Model tested: 2020 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury AWD
Engine: 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Horsepower: 310
Torque: 271 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 17/city, 24/highway, 20/combined
Base price: $70,590
As tested: $71,585
Overview: The all-new 2020 Cadillac XT6 is the newest challenger in the crowded midsize, luxury, three-row crossover segment. We drove it on our Southern family vacation thanks to our friends at Prestige Auto Specialists in Atlanta — a North American Vehicle Services affiliate. The XT6 is situated between the smaller two-row XT5 and Cadillac’s full-size Escalade. Notable three-row competitors include the Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, among others.
Walkaround: Cadillac’s styling cues enhance a standard crossover body. Vertical LED headlights flank a wide mesh grille that screams Cadillac. The overall sharper angles and upright profile separate the XT6 from its sibling Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse. However, any other body color except silver is an additional cost.
Interior: The Premium Luxury version of the XT6 — our test driver — features an interior bathed in soft leather and real wood. The lower-door panels, however, are hard plastic. Digital instrumentation communicates high-tech ambiance. But the V-shaped dashboard limits the user-friendly touchscreen to 8 inches — and the infotainment system also sports a control knob. The comfortable and supportive front seats boast an eight-way power adjustment and supple, pocket-like cushions wide enough to accommodate larger folks. The XT6 accommodates either six or seven, depending on the second-row configuration — comfortable, deep-pocketed captain’s chairs or standard folding bench. Second-row passengers enjoy nearly 40 inches of legroom. Third-row passengers find a mere 29.5 inches, requiring knees up on the low seat — but with decent headroom. Cargo volume is 12.6 cubic-feet behind the third-row and 43.1 with it folded — which we packed tight with vacation luggage. Both back rows folded magically reveals 78.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
Under the hood: The Cadillac XT6 features the same basic powerplant and running gear as its sibling Traverse and Enclave — GM’s workhorse 3.6-liter V-6 married to a nine-speed automatic. The V-6 can shut down two cylinders to save fuel during highway driving and there’s a stop/start feature at stoplights. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Premium Luxury version, with all-wheel drive a $2,000 option.
Behind the wheel: We road-tripped the XT6 from Atlanta to Gulf Shores and back, plus two weeks of incidental travels. The highway ride is comfortable and quiet, striving to combine a graceful ride with smart steering. Acceleration and handling are adequate but not stellar.
Bottom line: A little spendy, the three-row 2020 Cadillac XT6 delivers family-friendly luxury boasting a large collection of standard features.
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