First off, let me tell you that I like SUVs. Not all, of course, but a lot of them. And when Cadillac announced the new XT6, I was rather thrilled to see what the American Premium can offer in the three-row SUV segment. Now, the XT6 is here, and before I give you all the facts about it, I have something to admit.

Despite my fondness of the whole SUV idea, I am really disappointed by the conventionality, conservatism, and the mediocrity of mid-range, mid-priced SUVs. As their market share does expand at an incredible rate, somehow I believe we, the consumers, should see far more innovation and strange novelties than what we really do. And, on that note, we need to see more differentiation between SUVs too.

Their strangely nice, plush, and comfortable driving demeanor simply isn’t enough. I want to see more than “class-leading-space-for-rear-passenger” and a “safety-suite” that'll keep you out of harm's way. As the premium side of the business is, obviously, far better with the creation of that X factor, I’ve expected the same from Cadillac.

I am sorry to admit, but I am a bit disappointed. The XT6 looks OK, and I actually do believe the Cadillac XT6 is OK as a whole.

But that’s just it.

A Cadillac cannot be OK. It has to be extraordinary! I am disappointed because I have a strange gut feeling that it isn’t.

After telling you this, you are perfectly entitled to call me an oaf or a brat, but first, you have to know that the 2020 Cadillac XT6's price will land somewhere between $50,000 and $55,000. For an entry-level car. That is not cheap. I need more than OK for that.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 Does Not Have Super Cruise

Cadillac, unlike basically all other manufacturers, has a rather well crafted Super Cruise feature that allows autonomous driving on the highway. It is “the world’s first, true, hands-free driver assistance feature for the freeway”, Cadillac says.

It is, by far, the most incredible system Cadillac can offer in its cars today. That is one of the things that could give that X-factor to a family SUV like the XT6. But it did not happen.

Ever since the debut, everyone interested in the new XT6 has asked one question, why the hell didn't we get the Super Cruise in the new three-row SUV?

This is what Steve Carlisle, Senior Vice President and President of Cadillac, said on the matter:

“If you think about where we are with our rollout cadence,” he said, “we have to consider, ‘Do we put Super Cruise in a product that’s getting close to the end of its life or do we put it in at the beginning of its life?’ This strategy reflects putting it in at the beginning of its life—not necessarily right at launch. We also want to consider the readiness of the technology.”

Honestly, I don’t have a clue what this means.

On the other hand, General Motors President, Mark Reuss, said that he is to blame for the Super Cruise deletion from the XT6:

“I’m very respectful of all the people who have worked on Cadillac in the past work on it now. I will take all the heat for it not being there, and that’s the way it is.”

This is the main trait that can build character on a family SUV like the XT6. This is exactly the technology that would differentiate it from the Traverse and the Acadia on whose architecture it is actually based.

2020 Cadillac XT6 Interior Dimensions

While I may rant about the lack of character for days, I have to tell you about some amazing physical traits the Cadillac XT6 actually can be proud to expose. It is huge inside, and its three rows of fantastically luxurious seats offer plenty of room. Actually, I’ve listed here all of its important inches on the inside compared to its closest competitors. It is quite impressive what the GM engineers managed to do here. But, while the people inside (up to seven) can have all the comfort they like, the XT6 cannot tow as much as its competitors. It will tow up to 4,000 pounds (with the optional Smart Tow package and a 2-inch receiver). Nothing to bat an eye at, but not even close to the Audi Q7s 7,700 pounds tow rating.

2020 Cadilalc XT6 Cargo Room Comparison

2020 Cadillac XT6 Towing Capacity Comparison

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 Can Be Had in Two Different Trim Levels

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 that debuted at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show is available in two distinct trim packages that go by the name Premium Luxury or Sport. Self-explanatory, really, and in line with the rest of the Cadillac lineup. So, let me sink in right away and list all the differences between the two.

