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2020 Cadillac XT6: Hot Or Not?

On Sunday, Cadillac officially unveiled a three-row crossover to bridge the gap between the mid-size XT5 and body-on-frame Escalade. The 2020 Cadillac XT6 bowed as the luxury division’s answer to the Lincoln Aviator.

In traditional fashion, we’re here to ask if the three-row luxo crossover is hot or not.

We’ll start with the good. The front fascia is rather tidy and handsome, and it borrow plenty of watered-down design elements from the Cadillac Escala concept. Namely, the headlights are horizontal, thin, and vertical LED accent lights drip beneath them. The shield grille is alive and well, too. Overall, the front fascia is rather clean. Perhaps, too clean without enough drama.

2020 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury Exterior 010

The rear of the 2020 Cadillac XT6 is also not a poor place to look with taillights plucked from the refreshed 2019 CT6. The larger crossover foregoes the Escalade and XT4’s thin taillights that run from the roof downward, for better or worse.

Where we’re having skeptical thoughts is the side profile and the bulbous greenhouse area. From the side, it’s clear this is a stretched GMC Acadia. The profiles look nearly identical, and that’s not a great thing in our eyes. The XT6 and Acadia share a common platform, the C1 architecture, but the XT6 isn’t as elongated as the Chevrolet Traverse or Buick Enclave. Compared to rivals, the roofline doesn’t look nearly as sleek to match the chiseled front end styling. We hate to say it, but an old term from GM of yore comes to mind here: badge engineering. Or rush job.

2020 Cadillac XT6 Sport Exterior 010

Inside, Cadillac surely placed its latest interior design, right? Negative. The XT6 lifts the identical interior from the XT5 crossover with a few updates seen in the refreshed CT6 sedan.

With all of that said, it’s time to vote. Is the XT6 the knockout three-row crossover Cadillac needs? Or has it missed the mark?

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. I’m giving this vehicle an 8 outta 10… and that is only because they failed to give it a more exciting and powerful powertrain.. of which they have available, if for no other one than the LF3 under the hood of the XTS VSport. SuperCruise is most likely coming.. but the engine choice being only one.. and that being the same as every other GM CUV on this platform sucks for any buyer with a sporting desire. For it demographic (female 35-55) it will probably be perfect. Then again.. why am I crying.. I would only end up getting an Escalade Platinum anyway

    Reply
  2. I’m 25 and I’m a huge Cadillac fan. My last 3 cars were CTS, ELR, and now Escalade. I’m not a fan of CUVs, but I do think the XT4 and XT5 have the best looking exteriors in their class. I’m afraid the XT6 may have the most bland exterior in its class. Cadillacs should always look exotic, and be the 800 pound gorilla in the room. Thats how they were back in the 1960s, with fins and the crazy colors. I want all Cadillacs to stand out, like the Escalade. XT6 doesn’t do it for me.

    Reply
    1. Stand out?

      That’s the Escalade! Anyone whose been behind one at night knows its an Escalade; between the vertical headlights and the 4ft taillights.

      Reply
  3. Nice front end. Boring Sides. Decent rear.
    Extremely disappointing interior for todays luxury Market.

    Reply
    1. Agree with side view …. could be anything — nothing that screams CADILLAC!!!!

      Even the current design trend of gloss black accents on the rear sail panel might help but something unique would set it apart.

      Send this challenge out to all the automotive programs at the various schools that GM supports and see what comes back! Just as we are told, “think outside the box”, maybe there are good ideas elsewhere that we can/should incorporate.

      Reply
  4. I like the exterior.
    Interior standard BLAH, but would do.
    Drivetrain ZERO.
    GM CUSTOMER SERVICE ZERO.
    Nobody knows yet, but unless the status quo has changed, it will be overpriced compared to a more equipped competitor.

    We will find out.
    We always do.

    Reply
  5. I was looking at that side window next to the D pillar. That sill line moving upward maybe should have been left level with the rest of the side windows. I think they were trying to make for a shortened side appearance, but that look reminds me of the sill line on the rear door of the Chevy Colorado crew cab, which looks like budget styling.
    I did black out that upward curve, and you get more of a formal luxury look. Still, it isn’t a total fix.

    Reply
    1. I was expecting a beltline upkick like the Escala’s.

      The car looks much better in live photos, but I want to see something besides dark gray and black.

      Reply
  6. Bland and generic with an interior to match. The std drive train isn’t the problem. It’s the vehicle it’self and the lack of a performance version coupled with generic styling that does nothing to set it apart from the crowded CUV field.

    Reply
  7. I was surprised to see that only the 3.6 was being offered. However I read somewhere that the XT6 was designed with other power plants in mind. I would suspect that we will hear sooner than later of other engine offerings. At least I hope. The exterior is safe (i.e. lots of sales). I don’t mind that. Save the exciting stuff for the rear wheel drive sedans, coupes, electric cars, etc.

    Reply
    1. I would much rather it has the 3.6 than the lackluster 237 HP under performing 2.0 LSY engine any day of the week! The 3.0TT should be offered as a hotter option however

      Reply
      1. Agreed!

