I have a 2020 XT6 Premium Luxury AWD model. The V6 provides plenty of power (310HP) for any situation. The 4cyl in the 2023 has 237HP, so considerably less.
I enjoy driving my XT6, and it has only had one issue; the transmission shudder, or vibration at low speeds. Still trying to get it solved. I’m going in this week for the second time to have it looked at again.
When you test drive it, drive at lower speeds with a steady throttle to determine if the problem appears. I know some of these problems have been corrected by Cadillac either by fluid changes, torque converter replacement, or replacing the entire transmission.
I can’t comment on your Ford, as I haven’t owned a Ford product since 2003. However, with that low mileage, you might be well off keeping the Explorer.
I average about 24 MPG on the highway with mine, and around 18 MPH combined city/highway driving.
I know the urge to change vehicles is hard to dismiss … I was considering trading mine in, but it only has 31,000 miles. If I get this trans problem resolved, I believe it’s a keeper for quite some time.
Good luck with your decision!

 

I had this problem in my 2020 XT6 Sport, and it ended up being the torque converter at 78k miles

 

Thanks Vettevet for your detailed reply and how to check for the shudder. I do appreciate it. I read a fairly recent XT6 thread with many satisfactory replies from owners and the trans shudder was mentioned (reminds me of the bad transmission "Wave Plates" on the first few years of Buick Enclaves, Traverses, Acadias and Outlooks).

I hope your Cadillac dealer is attentive to your vehicle and needs. Some are better than others.

 

I have a 2020 Premium Luxury AWD, I would avoid buying a 2020 based on my experience due to constant problems with the surround vision camera system. I have had the camera and VPM replaced several times after the recall was completed and my vehicle is currently sitting in my drive way waiting on parts that are on back order until late June early July. Plus the '21s get wireless carplay and android auto. If your budget allows I also highly recommend getting one with the platinum package and premium lighting, while the advanced features are inactive in the US they are still much better than the base model lights when you use the high beams. Whatever you decide make sure there is still some bumper to bumper warranty left so that you can more easily extend it through a Cadillac protection plan.

 

Good advice a.loeffler. Gonna stay away from the '20s.

Well, I didn't see either vehicle as planned today. They were both at the same dealer and to the salesperson's credit, he let me know before I visited the dealer they each had a $4500 pack on top of the asking price. Alarm, VIN etching and other BS on a used car. Terrible.

 

Good advice a.loeffler. Gonna stay away from the '20s.

Well, I didn't see either vehicle as planned today. They were both at the same dealer and to the salesperson's credit, he let me know before I visited the dealer they each had a $4500 pack on top of the asking price. Alarm, VIN etching and other BS on a used car. Terrible.

I have a 2020 Sport - bought it as a CPO in November 2022. I've had it at the dealership twice - once for a recall and another for a warranty issue (I still have 2 1/2 years of powertrain warranty left). I have no quarrels with it whatsoever and I am reassured by the fact that the platform and powertrain are pretty proven. Still, it's sound advice to stay away from the first year of any vehicle.

 

Still looking.

Any thoughts on AWD vs FWD?

I had an '11 Enclave AWD with the 3.6 and it drove well but a little slow and "lazy" feeling all around. Yesterday, I drove a '21 FWD XT6 as well as a '22 AWD Prem. Lux. with the Platinum package which has the Sport suspension. Impressions are subjective however, the '22 AWD with 25k miles had a poor ride and was not as peppy as the FWD '21 Prem. Lux. which had 35k miles. But the '21 FWD did have some torque steer when I punched it where the AWD 22 did not. Besides traction, my guess torque steer is the biggest difference one feels between the two?

 

Still looking.

Any thoughts on AWD vs FWD?

I had an '11 Enclave AWD with the 3.6 and it drove well but a little slow and "lazy" feeling all around. Yesterday, I drove a '21 FWD XT6 as well as a '22 AWD Prem. Lux. with the Platinum package which has the Sport suspension. Impressions are subjective however, the '22 AWD with 25k miles had a poor ride and was not as peppy as the FWD '21 Prem. Lux. which had 35k miles. But the '21 FWD did have some torque steer when I punched it where the AWD 22 did not. Besides traction, my guess torque steer is the biggest difference one feels between the two?

