2021 Cadillac XT6 Review

Name: 2021 Cadillac XT6
Brand: Cadillac

Price Range: $22,950 - $36,998

Average

7.3

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 is a sharp-looking newcomer to the midsize three-row SUV segment. Appealing technology features and a comfortable cabin impart good initial impressions. But once you start stacking the XT6 up against the competition, it begins to lose its luster. We were underwhelmed mostly by its poor drivability and an all-wheel-drive system you have to engage manually. On top of that, it seems a bit overpriced.

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Average price: $29,381

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Appraise My 2021 Cadillac XT6

Cadillac XT6 model years

Cadillac XT6 for Sale

Pros

Quiet interior
Third row is roomy enough for most adults
Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

Minimal cargo space behind third row
Many advanced driver safety aids don't come standard
Jumpy throttle makes it hard to accelerate smoothly
Low towing limits

What's new

Luxury trim level debuts below Premium Luxury and Sport
New base 237-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Part of the first XT6 generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

9/24/2020

In years past picking a Cadillac SUV was pretty simple. You had the Escalade, the even bigger Escalade ESV and, well, that's it. But recently Cadillac has expanded its lineup with new models. One of them is the XT6 that debuted last year.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

30 listings

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2021 Cadillac XT6
Premium Luxury 4dr SUV
$22,950
good price
$2,056 below market
- 83,092 miles
- 7 Seats, 19 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- 24 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
Distinguished 2021 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury Sport Utility 4DPresenting the 2021 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury Sport Utility 4D, an exemplary choice f...
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
1GYKPCRS4MZ209182
Stock:
209182
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
2021 Cadillac XT6
Luxury 4dr SUV
$27,798
good price
$1,196 below market
- 39,696 miles
- 7 Seats, 21 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- 52 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Hampstead, MD
Our family would like to thank you for taking a moment to check out our 2021 Cadillac XT6.Here at Hampstead Pre-Owned we pride ourselves on providing ...
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (21 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
1GYKPBR42MZ177568
Stock:
CGM177568
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
03-20-2026

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The 2021 XT6 is a three-row crossover SUV that's meant to rival luxury SUVs such as the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Lincoln Aviator. Whereas the Escalade remains a truck-based SUV powered by a thirsty V8, the XT6 is smaller and lighter and has either a four-cylinder engine or a V6 under the hood. The four-cylinder is new for 2021 and is only available on the also new-for-2021 base Luxury trim level.

We like the XT6's roomy and quiet interior, but a variety of other drawbacks keep it from being a prime choice for a three-row luxury SUV. Check out our detailed XT6 Expert Rating to learn more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Average

7.3

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Cadillac XT6 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7/10

How does the XT6 drive? The XT6's 3.6-liter V6 engine propels the XT6 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is sufficient for a vehicle of this size but a fair bit behind the segment leaders. Oddly, the all-wheel-drive system doesn't engage automatically, so you have to switch it on manually when you think you need it.

Other disappointing driving traits include torque steer — that's when the steering wheel pulls to one side when you mash the gas — and tricky low-speed drivability because of an overly sensitive gas pedal. Also, the front chin spoiler, which helps with aerodynamics, scrapes on some driveways — a sign that you'll want to avoid off-roading.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the XT6? The fairly comfortable front seats have effective heating and cooling functions but lack some adjustability. Lumbar support is only adjustable two ways, for instance, and there's no thigh cushion extension for those long of leg. The reclinable second-row captain's chairs are relatively comfy but nothing special. As for ride comfort, our test XT6 Sport did a good job of softening hard road impacts but didn't control well the residual up-and-down body motions that followed. This trait could be a problem for motion-sensitive rear passengers.

The automatic climate control system works well and responds immediately to your temperature demands, though the primary controls are split between physical buttons and the touchscreen, which is never really optimal. However, the cabin is pretty well insulated from sound. The XT6 isn't as quiet as an Audi Q7, but it's quieter than many luxury SUVs.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Cadillac decided to add a rotary controller to complement its touchscreen interface at a time when most other automakers are getting rid of them. We applaud this decision, but some of the remaining touch-sensitive controls are finicky to use.

