2020 Cadillac XT6 Pros vs Cons

Consumers are understandably confused when it comes to the luxury SUV market. Mostly, they tend to wonder how they perform against manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, or Toyota -- companies that have built well-known SUVs for decades. In addition, they become concerned when a manufacturer known for its sedans introduces a new SUV to the market

Such is the concern with the 2020 Cadillac XT6. Introduced to the market this model year, this luxury SUV is competing in a midsize crossover market that may feel saturated to some. Does it have the power and comfort to stay with or ahead of the others? Let's detail the pros and cons of the XT6 and determine if it is worth the value to drivers.

What's New for 2020?

The simple answer is: everything. This is a first-generation midsize SUV that is the younger sibling to the more famous Escalade. In some cases, it takes interior and exterior design features from the larger SUV and makes them its own.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Cadillac XT6 – The Pros

1. Unhampered Visibility

There are no swooping roof lines in the new Cadillac XT6. In fact, the design is fairly straightforward for a midsize SUV. The result is a nice shape with large windows and smaller roof columns. In turn, visibility is clear from the sides and the rear window.

2. A Roomy Trip for Third-Row Passengers

There are some luxury SUVs that consider their third row an afterthought. Thus, those who sit there feel cramped. Thanks to its design, passengers in the 2020 Cadillac XT6 can stretch out on long journeys. In addition, with over three feet of head room, taller riders have no need to keep their heads and shoulders hunched at all times.

3. Impressive Power Under the Hood

Cadillac has always been known for engine power, even in its early days. Thus, it shouldn't be a surprise that the 2020 Cadillac XT6 has that same capacity under the hood.

All XT6 trims come with a six-cylinder, 3.6L engine that includes Variable Valve Timing and Active Fuel Management. This is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for quick shifts between driving surfaces. Together, the powertrain offers the driver 310 horsepower and 271 pounds per foot of torque.

4. Comparable Fuel Efficiency

Despite its midsize credentials, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 still provides consumers with decent fuel economy. Within the city, the SUV gets 18 miles per gallon. On the highway, the value increases to 25 mpg. With a 19-gallon gas tank, drivers can drive nearly 500 highway miles before stopping to fill up.

5. Multiple Safety Options on all Trims

Along with standards such as ABS and daytime running lamps, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 works toward an industry goal of zero collisions with standard driver assist technology. For instance, the Following Distance Indicator provides a gap time (headway) to another vehicle and determines if the driver is following too closely. Forward Collision Alert detects that a front-end collision is imminent.

Other safety standards are a high-definition rear vision camera, OnStar, and teen driver technology that prevents them from moving the car without a seat belt. For city and highway driving, assist tools include rear cross traffic alerts, lane change notifications, and lane keep assist.

6. Working Toward Crash Prevention

While safety features like Active Protection are appreciated, the 2020 BMW X6 also contributes to a general industry standard of zero collisions. Therefore, all trims come standard with technology to prevent accidents.

Items provided for city driving include Daytime Pedestrian Protection to avoid vehicle-to-person accidents and rear Cross Traffic Alert. On the highway, tools like a Lane Departure Warning and Active Blind Spot Detection minimize the risk of an accident.

7. Easy Cargo Storage

To make it easier to fold the second and third-row seats down for maximum storage capacity, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 offers consumers a quick power-folding feature. To activate, owners simply click a switch inside the cargo area. When this is done up to the first row, the amount of storage space equals almost 80 cubic feet.

8. Infotainment and Mobile Technology

Consumers normally ask for two interior specifications in today’s midsize SUVs. One is multiple cup holders. The other is available USB ports.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 has both. In addition to cup holders, all rows have USB Type-C charging ports to keep their mobile devices powered on journeys of any length.

On the infotainment front, the SUV features an eight-inch touchscreen that is simple to operate through smart device-style icons. The technology allows the driver to set up the built-in wireless hotspot to connect with Bluetooth devices. The system also has compatibility with Android Auto and Apple
Play.

9. Quiet Performance

It's one thing to have a smoothly performing SUV. It's another when that performance is not heard in the cabin. The 2020 Cadillac XT6 does both well.

It reduces wind and noise through thicker windows and the windshield as well as additional insulation inside the dashboard. In turn, the smooth ride on a variety of road surfaces is muted. This includes situations where the SUV makes sharp turns. Here, the XT6 handles more like a sedan than a crossover.

10. A Respectable Starting Price

For a Cadillac, the XT6 has a respectable starting price, perhaps to lure consumers to the midsize SUV. In fact, the cost between the Basic Premium Luxury trim and the fully loaded Sport is only $5,000. The higher MSRP may be worth the investment for some consumers.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Cadillac XT6 – The Cons

1. Minimal Cargo Space with a full Passenger Compliment

With both rows folded down, the XT6 boasts one of the top storage capacities for a midsize SUV. However, keep the second and third rows up, and the maximum capacity is severely reduced to only 12.6 cubic feet. While there is under-the-seat storage, this still doesn't leave much room for luggage and other supplies needed on a long trip.

2. Loud Engine Pushes Through a Quiet Compartment

For the most part, outside noises are greatly minimized within the passenger cabin. That is, until the driver accelerates from a dead stop. Or increases speed to pass other vehicles on the highway. When this takes place, the engine produces a high snarl that pierces through the driving cabin.

3. Refinement is Lacking

Though the brand signifies luxury, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 lacks the refinement to match its price. If a consumer wants to add all options to the highest-end trim, then the MSRP jumps drastically from the low 50s to the low 60s.

4. It Lacks Agility

While it handles road surfaces and turns like a sedan, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 lacks the agility of other midsize SUVs. In other words, it's not as adventurous to drive. One reason may be the disconnect between the driver and the front-wheel setup. Some have called this boring or numb.

5. Lack of Trims

Unlike other manufacturers, the new Cadillac XT6 has only two trims to choose from. While plenty of options are available, there are very few to enhance the powertrain or suspension. This is something that draws consumers to other midsize SUV models. Of course, this can change once the popularity of the XT6 is determined.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

For the most part, the XT6 is comparable to other midsize luxury SUVs on the market. Its cargo space and infotainment options put it above the fray, as does it third-row design. When compared with the Audi Q7, the XT6's third row is considered more adult-friendly. When the Cadillac is placed against the Acura MDX, the XT6 wins out simply by name and the luxury it commands.

Even in a comparison between the XT6 and bigger sibling Escalade the midsize SUV wins out. This is due to its more efficient handling and higher fuel economy.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 has some work to do so it can crack the top of the midsize luxury SUV market. It has the power, the accouterments, and the refinement to make the move. In addition, it's simple style, both inside and out, allows for uncomplicated views and controls.

Nevertheless, it still needs to enhance several items. One would be the lack of cargo space when all rows are active. Another is engine noise that seeps through the cabin during hard accelerations. Finally, its lack of available trims may pull consumers toward other vehicles. Particularly when the option packages of the XT6 significantly increase the base MSRP.

In the end, The Cadillac XT6 is the way to go if the consumer is looking for a safe vehicle that handles maximum passenger capacity. If a consumer is looking for a vehicle with more energy to handle all different environments, then you want to stay away from the XT6 and focus on another manufacturer. Needless to say, careful consideration is warranted before making a choice for the right luxury SUV. The comfort of you and your passengers depend on it.