These cars have several drive modes and with the adaptive suspension, those modes matter a lot. The FWD models of the XT6 and the non-platinum PLs don't have adaptive suspensions so the modes really only change the gear shift points, throttle mapping, and steering weight - that mutes the differences between modes.

I personally like a firmer ride and sharper cornering (less body roll is better - to me) so I like the adaptive suspension in the XT6 Sport. YMMV

 

Thanks NorthernSRX. I hear you on the YMMV. I'm probably in the minority that prefer a softer ride and a little wallow with this type of vehicle. For a firmer ride and handling, I have an older Porsche 911 to scratch that itch.

Still looking. Working a few dealers now for '24 models. There are quite a few rebates good until the end of the month and some are knocking 3 or 4k off sticker too.

 

Still looking and almost bought a '23 Premium Luxury FWD loaner last week with 2,500 miles for $44k plus my $4,750 rebates. still being sold as a new car, it could be leased if I wanted. Had a blem on the Carfax from a tap in the back but real nice. Couldn't get the wife to look at in time so it got sold. Anyway, I'm seeing discounts and values drop like a rock out here in SoCal. There is a '23 FWD Premium Lux with 15k miles being sold at a Jeep dealer. Has the Platinum package and just got discounted again $4k to $41k. $68k MSRP.

Rebates still in force this month so may buy/lease new or a dealer loaner.

 

I'm in the same boat! Looking to buy an XT6 but I am not familiar with Cadillac's whatsoever. What are you leaning towards?

 

Am buying a 21 Cadillac XT6. Decent price. One owner trade in. Premium luxury. Black with black interior. New tires by dealer. Buying 5 year warranty. Comes with 2 year warranty. Picking up Saturday. $28k. My last Cadillac is a 1985 Cadillac Seville (hump back). Still have it. Don’t drive it. Too big for modern parking spaces.

 

My search is over. Purchased a '24 XT6 Premium Luxury. Will post details in another thread. Thanks for everyone's help and direction.

 

I just picked up a 2021 Premium Luxury XT6 - loving it. Got a good deal used with 55,000kms on it. Covered with warranty. What is the benefit of getting Cadillac extended warranty vs other 3rd parties?

 

Congrats on the new-to-you ride. Did you buy from a Cadillac dealership?

Third party warranty providers can be difficult to reach, they can nickel and dime and also insist you take the car to an independent garage or use aftermarket parts.

I never get extended warranties myself but I have had cars where an extended warranty would have been nice. In the end, a Cadillac has a powertrain warranty for 6 years/110k kms and any additional warranty will have exceptions for some items and wear components and it will also have a deductible.

 

Hi I currently own a 2023 Premium Luxury Xt6 AWD it's been at dealer over 30 days for tranmission problems. Truck has less than 9,000 miles and less than 1 yr old. Per service center a few had came in with same issue within last month. Love the vehicle despite transmission issue. The Ride is amazing.

 

.

My search is over. Purchased a '24 XT6 Premium Luxury. Will post details in another thread. Thanks for everyone's help and direction.

I just joined this forum. I was going to advise you to avoid 2024. I have an XT6 AWD Sports with 2,000 miles and the transmission went off. It’s at the dealership now, I don’t know for how long.

Keep an eye on the transmission warning light on your dashboard and watch out for any fluid leaks under your car. If you see these, you may want to bring it right away for service.

 

.


I just joined this forum. I was going to advise you to avoid 2024. I have an XT6 AWD Sports with 2,000 miles and the transmission went off. It’s at the dealership now, I don’t know for how long.

Keep an eye on the transmission warning light on your dashboard and watch out for any fluid leaks under your car. If you see these, you may want to bring it right away for service.

