Also should say that I have a soft-spot for the XT6 as I was brought in early in the project by Cadillac as I was part of a consumer research team years ago (no longer am).

After several sessions for various brands, the research firm saw that I knew what I was talking about and had me sit down with Cadillac. I helped shape the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) - don't blame me as they didn't take all of my suggestions! - ha - complete with a virtual reality cockpit and interfaces, Very cool stuff.

I saw and gave feedback on the early versions of the "Cadillac 3-row" (XT6) design and it was more aggressive in the beginning. The initial grille itself was very bold. Taillights more streamlined. More Escalade and less Chevy Traverse overall. Cadillac put a TON of time into the XT6. Probably a little too much as I think they "group-thinked" it too much. At least they paralleled the XT6 with the new Escalade grill / fascade. I liked the original rear as it was more of a mix of Escalade and ELR.

 

I'll bite. First of all, welcome to the forum, @DirkG .

I got into my first Cadillac in 2004 - a 3 row SRX with a V8. I was in my early 40s at the time and was (and still am) heavily into sports and parenting (my kids are grown now). At the time, I tested everything on the market - including the MDX. As solid as the MDX was, it couldn't escape its minivan platform roots. The Cadillac handled and performed better and had more thoughtful tech. So the Infiniti and Lexus "equivalents" were also nice but either failed from a size, utility, or handling/ride perspective. That shocked me because I had an affinity to Japanese brands and had owned a number of Toyotas, Mazdas, and Nissans as well as a Volvo.

Fast forward to 2008 and we were back in the market. Once more, I visited the Acura, Infiniti, Lexus, and Audi shops. I ended up with another 3 row SRX - this time a V6. Within a few years, our needs changed and I ended up with a CTS and the SRX was moved off in favour of 2018 Audi Q5 for my wife. We just don't need three rows.

Last year, my CTS was sold off and I ended up with a CT5-V (RWD) as my fun 3-season vehicle and went searching for a year-round vehicle that could handle all my sports gear. I do triathlons and marathons and I cycle, ski, and golf. I tested everything on the market (there's a thread somewhere here that I get teased about because of - among other things - my thorough and careful field research) and roughly a year ago sprung for a CPO 2020 XT6 Sport. Here were my initial impressions: 2020 XT6 - Initial impressions

I was fairly reluctant to even consider the XT6 as I have an aversion against crossover based on FWD-biased platforms. Still, I was astonished at how good the ride and handling is with this vehicle. A year later and I have zero buyer's remorse. In fact, I've put almost 25k kms (15k miles) compared to ~6k kms on my CT5-V. I love both vehicles but for completely different reasons.

I am an audiophile and I would say that my XT6 is more than adequate - not spectacular but I have no frustrations at all with it.

 

I own a 2021 XT6 Premium Luxury with the Platinum package. I think the exterior styling is top notch for my taste. I have the Black on Black with the blackout package although I did forgo the monochrome Cadillac front & rear logo's. With the 20-inch wheels the ride is very nice and the drivability excellent. No complaints in the city or on the highway. The v6 is plenty of HP for the platform too. The only real issue with this vehicle is it could use some additional small storage areas. I use the storage area at the rear of the car for a first aid kit, some survival gear and full-size golf umbrella and that's about all that can fit. If I was to use the car for a long trip and had to have the third seats occupied I would for sure need a roof storage device like the Thule Motion XT L.

Currently I own a 2019 RAM 1500 Laramie crew cab & a 2013 Cadillac CTS Coupe (my wife's that she won't part with) along with the XT6 . I traded a 2012 SRX for the XT6.

Good luck however you choose to go!

 

I bought my 2021 XT6 in January 2021. I'd had a 2016 SRX I'd bought CPO in 2018, liked it, but felt the need for new, and the style of the XT6, it was at the time Cadillac's newest model, had 3rd row. Being retired, I don't drive a lot (mileage under 15K), but something about it said it was "a keeper." Before I bought the SRX, I'd had a 2006 Ford Escape that I drove longer than any other car, since I felt it was my "old dependable." I get the same feel from the XT6, so I don't think I'll be replacing it for the duration.