        Reply
  8. I’ve refrained from speaking my thoughts about the XT6 on the last thread, so I’ll go ahead and relay them here.

    The good: interior quality looks to be up to par, for the most part. And kudos to GM for packaging the XT6 better than its GMC Acadia corporate sibling. It’s good that Cadillac finally has a 3-row crossover in their lineup, and there’s not a hint of doubt that it’ll sell remarkably well! It’s the right kind of vehicle for the right kind of market!

    The bad: this vehicle as a whole! I personally find the exterior styling to be rather bland, from all angles; maybe with the exception of the Escala-inspired grille! The interior design and layout, while admittedly good-looking, is also quite lackluster due to it virtually being a mirror image of the XT5! Why they didn’t use the new XT4 interior design is simply a head-scratcher! Boy do I hope Car & Driver is wrong about their first impression experience with the interior quality! And worst of all, it debuted with that ubiquitous 3.6L NA V6, producing the same HP and torque as the rest of the corporate GM SUVs!!! No Super Cruise technology, not a hint of a more powerful, sportier version to come (perhaps this may change in the coming years), and besides the styling, it does little to truly set itself apart in this segment of vehicles! If the plans were to simply give us a modified Acadia/Traverse, why on Earth did Cadillac not release this at least 3-4 years ago?! I don’t understand! GM goes out of their way to give Cadillac the best of their engineers, exclusive powertrains and technology, and more autonomy within the company, and this is the best they can come up with?!

    I don’t care about the fact that this is Cadillac’s much-needed entry into the lucrative 3-row luxury SUV space! And I don’t care about how potentially successful it’ll be! THIS IS OUTRIGHT MEDIOCRITY AT IT’S FINEST!!!! An absolute abomination to the once great Cadillac name and heritage that once stood for SETTING THE STANDARD for true luxury!

    Boy I tell ya! I have a mind to give up on this brand, but if it weren’t for that new electric Cadillac SUV and potential sports coupe that was revealed, I’d have done just that! At least there remains a sliver of hope for Cadillac, if they can successfully follow through with their plans to go electric!!!

    Reply
  9. This thing is exemplary. Its about as perfect a design as possible for that vehicle size/segment. Its clean, modern, and not overdesigned.

    You can tell the US has a narcotics problem with how many crazy internet trolls are saying the Aviator or the new Kia Telluride look better than this. The only better looking large CUVs are the Cayenne and the Bentayga.

    Reply
  10. looks good outside. seat pattern same old look. other luxury brands have much nicer interiors. Cadillac needs to upgrade interiors.

    Reply
  11. It’s certainly the best looking Cadillac crossover. The tail lights are a little confused, but that’s nitpicking. I hope the CT4 has headlights similar to it with nice and clean separate horizontal (primary) and vertical (DRL) elements, rather than the XT4’s (and refreshed CT6’s) mixed vertical/horizontal units. Good job on this one from the Cadillac stylists, the best Escala-inspired vehicle yet (including the EV previewed at the same time).

    Reply
  12. I think Caddy did a great job with this vehicle, for a number of reason.

    1. Exterior Styling: GM’s purpose with Caddy is understated bold but yet elegant styling, contrary to the Chevy (volume) brand which is more bold and sporty. If you look at any silhouette which it competes with, namely the Volvo XC90, BMW X5 and Land Rover Discovery, the Caddy actually has a better balance of sharper lines and conventional styling mix. Critics are going to be critics, but if you criticize…understand the audience that the brand is styling toward and its competition. Its looks smart and sophisticated, which will allow it to age well. I mean just look at another competitor, the Lexus RX400hL, that is a hot mess and has a grill that can’t get any bigger…has a small niche of a customer base.

    2. Interior: Mind you, for the wood trim I may have chosen the natural (non glossy) look but manufacturers are still bouncing around with what type of finish. BMW used to have the natural look, but went back to the glossy with the 2019 X5. Audi goes back and fourth as well, with their current design, trending back to glossy to mirror its glass infotainment and HVAC controls (more “techy”). Caddy can’t do a natural carbon fiber look (with their sport version). Designs are getting out of hand with infotainment screens, where the screen is growing in proportions where its the only design element you see on the dash…(not a great look or theme). I’d stay at work if I wanted to stare at a computer screen all night or all morning (Typical commute). Everything flows nicely and lines up. Familiarity with some advancement is key.

    Overall, I think its a good design, roomier than the Lincoln.

    Reply
    1. I read somewhere that it will have 4 choices of wood on the PL and 2 carbon fiber for the Sport model. C&D ? said the Platinum interior will be available on both.

      Reply
  13. This is supposed to compete on the market??? There’s no way this can compete with Volvo, Audi, Benz or BMW. Hell, this won’t even touch the domestic competition like the Lincoln Aviator. Is Cadillac trying to bankrupt itself??

    Reply
  14. Does not look as good in the front or rear end as the XT4.

