The XT6 was supposed to establish itself as the flagship model in 2020, but the sales were slowed down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cadillac announced that they sold only 22,000 units. This season, the situation is better, and the SUV could achieve a new record. For the 2022 Cadillac XT6, we can expect the first update. Still, the mid-size SUV can hardly go against German rivals with turbo-four and naturally-aspirated V6 engines. The XT6 needs to introduce something more powerful and eye-catching for the upcoming season. Just for the comparison, Lincoln Aviator, Caddie’s archrival, can do nearly 500 hp. BMW and Mercedes models are positioned even higher.
We don’t know how much to expect from the 2022 Cadillac XT6, since it is a relatively new model. Plus, General Motors is going to focus on electrification. Within the Cadillac family, Lyriq is the EV platform introduced recently and its production might start in 2022. Hummer electric truck and Chevy Bolt EUV are already announced. The Lyriq is the official model, while we can also hear rumors about hybridization and electrification of other GM vehicles.
There is a lot of room for improvements on the XT6. The vehicle’s debut was somehow disappointing. We expected more powerful engines and premium packages. Two units and three trim levels is all we saw. However, the company will have the resources to kick into high gear with the 2022 YM. Electric unit and Super Cruise autonomous drive system are already available on some other models and would be a perfect fit for the XT6.
2022 Cadillac XT6 Interior, Features and Accessories
The XT6 is a seven-seater. Escalade is not the only three-row SUV anymore. The 3rd row is pretty spacious for the mid-size model. Behind it, there are 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space. By folding rows, you can get more room, up to 43 or 79 cu.ft. A power liftgate will make access to the back easier. Most owners are happy with the space inside the SUV. The 2022 Cadillac XT6 is also available with captain’s chairs in the middle row.
Heated seats are standard for the front row. You can upgrade the offer with ventilating, or heating to the middle-row. Synthetic leather is replaced with genuine materials on upper trim levels. Head and legroom are not the problems, even at the back seats. The XT6 might get more comfy seats. Still, adjustable buckets can improve the impression. The overall opinion is that SUV is not bringing anything new. We already saw everything on other Caddies. What might be a highlight is a supreme 14-speaker Bose sound system. Still, this is an optional upgrade. Touchscreen display makes the dashboard more appealing. Wireless chargers and navigation are part of the high-end model.
Packages
The entry-level 2022 Cadillac XT6 is packed with nice equipment. Tri-zone climate control is part of the Luxury trim. A powered tailgate and simulated leather upholstery are part of the offer. Sunroof is also standard, as well as the Bose audio. However, the Luxury model comes with 8 speakers. You will also spot 18-inch wheels that become 20-inchers with the Premium Luxury option. Plus, the seats are covered with leather, blind-spot monitor enhances the safety, and a wireless pad will charge your smart devices. The key upgrade is under the hood, where a V6 lays. The Sport version is adding AWD as the standard upgrade, plus a few options that will make everything sportier – adaptive suspension, special 20-inch rims and tires, and the exterior presents unique details.
Specifications
One of the biggest downsides of the premium SUV is its powertrain lineup. Well, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 will get the power from a turbo-four and a V6, the same units we find on a smaller XT5, and non-premium Chevy Traverse. Nothing is premium with these. We can’t say these powerplants are not reliable or bad. But, this class needs something stunning. A 2.0-liter turbocharged unit is making 237 hp and 258 lb-ft. We can count ten compact crossovers with higher outputs. A 3.6-liter V6 will fix a situation a bit with 310 horsepower.
But, that is something we can get from the standard SUV, saving about $15,000 for various accessories. So, neither of these two engines is going to make you buy the XT6. The fuel economy is average, and towing capacity is dreadful. A larger engine can tow 4,000 pounds. Leaders in the class can reach 8,000 lbs. And the four-pot models will return 1,000 pounds. It’s not a joke. However, this might be the unique towing capacity for an SUV.
2022 Cadillac XT6 Prices
With the destination, the new SUV will cost just under $49,000. For this offer, most buyers take it too expensive, mostly because of the engines. However, if the GM fixes the situation with a more potent drivetrain, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 might become a flagship vehicle. Do not expect a V8, but the plug-in hybrid or a high-output V6 could do the job. Loaded with the most options, the price for the current vehicle reaches $75,000.