 

Thank you all for the responses thus far. Very helpful. I've never asked the following question before, simply because horsepower has always trumped MPGs in my book, but now that we're driving all over the OC, have you experienced anything close to the stated 21 city 27 highway MPG?

The Passport is 19/24 and is nothing to get excited about. The MDX sucks down 91 octane and the Jeep is well, a Jeep

 

Currently own a 2023 Yukon XL that is used for roadtrips. My lease is coming on my Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in a couple months.

The Yukon is a bit big for daily driving. Was considering the XT6, 6 passenger sport version. We normally have 2-4 adults, no kids in the car. How is the the XT6 as a daily everyday vehicle? I was thinking of using the Yukon on a regular basis, but it's too big to take out to some stores as the parking spaces are pretty small.

I wanted an upgrade from the Outlander and really like the lines of the XT6. The interior reminds me of my older Escalade ESV that i traded in this year.

Any input is appreciated.

 

Currently own a 2023 Yukon XL that is used for roadtrips. My lease is coming on my Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in a couple months.

The Yukon is a bit big for daily driving. Was considering the XT6, 6 passenger sport version. We normally have 2-4 adults, no kids in the car. How is the the XT6 as a daily everyday vehicle? I was thinking of using the Yukon on a regular basis, but it's too big to take out to some stores as the parking spaces are pretty small.

I wanted an upgrade from the Outlander and really like the lines of the XT6. The interior reminds me of my older Escalade ESV that i traded in this year.

Any input is appreciated.

Hi Chris - there's an identical thread on this so I'm going to consolidate threads if that's okay: What is your experience/opinion of the 2020 - 2023 XT6 Sport

 

23-24 on the highway is achievable. Obviously, the experience will be much better than your current alternatives so consider this, would you drive the passport for an extra mpg over the Xt6?

 

Depends on how you drive, speed, weight, road conditions, tires, etc. Best I've done is ~30 mpg on a few trips but the speed limit on those trips was between 50-55 mph and I was alone with ski or golf equipment. Windy and hilly roads though so the XT6 can absolutely do better. I've averaged just around 22 mpg over the last year in mixed driving and I routinely average mid-20s at 65 mph. 87 octane.

I live in Canada so part of the year we run the a/c all the time and the other part of the year, we run on winter gas and winter tires - each of which erodes mpg.

 

I came from a Buick Enclave (we have three kids, none old enough to drive yet) and although the XT6 is smaller in cargo and seating capacity, it has a great ride and the technology options are wonderful. We still have the Enclave, but I'd trade it for another XT6 in a heartbeat if we didn't need the hauling capacity. I also agree that the Premium Luxury package is probably the best place to start. It's a fun, sporty, good looking vehicle (I nicknamed mine "Iron Man" cause of the shape of the headlights and grille). I am also an audiophile and the premium sound package is pretty good, but the bass can be a bit overpowering at certain frequencies, This is likely due to port tuning and cabin acoustic properties as this mostly occurs when the windows are up.

I echo pretty much all that has been said here- good mileage for it's size, great ride, good seating, good looks, all around a good, well rounded, solid vehicle. Not really a standout in any one aspect but pulls together many desirable traits is a well-executed design.

 

I bought a 2023 Sport new in june and agree with all the statements above. I was a little concerned how the 21" tires would ride on the sport but it is really good. I drove a luxury and premium luxury model first and the sport last. IMO the sport rode just as good. I probley would have bought a premium luxury if they had what i wanted. The sport they had just got in checked all the boxes i wanted so i bought it. The big brakes really stop good [ had a hard braking incident ] and the super cruise is nice on the highway. I took it on a 1200 trip and got right at 26 mpg with cruise set at 75.

 

Found a great deal on a 2020 Sport, enhanced driver package, Driver Assist, Bose upgrade and the Comfort Air Package. Car has 29,500 miles and still udner warranty till February 2024. I'm enjoying the ride. It's definitely bigger than the Outlander. Already had the windows tinted with 3M 35%.

 

Hey XT6 Owners: would like your feedback if you had to do it all over again, would you still have gone with an XT6?