Please advise us to what the problem is and how it was resolved. I am wondering if it may be similar to the Jeep transmission problems, oil leaks from a small plastic part that breaks right around the end of the warranty on the manual V6 and the gear slippage on the automatic transmissions.

 

Hi All,

I'm considering buying a used XT6 FWD or AWD and am wondering if any years are better than others? If I stick to the Premium Luxury model My budget limits me to a '20 or '21 model year. A newer model would have less options and possibly the 4 cylinder. Per my subject line:



I own a '23 XT4 Luxury FWD and like it very much except for the weak and noisy front suspension. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power but considering it in an XT6, it may be too weak. Its about 50 hp less than the V6 and the XT6 is about 600 lbs heavier than the XT4.

Anyway, tomorrow I'm looking at 2 XT6s. I've rounded the prices and miles are rounded off on the choices below - I have concerns with the first production year of any brand. Power is subjective so I'll have an idea after the road tests of the two.

#1 - 2020 Premium Luxury FWD V6 with 50k miles - asking price is $30k - Vehicle is totally loaded ($60k when new), and has the Enhanced Visibility and Tech Package, Driver Assist Package, Comfort and Air Quality Package (includes ventilated seats) and Polished 12 spoke 20" wheels. 4 new tires. Color: Gray - interior: cream
#2 - 2023 Luxury FWD 2.0 4 cyl. with 50k miles - asking price is $33k - Has a moonroof but everything else looks base including the wheels. 4 new tires. Color: Black/Black

Both vehicles are from independent dealers, Carfax show no accidents, 1 owner, no commercial use. I'll check myself for repaints and collision repairs to be certain.

Thoughts of which one sounds like the better choice/value? I prefer the '20 over the '23 even though a few years older but its well optioned and comparable option-wise to the vehicle we may replace.

I know a little about the 3.6 V6 engine. We used to own a 2011 Buick Enclave AWD which was very nice but the 3.6 was a bit lackluster and the MPG was terrible with a combined average of around 15 MPG. Sold it in 2018 with only 46k miles. I assume the engine has been improved by now.

Right now, we have a '21 Ford Explorer LTD. 4WD with 25k miles. Nice looking too (I think) black with tan leather, all the options the 20 XT6 has above except for the park assist. Plus factory rear video screens. It was $53k new, bought it for $42k after discounts and rebates. The lease is coming due and I can buy it for $30k which is fair market value maybe a little less. Its rear wheel drive which I love and the 2.3 4 cylinder turbo is just below 300 hp so it scoots nice. Its a great vehicle and common sense says I know what I have, just buy it and be done. But I like Cadillacs and just tired of the Explorer. Its our 5th one. BTW, If I buy the Explorer I'll get the Ford ESP warranty with 7 years of additional coverage or until 100k miles for $2700. If I buy a Cadillac, I hope to find a similar GM warranty price/coverage.

Apologies for the ramblings, just weighing things out. Your thoughts are appreciated.

I like your process. I am going through a similar decision making long and winding trail. I love my 20 year old Jeep Liberty with over 211,000 miles and had been looking forward to replacing it with a new Rubicon Wrangler or Gladiator until I read their forums with all of the respective oil leaks and gear shifting problems in both the manual and automatics transmissions. I am in love with the XT5 or XT6 with the Emerald Lake exterior and the Sedona Savage, Maple Sugar or Kona Brown Leather interiors. However due to my back issues I would need to put 1.5 to 2" lifts on it and I have never heard of anyone putting lifts on a Cadillac. lol. The other option I am considering with great hesitation is the Ford Ranger Lariat 4X4 which prices out pretty close to the same price range by the time I am done building it out. Getting back to my research on the Cadillacs, have you heard of any real issues or complaints on these models and has anyone ever put lifts on a Caddy? Thank you in advance.

 

Hi All,

I'm considering buying a used XT6 FWD or AWD and am wondering if any years are better than others? If I stick to the Premium Luxury model My budget limits me to a '20 or '21 model year. A newer model would have less options and possibly the 4 cylinder. Per my subject line:



I own a '23 XT4 Luxury FWD and like it very much except for the weak and noisy front suspension. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power but considering it in an XT6, it may be too weak. Its about 50 hp less than the V6 and the XT6 is about 600 lbs heavier than the XT4.

