Automotive
Launched as a premium mid-size SUV, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a three-row vehicle suitable for both urban commuting and beyond.
Debuting at the 2019 North American International Motor Show, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 shared its platform with the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse. Positioned as the natural successor to the first-generation Cadillac SRX due to its three-row configuration, the XT6 offered a luxurious interior in just two trim levels – Sport and Premium Luxury, unlike most siblings that featured three or four trim options. Despite the limited trim choices, Cadillac provided a wide range of customization options to meet customer preferences.
The front end of the 2020 Cadillac XT6 showcased a bold design with the brand’s characteristic horizontal headlamps and vertical LED daytime running lights. The broad mesh grille featured either dark or bright inserts with a Galvano surround, while an A-shaped lower air intake integrated into the bumper contributed to the SUV’s sporty appearance.
Compared to the XT5 and XT4, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 boasted an extended roofline with a wider rear window to accommodate the additional seating row. Despite its three-row configuration, the vehicle maintained a balanced profile, with its height aligning with segment rivals. Body-colored cladding on the side sills helped to downplay the vehicle’s elevated ground clearance. The rear design featured boomerang-shaped LED taillights that extended from the quarter panels and flowed downward in classic Cadillac fashion, mirroring the front headlights. A wraparound plastic bumper was positioned below the slightly raked tailgate, while a dual exhaust system with chrome rectangular tips emphasized the vehicle’s sporty character.
Inside, the 2020 Cadillac XT6 aimed to impress as both a family-friendly luxury vehicle and a sophisticated people mover. The seating configuration offered a choice between six or seven seats, with captain’s chairs available for the six-seat layout and a bench seat for the seven-seat variant in the second row. The driver faced a combination instrument panel with large analog dials for the speedometer and tachometer flanking a color LCD screen. The technology package included an eight-inch CUE infotainment touchscreen with 4G LTE connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration.
A notable advantage of the XT6 was its generous third-row headroom, measuring 37.2 inches (95 cm), which comfortably accommodated adult occupants. The vehicle also offered impressive cargo versatility, providing a van-like load capacity of 78.7 cubic feet (2,229 liters) behind the first row with all other seats folded down.
Powering the 2020 Cadillac XT6 was a single engine option – a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6. Mated to a standard nine-speed automatic transmission, the engine drove the front wheels as standard, with the option of an all-wheel-drive system for improved traction, particularly in adverse conditions. Interestingly, the real-time damping suspension chassis was only available on the Premium Luxury trim, not the Sport variant.