Entering and exiting is a breeze thanks to squared-off door openings and a low stepover height. Even crawling into the third row is pretty easy if you get the second-row captain's chairs. Once you're in, there's a pretty good amount of room in all rows. Visibility is good all around and is aided by low-mounted side mirrors and an optional surround-view parking camera system.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The optional Bose audio system has enough output to let you really bump up your tunes with decent sound clarity. Unlike some weaker competitor systems, this one sounds loud at even half the volume. The native navigation responds to natural language and is fairly easy to use. For those who prefer their smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and there is no shortage of charge options. (We counted six USBs plus a wireless phone charger in our test XT6.)

We generally like the XT6's driving aids. Adaptive cruise works well, but the lane keeping system is more of a prevention aid than an active centering aid. Don't bother getting the expensive Night Vision option because it doesn't work very well.

Storage

7/10

How’s the storage? Power flat-folding third-row seats are always nice to have, especially if they work quickly, as they do in the XT6. There are controls both at the cargo hatch and the rear passenger door, which is convenient. The cargo area's liftover height is a bit high, and storage behind the third-row seats, at 12.6 cubic feet, is below average. Max cargo capacity is a more appropriate-for-the-class 78.7 cubic feet.

Small-item storage in the cabin is also average. Others in the class offer more clever solutions. We had trouble finding space for sunglasses, for instance. And the upper tray under the armrest is a bit cumbersome to remove, especially if you have the USB cables plugged in. For family duty, the XT6 offers sufficient space in the second row to fit a large rear-facing car seat behind the driver.

Properly equipped, the XT6 can tow up to 4,000 pounds. This is enough for a small trailer, but most other three-row luxury SUVs can pull 5,000 pounds or more.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The XT6 is estimated to return 22 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway), which is about where most of the competition falls. We achieved an average of 22.6 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, which is in line with our expectations, and possibly an indication that the XT6 should match its window sticker targets.

Value

7/10

Is the XT6 a good value? The XT6 from a value standpoint is sadly less than the sum of its parts. The interior cabin materials are actually quite nice, but the execution of how those materials are put together is lacking. This cabin doesn't quite meet the level of sophistication of other competitors at this price, or even competitors that are thousands of dollars cheaper. Cadillac's MSRP seems too much for what you get. Many competitors have more to offer, whether it's lower cost or better luxury.

Cadillac offers a better powertrain warranty than the Europeans, and its roadside assistance coverage is better than most others. It also offers one year of free scheduled maintenance, which is a small plus.

Wildcard

7/10

We dig the XT6's styling overall and its instant recognizability as a Cadillac. The interior design is also cohesive and works with the underlying design, but it doesn't feel as upscale as others, especially at this price. Where this XT6 mostly loses us is the driving experience. At times we thought to engage the all-wheel-drive system full time just to get rid of the torque-steer issue, but that would come at the unnecessary cost of fuel efficiency. That probably detracts the most from the luxury experience.

2021 Cadillac XT6 trim level differences

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 is a three-row midsize SUV that seats six or seven passengers. It's available in three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport. The Luxury trim comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (237 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque). All other XT6s get a 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp, 271 lb-ft). Compare the 2021 Cadillac XT6 trim levels in-depth.

Which XT6 trim does Edmunds recommend?

The new Luxury trim is tempting because of its significantly lower price than the next trim up, the Premium Luxury. However, it has the new four-cylinder engine, which might not have enough grunt if you're frequently taking along a lot of passengers and cargo. Cadillac also limits the number of options you can get. As such, the Premium Luxury is our pick for most XT6 buyers.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$253/mo

$296/mo

Avg. Large SUV

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Reliability

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 22V709000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: N222378380
Number of vehicles affected:: 95231
Defect Description:: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
Defect Consequence:: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.

Recall Number:: 21V422000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: N212335590
Number of vehicles affected:: 572
Defect Description:: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
Defect Consequence:: Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 1 years / unlimited miles

Cadillac XT6 Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.8

35 reviews

5(54%)

4(11%)

3(12%)

2(9%)

1(14%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 XT6 Features & Specs

Trim:

Luxury

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$47,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$253/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the XT6 models:

Safety Alert Seat: Vibrates the driver's seat to alert you of things such as unintentional lane departure.
Teen Driver: Monitors driving habits, prevents disabling safety features such as stability control, and lets parents limit the volume of the stereo.
Rear Camera Mirror: Displays the view of a wide-angle camera in the rearview mirror to make reversing safer and easier.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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