Anyway, tomorrow I'm looking at 2 XT6s. I've rounded the prices and miles are rounded off on the choices below - I have concerns with the first production year of any brand. Power is subjective so I'll have an idea after the road tests of the two.

#1 - 2020 Premium Luxury FWD V6 with 50k miles - asking price is $30k - Vehicle is totally loaded ($60k when new), and has the Enhanced Visibility and Tech Package, Driver Assist Package, Comfort and Air Quality Package (includes ventilated seats) and Polished 12 spoke 20" wheels. 4 new tires. Color: Gray - interior: cream
#2 - 2023 Luxury FWD 2.0 4 cyl. with 50k miles - asking price is $33k - Has a moonroof but everything else looks base including the wheels. 4 new tires. Color: Black/Black

Both vehicles are from independent dealers, Carfax show no accidents, 1 owner, no commercial use. I'll check myself for repaints and collision repairs to be certain.

Thoughts of which one sounds like the better choice/value? I prefer the '20 over the '23 even though a few years older but its well optioned and comparable option-wise to the vehicle we may replace.

I know a little about the 3.6 V6 engine. We used to own a 2011 Buick Enclave AWD which was very nice but the 3.6 was a bit lackluster and the MPG was terrible with a combined average of around 15 MPG. Sold it in 2018 with only 46k miles. I assume the engine has been improved by now.

Right now, we have a '21 Ford Explorer LTD. 4WD with 25k miles. Nice looking too (I think) black with tan leather, all the options the 20 XT6 has above except for the park assist. Plus factory rear video screens. It was $53k new, bought it for $42k after discounts and rebates. The lease is coming due and I can buy it for $30k which is fair market value maybe a little less. Its rear wheel drive which I love and the 2.3 4 cylinder turbo is just below 300 hp so it scoots nice. Its a great vehicle and common sense says I know what I have, just buy it and be done. But I like Cadillacs and just tired of the Explorer. Its our 5th one. BTW, If I buy the Explorer I'll get the Ford ESP warranty with 7 years of additional coverage or until 100k miles for $2700. If I buy a Cadillac, I hope to find a similar GM warranty price/coverage.

Apologies for the ramblings, just weighing things out. Your thoughts are appreciated.

It's a great SUV and I definitely recommend it, but I would really push hard to get a very good deal at this point as there is tons of supply, and not high demand. The 2025 will be the last year of the XT6 and it has essentially been the same since 2020, with the exception of Wireless Carplay and a few other minor things. I just leased a 2024 demo for 24 months with a $41k residual after 24 months. I doubt it would be worth me purchase it in 2 yrs. If you get some Cadillac dealers to compete with each other, I'd bet you can find a 2022-23 Certified Preowned with a warranty in tyour price range. My dealer has 45 new XT6's (both 2024 and 2025) in inventory that quantity hasn't decreased since I bought mine in February. There are tons of them and I know that with some work, the discounts will be there. Alternatively you can lease a brand new one for 24 months for about 500-600/month and then decide in two years what to do. I suggest going for the Premium luxury to avoid the 4 cyl Turbo, and preferably with tech package.

He's a sample of a CPO model a my dealer

Used Car Details | New Cadillac Dealership Freeport, NY | Paul Conte Cadillac

Research the 2021 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury in Freeport, NY at Paul Conte Cadillac. View pictures, specs, and pricing & schedule a test drive today.

www.contecadillac.com

 

Hi All,

I'm considering buying a used XT6 FWD or AWD and am wondering if any years are better than others? If I stick to the Premium Luxury model My budget limits me to a '20 or '21 model year. A newer model would have less options and possibly the 4 cylinder. Per my subject line:



I own a '23 XT4 Luxury FWD and like it very much except for the weak and noisy front suspension. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power but considering it in an XT6, it may be too weak. Its about 50 hp less than the V6 and the XT6 is about 600 lbs heavier than the XT4.

