Cadillac prioritizes comfort in its tuning, and it excels in that aspect. The ride quality is good, with excellent dampening of road imperfections. However, it’s worth noting that the XT6 does not come with air suspension, a feature offered by competitors, which can provide a more luxurious and cushioned ride. On the road, the XT6 doesn’t offer a significantly more premium feel compared to its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts.
The XT6 has fuel ratings of 13.1L/100km in the city and 9.5L/100km on the highway, resulting in a combined average of 11.3L/100km. During our week of mixed driving we observed a fuel consumption of 13.6L/100km. While premium fuel is recommended, it’s worth noting that the XT6 shares the same powertrain as its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts, allowing for the use of regular 87-octane fuel. With an 83-liter fuel tank capacity, the XT6 provides a decent range for long-distance driving without the need for frequent refueling.
The starting price for the XT6 is $62,597, while our Sport trim tester begins at $67,947. The Argent Silver Metallic color option is the only “free” paint scheme, and any other color choice incurs an additional cost of $900. Our test vehicle was also equipped with several packages, totalling $16,245, bringing the as tested price to $86,072. While it’s not an inexpensive option, it’s worth considering that any version of the larger Escalade would have a starting price in the six-figure range. Therefore, there is definitely value in opting for the XT6 and downsizing if you don’t need the sheer size.
The premium three-row crossover segment is highly competitive, and the XT6 faces strong rivals such as the Acura MDX, Lexus RX 350, and Volvo XC90. While the XT6 strives to compete with prominent German contenders like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, it falls short in terms of overall quality.
The 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport is an undeniably necessary addition to Cadillac’s lineup. Its presence fills a significant gap as the only three-row model apart from the massive Escalade, which may be impractical for many buyers, especially urban dwellers. The XT6, with its more manageable dimensions, refined unibody construction, and upscale appearance, caters well to the needs of most young families. It offers an appealing combination of stylish design, comfortable interior, and satisfactory driving performance.