    Reply
  15. Breaking news that GMA has not reported. The CT6 is NOT DEAD!!!

    Reply
  16. Breaking news that GMA has not reported. Autonews has reported that The CT6 is NOT DEAD!!!

    Reply
  17. “it’s clear this is a stretched GMC Acadia. The profiles look nearly identical”

    I’m sorry, I don’t see it. I see similarities with A-pillars, they might be even identical, but that’s not the same as saying “The profiles look nearly identical”.

    Anyway, I stand by what I said in the other article.

    Very handsome exterior, above average interior & a terrible power train.

    Unfortunately, this is another case of GM’s good enough mentality. They never learn.

    Reply
  18. This Cadillac is a good bean counter, correct in all places; nothin extraordinary, for one time, GM thinks practical.

    We leave that the time do his work on the sales and after will see amazing products.

    Some times have to do cars that people search and needs, not cars that like us, this XT6 is, and it`s good thing

    Reply
  19. I hope this looks better in person, cause I had very high hopes for this. The press photos make it look like a bland Audi, yes I’m pointing fingers at someone who stirred the pot and ran.

    Reply
  20. While a nice, albeit safe (ish) looking exterior and a slightly above average interior, the powertrain really ruins this thing. I am really hoping that they went the rebadge route in order to get a product to market asap, and now they can take more time to possibly come out with the next generation rwd architecture for CUVS that could be used on an all new xt5 in 3 years and scaled up for the xt6 or xt7 in the future.

    Reply
    1. It is surprising that GM hasn’t developed a RWD architecture for crossovers, uni-body like the new Explorer or full frame like the Colorado/Canyon.

      There always seems to be major segments which GM ignores for a long time but has the engineering resources and money to devote to some low volume products that never sell well.

      Reply
  21. The same dog engine and tranny as the Traverse, Enclave, and Acadia.

    BEYOND disappointed. I hope someone gets fired for this.

    Reply
    1. The Traverse and Enclave use the older LFX based 3.6 that makes 266 Torque. This new Cadillac uses the newer and better LGX 3.6 that makes between 271-282 torque in various applications. It is a smoother nicer revving engine. The only Chevy that uses it is the Camaro. Still it would be nice if the Cadillac variants of the 3.6 were all tuned to make the same 335 Hp rating as the RWD cars.

      Reply
  22. Cheap Volvo knock-off with a five year old interior.
    Good luck with that.

    Reply
  23. Cadillac seems to budget cutting in the wrong places to attract luxury buyers. This interior should be tech laden, moving all CT6’s opulence throughout the lineup. A 30K+ vehicle should have more adjustability in the front seats than 8-10 way power. Some version of their top audio system should be available as well. It seems like someone has decided to do make Cadillac a “GM+ brand” with a few RWD exceptions like Honda with Acura. Cadillac needs to push the luxury envelope a bit further if it wants to regain the sales volumes it once enjoyed.

    Reply
  24. I am confused…why eliminate the one distinguishing feature of a Cadilliac.. their stand out from the pack in a good way, headlights. Now they are plain and non luxurious. Is this the future of where they are going ?? If so, I guess I won’t be leasing the next XT5 gerneration. I would love to hear others thoughts on this topic please.

    Reply
    1. This is my take on this.

      GM, as GM knows, all they want Cadillac to be is a higher dollar of the same GM vehicle.
      So GM as GM knows, the Cadillac needs to be different, edgy, exciting. So we got the swooping headlights etc.

      Still just a GM – Chevrolet – Buick – GMC – Cadillac.

      I like the swooping headlights, edgy design, etc.

      However I like the Escala better.

      So after the Escala design came out, and all the overwhelming positivity, Cadillac was trying to move in that design look direction.

      The trouble is with any and almost all of GM future products, they NEVER come to reality. Sometimes to try to get close is actually worse.
      You see the Escala front has to be that front. NOT good enough. Good enough doesn’t quite work. Its like luxury, good enough doesn’t quite work.

      So this is where Cadillac is at this point.
      GM wants the Chevrolet GM Cadillac.
      And the JDN – Cadillac wanted the Escala.
      So we got a XT4 of the old and a XT6 of the new.
      Where the future goes from here is any ones guess. ( as usual with Cadillac )

      For me the reason I bought Cadillac is Cadillac use to be the BETTER GM !!
      Better than the plain old Chevrolet, more power, better stuff, lasted longer, etc.
      Lately Cadillac has been the worst GM, worst at everything.
      Worst reliability, worst CUSTOMER satisfaction, worst Customer experience. Worst.

      So for me I would buy either one. The CT6 look or the Escala look. I prefer the Escala look though.
      But the true Escala look, not GM good enough Escala look.

      Neither one will madder for me if all we get is the worst GM vehicle with a different headlight.
      For us anymore Cadillac at the current prices will have to be better than a Chevrolet, and equal to the competition of an equal price.
      The 38 years of GM loyalty has run out.
      No more paying more for lesser vehicle with ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE.

      Reply
  25. looks like a toyota highlander from a distance.

    Reply

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