Introduction

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 bridges the gap between compact and mammoth. It's a three-row crossover that slots between the XT5 and Escalade in GM's luxury lineup. 

For 2021, the XT6 gets, among other things, wireless smartphone compatibility. It also costs substantially less in base form courtesy of a newly-standard 2.0-liter turbo-4 that Cadillac plucked from their XT4 and XT5. The specs are unchanged from those smaller crossovers: it makes 237 horsepower and mates to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive optional. 

A familiar 3.6-liter V-6 remains the standard engine on the upper two trims. With 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque being sent through the 9-speed automatic transmission, it remains the most muscular choice available. Front-wheel drive is standard on the mid-grade Premium Luxury, but all-wheel drive is mandatory on the range-topping Sport. 

With the new turbo-4, the XT6 should save buyers a few dollars at the pump: it rates 21 mpg city, 27 highway, 23 combined in front-drive form and 21/26/23 mpg with all-wheel drive. A V-6 with front-wheel drive returns 18/25/20 mpg, while all-wheel drive dips those numbers to 17/24/20 mpg. 

The XT6 comes standard with safety features like automatic emergency braking, active lane control, forward-collision warnings, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system are extra. 

In crash testing, the XT6 earned a Top Safety Pick Plus from the IIHS and five stars overall from the NHTSA. 

Lineup

Like last year's XT6, the 2021 model is broken up into Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. However, the Luxury now begins at $48,990, a roughly $5,000 discount over the cheapest 2020 model due to the new turbo-4. Standard amenities have been left alone, so every XT6 continues to get standard 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and also-new wireless smartphone compatibility. Also standard is an 8.0-inch touchscreen and six USB ports. 

The XT6 Premium Luxury begins at $53,790 and subs in real leather, a power-folding third row, and 20-inch wheels. Among the many options is a premium package that adds semi-aniline leather upholstery and adaptive dampers. 

The XT6 Sport isn't much different than the Premium Luxury, but underneath all the leather and glossy dark trim lies standard all-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and adaptive dampers. 

Walkaround

The XT6 is a straight-edged crossover that looks sharply minimalist. Its few details emphasis its corners, not its few curves. 

The best impression of the XT6 comes from looking at the crossover dead-on. With a broad grille and trim horizontal headlights, the frontage of the XT6 emphasises width like no Cadillac since the DTS. The few vertical elements that are here don't muddle the impression, either, but complement it. 

Interior

The XT6 cabin is a formal and elegant affair built to a high standard. Though the base models get synthetic leather standard, it makes a good first impression, and the same goes for the trim and textiles. 

We found the seats to be excellent partners on long drives. Lots of support keeps long-distance aches at bay, and no model goes without heated front seats. With big windows all the way around, the view out is a commanding one. 

The back seat is offered as either a bench or with captain's chairs. The latter is our favorite for the individualized luxury it grants back-seat riders and the easier access it offers to the third row, which is tight at under 30 inches of leg room. 

Cargo space is excellent: 12.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row grows to 43.1 cubes once that row is folded. Up to 78.7 cubic feet is available once both rear rows are laying flat. 

Driving Impression

Cadillac engineers did a commendable job smoothing out the ride of this big crossover. Body motions are kept in check, for the most part, and whatever disturbances may arise will hardly merit any attention or comment. Adaptive dampers are available with the Premium Luxury and Sport models, where they strike a happy balance between floaty and firm. 

The new turbo-4 engine is intriguing, but we've logged extensive seat time with the 3.6-liter V-6, which we imagine will be the more popular engine by a wide margin. Its comfortable 310 horsepower has an affable familiarity about it. It's torquey and strong off the line, and powerful when passing. 

A 9-speed automatic is used with both engines, and there's little to dislike about it. The gearbox does its job as a good luxury gearbox should: silently, immediately, and without complaint. Despite lots of cogs to choose from, the computers are swift and decisive in picking the next gear. The all-wheel-drive system is a manual affair; it engages at the press of a button. 

Summary

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 is a well-done crossover with plenty to like. For buyers who don't want an Escalade but like the idea of a big Cadillac, the XT6 is waiting. We would buy ours in Sport trim, largely due to its dialed-in adaptive suspension. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos, with driving impressions from The Car Connection

 

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