Do you need a three-row SUV? Are you trying to avoid the massive size and gas-guzzling experience of a full-size SUV? Consider driving the 2022 Cadillac XT6 instead of those hulking thirsty beasts. The XT6 is a midsize crossover luxury three-row SUV that delivers everything you need for a family of seven. While relatively new to the market, the XT6 brings you the Cadillac qualities you admire by providing an impressive driving experience, upscale cabin materials, advanced electronics, and an attractive style.

Is the 2022 Cadillac XT6 a good SUV to drive?

You’ll want to move up to the Sport trim, where the more powerful V6 resides, but there’s plenty of power and driving dynamics in this luxury SUV. This vehicle gives you an adaptive suspension, quicker steering, and torque-vectoring in the AWD system when you’re at the Sport trim level. Consumer Reports rates the XT6 with a 69/100, placing it in the top 10 among luxury SUVs.

While we’re on the subject of power

There are two powertrains found in the Cadillac XT6. The base unit is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The power reaches 237 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. These numbers are a bit paltry for a three-row SUV. The fuel mileage of 21 city/27 hwy doesn’t make up for this fact. Do yourself a favor, skip over this base powertrain.

Moving up to the 3.6-liter V6 engine is the right way to go in this luxury SUV. You’ll enjoy 310 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque during your ride. The fuel mileage arrives at 19 city/26 hwy mpg for FWD models, which means you’re not giving up much at all compared to the smaller engine.

The V6 powertrain tows 4,000 pounds compared to 1,000 for the four-cylinder; another reason to choose the bigger engine.

What features will you find in the XT6?

Even though we’re skipping the base Luxury trim for its lack of power, it is the foundational trim of this SUV. According to Kelley Blue Book, the various trims and packages you’ll find in the Cadillac XT6 are:

Luxury

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights with automatic high beams
• Sunroof
• Keyless entry
• Push-button starting
• Remote engine starting
• Tri-zone automatic climate controls
• Heated/power-adjustable front seats
• Driver’s side memory
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Self-dimming rearview mirror
• Powered tailgate
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Satellite radio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Two USB-A ports
• Four USB-C ports
• Natural voice recognition
• Bose 8-speaker audio system
• Smart System safety package

Premium Luxury

• V6 engine
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Heated/power-adjustable steering wheel
• Wireless phone charging
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Hands-free tailgate
• Optional adaptive suspension

Sport

• Brembo brakes with red-painted calipers
• Adaptive sport suspension
• AWD

Luxury trim options

• AWD
• 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels
• Optional exterior cosmetics package

Sport and Luxury options

• Captain’s chairs in the second row
• Adaptive cruise control
• Heated/ventilated front seats
• Heated outboard rear seats
• 14-speaker Bose audio system
• 8-inch digital driver display
• 360-degree camera system
• Self-parking feature
• Rear camera mirror
• Night vision
• Semi-aniline leather upholstery

What do we find in the Smart System safety package of this luxury SUV?

The Smart System is a comprehensive safety package that delivers the alerts, warnings, and monitoring you desire whether you’re driving or another family member is behind the wheel. This package includes:

• Forward-collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Safety Alert Seat
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alerts
• Front/rear parking sensors
• Teen Driver (allows parents to set parameters for teens)
• Rear-seat reminder

How much does the XT6 SUV cost?

The Cadillac XT6 begins at $48,595, but that is for the Luxury trim with the smaller engine. Moving to the Premium Luxury model requires you to spend an additional $4,400, but you’ll have the V6 and more features. The Sport trim requires you to spend $58,295 without any options.

What is comparable to a Cadillac XT6?

There are several three-row midsize luxury SUVs in this class, including:

• Lincoln Aviator
• Volvo XC90
• Genesis GV80
• Acura MDX
• Lexus RX-L
• Audi Q7
• BMW X5
• Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

With the exception of the Acura MDX, all models start at a higher price than the XT6.

Should you drive the Cadillac XT6?

Ranking in the top 10 among luxury SUVs isn’t bad, but CR has the Cadillac XT6 at number nine, which means eight others are ranked higher. You could drive a Lexus RX-L or Acura MDX for a similar price. Both are rated higher than the XT6. These two don’t offer as much room in the cabin as the XT6, which could factor into your decision.