2020 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury

-* Exotic wood decor inside

-* Standard with two-wheel drive (optional AWD)

-* Bright Galvano exterior accents

2020 Cadillac XT6 Sport

-* Performance-inspired carbon-fiber trim

-* Dark exterior accents

-* 21-inch wheels available

-* Slightly differently colored rear lights compared to Premium Luxury lights

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 Has an Amazing Third Row Seats

Expectedly, the third row is a big thing in the XT6. After all, Cadillac crafted this car to offer three-row capability. And, Cadillac did a good job. Furthermore, the versatility is additionally improved by power folding (optional) and power sliding second row.

“Every seat is the best seat in the house,” said Steve Carlisle, President of Cadillac. “From luxurious appointments, comfort, and convenience to premium sound and technology features, every passenger gets an optimized experience.”

The rearmost seats can be laid down electrically from the boot or the rear door openings at the C-pillar. Moreover, the privy shade is removable and stowable (in a hidden compartment in the boot which hides the spare tire and jack). Neat!

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 Features Cadillac's First Bose® Performance Series Sound System With 14 Custom-tuned Speakers

Bose cooperates with a number of high-end car producers including Porsche, Infiniti, and obviously, Cadillac (GM actually).

However, the technology debuted in 2017 with its first application in the Infiniti Q60 Coupe. What sets it apart is the Bose Advanced Staging Technology. Basically, a system that makes you feel like you are in an open stage and not in the confines of your car. Some time ago I learned those sound system companies have problems providing exceptional sound experiences in cars. The physical properties of car cabins are most challenging for appropriate sound distribution. The Bose Advanced Staging Technology should mitigate just that and make you feel like you are at a concert - an open stage if you will.

It does it with 14 custom-tuned speakers and technology like AudioPilot, Centerpoint, SurroundStage, and Active Sound Management. It is one of the most advanced audio systems in the world, and it can be a part of the 2020 Cadillac XT6.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 Has an In-vehicle Air Ionizer

It is a system that removes internal odors and reduces bacteria, viruses, dust, odors, debris, and pollen in the air. Obviously, a thing you need in your car. GM's In-vehicle Air Ionizer debuted in the 2018 Buick Enclave, and I am sure that exactly the same system is in the 2020 Cadillac XT6. This technology works by releasing negatively charged particles that attract positively charged particles such as pollen, debris, dust, or anything else in the air. As the particles come together, they soon become much bigger, heavier, and drop out of the air more quickly. Thus the Air filter can catch them with ease. See, the Cadillac XT6 takes care of your well-being.

You’ll Never Be Cold or Hot In The 2020 Cadillac XT6

-* automatic heated/ventilated front seats

-* heated second-row rear outboard seats

-* standard automatic heated steering wheel

2020 Cadillac XT6 Dimensions and Weight

Final Thoughts

Just the other day, USA Today published an article titled “Can Cadillac Ever Get Its Groove Back?”

I’ve read it and noticed an interesting quote by Steve Carlisle, Cadillac’s new Global President.

“If you look back over the long history of Cadillac, which I have – 116 years of it – where we’ve done best, where we’ve thrived, is when we’re leading,” Carlisle said. “We stepped away from that for a long time.”

It seems that the 2020 Cadillac XT6 follows this philosophy Carlisle hinted at. It follows it to the letter. I will tell you why the XT6 does not lead:

-* It is based on a platform that “lesser” cars than Caddys are based on

-* It has the no thrill 3.6-liter, V-6 engine with 310 horsepower every similarly sized GM SUV has under its bonnet (It is a good engine, but Caddy needs SPECIAL)

-* I am yet to find a special character or physical trait that is not shared with the rest of the cars in the GM lineup (those speakers maybe)

-* It forgoes the integration of the Super Cruise right at the get go and this feature alone would go a long way and make it somewhat mysterious and elevated

-* It is a freaking FWD drive Caddy SUV and I am yet to accept that. I don't think I ever will.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Cadillac XT6.

Read our full review on the 2019 Cadillac XT4.

Read our full driven review on the 2017 Cadillac XT5.

Read our full review on the 2016 Cadillac Escala Concept.

Read our full review on the 2016 Cadillac CT6.