Anyway, tomorrow I'm looking at 2 XT6s. I've rounded the prices and miles are rounded off on the choices below - I have concerns with the first production year of any brand. Power is subjective so I'll have an idea after the road tests of the two.

#1 - 2020 Premium Luxury FWD V6 with 50k miles - asking price is $30k - Vehicle is totally loaded ($60k when new), and has the Enhanced Visibility and Tech Package, Driver Assist Package, Comfort and Air Quality Package (includes ventilated seats) and Polished 12 spoke 20" wheels. 4 new tires. Color: Gray - interior: cream
#2 - 2023 Luxury FWD 2.0 4 cyl. with 50k miles - asking price is $33k - Has a moonroof but everything else looks base including the wheels. 4 new tires. Color: Black/Black

Both vehicles are from independent dealers, Carfax show no accidents, 1 owner, no commercial use. I'll check myself for repaints and collision repairs to be certain.

Thoughts of which one sounds like the better choice/value? I prefer the '20 over the '23 even though a few years older but its well optioned and comparable option-wise to the vehicle we may replace.

I know a little about the 3.6 V6 engine. We used to own a 2011 Buick Enclave AWD which was very nice but the 3.6 was a bit lackluster and the MPG was terrible with a combined average of around 15 MPG. Sold it in 2018 with only 46k miles. I assume the engine has been improved by now.

Right now, we have a '21 Ford Explorer LTD. 4WD with 25k miles. Nice looking too (I think) black with tan leather, all the options the 20 XT6 has above except for the park assist. Plus factory rear video screens. It was $53k new, bought it for $42k after discounts and rebates. The lease is coming due and I can buy it for $30k which is fair market value maybe a little less. Its rear wheel drive which I love and the 2.3 4 cylinder turbo is just below 300 hp so it scoots nice. Its a great vehicle and common sense says I know what I have, just buy it and be done. But I like Cadillacs and just tired of the Explorer. Its our 5th one. BTW, If I buy the Explorer I'll get the Ford ESP warranty with 7 years of additional coverage or until 100k miles for $2700. If I buy a Cadillac, I hope to find a similar GM warranty price/coverage.

Apologies for the ramblings, just weighing things out. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Hi, CADFAN...I can't help you between the 20 and 21, and maybe not much from any Cad experience...you may recall I'm a newby (1st-time Cad buyer-owner) as of January with a 2024 XT6 AWD V6 prem-lux...has everything but the Super-Cruise pak. That said, have owned four GMC Terrains from 2013-2023 and still with a 2023 Terrain Denali...it has the 4-cyl as did one other, and two of the others had a 6-cyl. My driving may be different...I don't demand much in those terms...the 4-cyl was plenty for anything I needed or wanted in power from those cars...but alas I hated the sound...tin-like when accelerating compared to the six...but I also felt that way decades ago when I went to my first V6 from the V8. So for what it's worth I'd go with the V6. As for other factors you mentioned, I have almost 5K miles on my 24 XT6, it runs great (*almost) and if I had waited until now...another 3-4 mos, I could have saved thousands...the prices are definitely decreasing. So you might consider that as well, even for a 20-21. I do read about more issues in general with 20 and 21 models than anything of 23 onward...maybe another 2-3 mos can allow your budget into a low-mi 23 or 24...just a thought. I said runs great *almost on the 24...the regular cruise control just suddenly doesn't work...no light comes on and it won't engage...was working fine and have NEVER had any cruise control issue or failure ever on another veh, so not sure what to think...no error or warning messages, etc, of any kind...nothing to indicate any other problem...I've tried reading/researching everything. Taking to dealer. Now my turn to ramble...sorry. Good luck.

 

GM bought back my 2024 xt6 due to electrical problems that showed up at 500 miles and turned out to be unrepairable. It was in shop for 3 months and engineers came down and looked at it. They gave me no argument when I told them I did not want the car.