2023 CADILLAC XT6

 

AVAILABLE SUPER CRUISE PROVIDES HANDS-FREE DRIVING EXPERIENCE TO XT6 SUV

Since joining the fleet of Cadillac’s fleet of XT-designated SUVs for 2020, the XT6 has picked up a couple of extra features in ensuing years as it fights on in the large and very challenging midsize luxury SUV segment.

Over the past couple years, Cadillac has introduced a turbo 4-cylinder engine  model to go with the V6 that debuted in the XT6, added a new trim level to serve as the base, made wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto part of its tech systems, made blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert standard features, and updated the top-of-the-line Sport trim with Brembo Performance Brakes.

New this year, buyers of the 2023 Cadillac XT6 have the option of adding Cadillac’s Super Cruise system that provides a hands-free driving experience on more than 400,000 miles of compatible roads and highways.

The 2023 Cadillac XT6 comes in three trim levels starting with the 4-cylinder Luxury trim that was introduced for 2021 and followed by the V6 Premium Luxury and Sport models. This review is based on the Sport trim that carries a starting MSRP of $61,490 including the $1,395 destination and delivery charge. The base Luxury trim starts at under $50,000.

The 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport comes with all-wheel-drive, though you must remember to select AWD among drive options to take advantage of it. AWD is an option on FWD Luxury and Premium Luxury models.

The 3.6-liter V6 engine in the XT6 Sport is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual gear selection. It is delivers 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque and has fuel economy ratings of 18 miles-per-gallon, 25 highway, and 21 combined using premium fuel.

The 2023 XT6 does have a distinctive Cadillac appearance with the bold front fascia featuring the familiar brand logo prominently in the new bold front grille. LED headlamps are standard.

At 198.5 inches long, the 2023 Cadillac XT6 is big enough to accommodate three rows of seating, though choosing available captain’s chairs for the second row reduces capacity from seven to six passengers.

The interior features lots of leather, heated and ventilated seats for the front row and heated seats for the second, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, heated steering wheel, a sunroof with a power shade, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, and the company’s CUE (Cadillac User Experience) system for operation of tech features that include navigation.

You don’t have to touch the touchscreen to operate many of the tech features and systems like climate control as Cadillac has put a dial on the console to let you spin through the options on the screen. There are also hard buttons to perform many functions as well.

In addition to blind spot and cross-traffic alert mentioned earlier, standard safety systems on the 2023 Cadillac XT6 include lane change alert, forward collision alert, and a following distance indicator.

Options on my test 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport included a Platinum package (upgraded leather seating, a Modena leather-wrapped steering wheel with a French-stitched leather-wrapped horn pad cover, and premium floor mats), a Technology package (HD surround vision, automatic parking assist with braking, head-up display, rear camera mirror, rear pedestrian alert), and a Driver Assist package (reverse automatic braking, enhanced emergency braking, auto seat-belt tightening.

Among stand-alone extras were the Super Cruise hands-free driving system, and a cargo security shade. It has an initial cost of $2,500 and a subscription service is required after three years.

All that ran the final bottom line to $75,515, which is competitive in its segment and less than many similarly equipped rivals.

What I liked about the 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport: It has plenty of passenger room with good legroom in the first two rows, though, as with many three-row SUVs, I wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time in the far back. Fuel economy is decent for the class. The 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder in the Luxury trim likely could use more punch but the 3.6L turbo V6 in Sport and Premium Luxury trim delivers adequate acceleration There are lots of standard features that are fairly intuitive to operate. The power folding third row comes with buttons at both the rear cargo area and just inside the doors to the second row.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport: As with many three-row SUVs, storage space behind the third row when the seats are in place is limited. The 8-inch display for the navigation map has a dated appearance. You pay extra for many desirable features like adaptive cruise control and a rear camera mirror that can boost the final price by around 25 percent.

Would I buy the 2023 Cadillac XT6 Sport? If you are a Cadillac fan, need a three-row SUV,  and want to avoid the splashy Escalade, the XT6 is a good option. Otherwise, I would go f or the XT5 or even the XT4.