Absolutely. As a 50 year old with multiple fun cars I love the 2020 XT6 sport we picked up about 10 months ago for my wife. Have put about 15k miles on it so far. NE Ohio is rather hilly but we avg. about 23 MPG overall. I have hit 30 MPG avgs on longer road trips (best overall over 25 miles was 34 MPG.) 😲 The key is economy is to use FWD (tour mode) and watch the fuel consumption screen.

Do you feel like it has enough luxury?

Plenty of luxury for me, the only down sides, I'm not a fan of the seats, you kinda sit ON them not in them but they're not terrible. Love the heated cooled seats, steering wheel etc. The ride is firm but compliant. I haven't driven or rode in a car that is smoother on the highway.

Enough technology for you?

IMO the only thing missing on the tech front was wireless Apple carplay which I remedied with a ~$50 adapter. Supercruise would be nice but I don't think its quite ready and I'm not willing to pay the premium for it.

How's the sound system?

Overall I'd give it a 7/10. We have the Bose system which sounds great but the bass is a bit boomy (like 200~250hz) not deep (100hz or lower) but has a nice soundstage.

As far as cargo space, we only have a family of 4 so we don't use the 3rd row much but on the rare occasion we do, there isn't much room behind that 3rd row.

I did put a 2" hitch on shortly after we bought it and towed a small 2 axle trailer this past weekend. Mileage was pretty bad (16MPG on a route I usually get high 20's. It was a Uhaul flat bed with a mower (nothing heavy or boxy) but the car had a hard time holding speed (~60MPH on relatively flat highway). The transmission couldn't seem to find the right gear and kept trying 7th, and 8th. I went to manual mode and kept it in 7th.

 

Plenty of luxury for me, the only down sides, I'm not a fan of the seats, you kinda sit ON them not in them but they're not terrible. Love the heated cooled seats, steering wheel etc. The ride is firm but compliant. I haven't driven or rode in a car that is smoother on the highway.

Agree on the seats. My last daily driver was an X5M with the comfort seats which were probably the best seats I have ever had. Great lumbar support and adjustable side bolsters which really hugged you tight. I get that the XT6 is not a sports SUV but I would have liked more side bolstering.

Mine is a 2021 Sport which I bought in early summer of 21. Love the looks of the Sport model. Not a fan of the transmission which seems to lurch a bit at times. Has a few squeaks and rattles even though it has barely been driven, and has had a few issues fixed under warranty. Probably would not buy it again if I was in the market for a new car right now.

 

Have a 2020 Sport that I purchased 3 years ago. Have about 55K on the clock. Really like the car. Apperance, ride qualitiy, performance everything is great. Enjoy the "night vision" since we live in an area with a lot of deer. Has tipped me off several times to deer in the road.
I read with interest the mileage people are getting on their XT6. All around I get about 20mpg and on the freeway I never get over 23mpg even at a steady 75 with just one passenger on a 400 mile trip. I have 21" Michelin CrossClimate 2s that actually get a little less mpg than the original Continentals. (Keep at recommended inflation). Any thoughts as to why my mileage is so bad?

 

Your mpg is not terrible but could be better. One possibility could be the gas your using. I know the service manager at a local Ford dealer that had several customers complaining about poor mpg's. They had one thing in common as to where they were buying gas. He had the gas tested that was advertized as up to 10% ethanol . It showed it was really 22%.

 

I've pretty much always used Costco since it is only a couple minutes from our house and of course it is the least expensive by far of other gas stations. Supposed to be "top tier" gasoline although who's to say other brands might be better. Worth a try to run a tank or two of other top tier, national brands. Thanks.
Other people getting low 20's for gas mileage??

