Cadillac has expanded its crossover and SUV lineup with the 2020 XT6. The alphanumeric name is Cadillac-speak for Crossover Touring 6, and is the largest of the XT series, slotted as a mid-size, between Cadillac’s XT5 and the full-size Escalade. Produced in GM’s Spring Hill, TN plant, the XT6 shares its wheelbase with the GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT5 and Chevrolet Blazer and sits on the same platform as the Buick Enclave.
With Cadillac marketing it as a “mid-size-plus,” the all-new three-row family crossover centers on a luxurious, adaptable and connected cabin complemented by responsive handling and a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies.
Marketed in two trim levels – “Premium Luxury”, and “Sport” – XT6’s seating configuration was intended to feature six seats, but made that an option, as its standard is as a seven-seater, so perhaps it should be renamed XT7?
Caddy-loaded, the 2020 XT6 offers a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver assistance and safety technologies, along with generous cargo capacity. XT6 is outfitted with the latest Cadillac user-experience items featuring intuitive controls including a rotary controller with new jog functionality. Additionally, the vehicle’s 9-speed automatic transmission offers four selectable driving modes, and both the Premium Luxury and Sport models offer customers available customized looks with unique exterior and interior distinction.
Outside, XT6 carries Cadillac’s general boxiness and big windows for good visibility. XT6 is a wind-attracter that measures 70.2 inches in height, 77.3 inches in width and 198.8 inches in length on a 112.7-inch wheelbase. Curb weight goes from 44431 lbs. to 4690 lbs. depending on trim and drive configuration, and XT6 can trailer 4000 lbs.
Inside, XT6 advances Cadillac’s contemporary interior aesthetic, with elegant, wide surface lines and simple interfaces, though it is not as luxurious as the Escalade. Distinctive trim and interior colors delineate the Premium Luxury and Sport models. Premium Luxury models are trimmed with exotic wood decor, while the Sport features performance-inspired carbon fiber trim.
Available comfort features help ensure that all passengers have a luxurious experience in every seating row, including Cadillac’s first Bose® Performance Series sound system with 14 custom-tuned speakers delivering immersive, powerful audio throughout the cabin. Additional available features include semi-aniline premium leather-appointed seating; Cadillac’s in-vehicle air ionizer; automatic heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row rear outboard seats, and a standard automatic heated steering wheel.
Regarding comfort, the XT6 cabin provides only 39.8 inches of front headroom, 39.1 in row two and a child-worthy 37.2 inches in row three. Legroom follows at a good 41.2 in row one, 39.1 in the middle seats and only 29.5 inches in the tight third row. Shoulder room stretches out to 58.3, 57.4 and 53.5, but hip room gets really snug in row three with only 39.5 inches, after 56.1 in front and 55.7 in the middle seats.
XT6 power comes from a 3.6-liter V-6 direct-injection VVT engine with auto stop/start. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the system delivers 310hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. In Front-Wheel-Drive, the engine is rated at 18mpg/city and 25mpg/highway, and in All-Wheel-Drive, the EPS estimate is 17/24. I averaged 22.4mpg in the Premium All-Wheel-Drive trim, during my limited tests due to essential business restrictions.
The quiet cabin remains so even when accelerating with ease while passing, and handling is similar to that of a smaller vehicle. The ride is cushioned well and smoothes out road irregularities, but steering is vague and times, and severe turns result in noticeable body waver.
While passing is powerful, track tests were slow, but steady, with a hand-timed 7.3-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 15.7-second quarter-mile.
From a safety perspective, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the XT6 a five-star rating and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick+, that agency's highest honor. A host of driver-assistance features are available. Automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, while more advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and night vision are available as options.
The 2020 Cadillac XT6 in Premium Luxury trim starts at $52,315 in FWD and $54,315 in AWD, and the Sport trim starts at $56,715 in AWD (only) with a few cosmetic and other minor additions. My test Premium Luxury XT6 in AWD added Dark Mocha Metallic paint for $625. Adding Maple Sugar Semi-Analine Leather Seating surfaces was part of a huge package add-on including the Platinum Package ($4900), the Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package ($2350), the Driver Assist Package ($1300) and the Comfort and Air Quality Package ($750), Cadillac User Experience with Navigation ($1000) and Premium headlamps ($800), among others, that upped the ante a whopping $11,175 for Reverse Automatic Braking, Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package, Platinum Package, Ventilated driver and front passenger seats, Rear Camera Mirror with washer, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Comfort and Air Quality Package, Bose® Performance Series 14-speaker audio system, 8-inch diagonal color Driver Information Center, Head-Up Display, Driver Assist Package, and tons more.
Assist steps added $750 and destination charges of $995 put the sticker-as-tested at $68,240, but discounts and cash allowances could exceed $2000, so check with your local dealer.
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Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>
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