 

New XT6 owner here. We purchased a '24 XT6 Sport about a month ago. It is the replacement for our old road car, a '19 BMW X7 40i. I say "road car" because in the 4-1/2 years and 72k miles we owned the car more than half of those miles we accumulated were from road trips out west and up north. Since we live in NE Florida the typical trip would be 4k miles or greater. I will not lie, the X7 is built for this. Great power & fuel economy from the silky smooth in-line 6. Great ride from the air suspension. Whisper quiet in the cabin, with the exception of rough road surfaces. The summer tires that came on the car were loud and obnoxious at times. 315/35/R22's in the back & 285/45/R22's up front. Low profile run flats. The "winter" tires (and rims) we had to buy were better. 285/45/R21 Blizzaks. Not a loud as the others. Those tires were a primary factor in our decision to get rid of it since we were forced to travel 1500 miles home on out last trip because we couldn't source one of those Blizzaks on the road. We were supposed to get one installed at the BMW dealer in Portland, but they dropped the ball & we couldn't wait for them to maybe get it in the next day so we brought it home. Fortunately, the nail was toward the center of the tire and it held air pretty well. Another issue that popped up on the trip was the blind spot warning lights started working intermittently and the rear seat lock warning light would not clear. Don't want to go down the electrical gremlin hole wit h a BMW. $$$ !!
So, on the the XT6. The first thing I looked for was the fact it had a spare tire and the tires are a size that is readily available. Another thing was the warranty, which I think is pretty strong at 70k powertrain and 50k bumper to bumper. I don't worry about the time constraint because we will hit the mileage first. We test drove a Tahoe diesel, which I loved, but it was too big for my wife's taste. The fuel mileage is killer on those things so it kind of levels out the additional cost of diesel. The next car we drove was the XT6. WE liked the aforementioned tire availability, and the fact that it takes regular unleaded is a bonus. I figured we save about $.90/gal on fuel. Last trip alone was about 4500 miles. Divide that by, say 22 mpg combined, and that's a couple hundred saved in fuel. We thought about the Lincoln Aviator but it's a turbocharged V-6 and although it says 87 octane is acceptable, we all know it ain't! That, plus the customer reviews aren't exactly glowing either.
Moving on to driving impressions. We love the car. But, it was 30-35% less than an X7 similarly equipped to our old one. The V-6 has plenty of power. It doesn't come on like the BMW, it seems to take a little more prodding, but as I get used to ii, it becomes less noticeable. The AWD system is selectable, which is a diversion from the BMW's. We have not been anywhere that required additional traction, but we are going to Colorado in February so I suppose we'll get a chance to check it out then. The car is quiet on the road. Less tire noise than the run-flats for sure. I took a short trip last week, the first time the car has left town, and was very pleased with the comfort and fuel economy. Mixed expressway, rural 4 lane and 2 lane highways with a little bit of city driving mixed in. 75 mph max, 65 & 70 most of the highway time. 24.2 for the 242 miles we traversed. Not too bad. The car has less than 1000miles. We will put it to the real test in February.
As for the interior, Wifey likes it so that's all that matters. We like the fact that the 2nd row captain's seats fold down also, a feature the BMW didn't have. We travel with our dog and it will work out for her a lot better than the fixed seats. We also have grandkids, hence the need for the 3 rows, and the ingress and egress is a lot better vs the X7. The center stack & screen are pretty easy to use & understand. We aren't audiophiles or techy so the bar is pretty low for us. Not saying the Caddy is sub-par, just saying we wouldn't know it if it was.
Overall, we are pleased with the car. Would I do it again? Depends. I'll give it a few thousand more miles to make that determination. I retired last year so we are going to be traveling a lot more. Hopefully the Caddy will be up to the task!
Sorry if this seems kind of discombobulated. I've had a few interruptions to go along with my inability to focus anyway. Hope everyone has a great day.

 

NIce write up ! Hope to see you on here with more than one post to keep us updated!

 

We purchased a preowned 2020 XT6 about a year ago, after our lease expired on our XT5. We are enjoying our XT6 (19,000 miles) more than the XT5. We like the larger feel, room for our 20 grandkids, nicer ride, and more technology. Quiet ride, heads up display, and adaptive cruise are the three things we appreciate most.
The Bose sound system (with sub-woofer) leaves one wanting more, so maybe the newer models have improved.
The car seems luxurious, but that is a rather subjective opinion. The seats are comfortable and the leather is of good quality. The third seat is only accessible for children, and in use there is little space for cargo. Push button retract and raise is a nice convenience.
I would buy another XT6 in a minute, and I recommend the vehicle without hesitation.
Once again, car buying is a subjective decision, and one persons opinion is just that, an opinion.
Good luck in your search, and don’t settle for less than the premium luxury model. 😊