- I tested a 2020 Cadillac XT6, a luxury three-row SUV that sits between the big-guy Escalade and the smaller XT4 and XT5.
- My tester was well-optioned and richly priced, at $71,585.
- The 310-horsepower V6 engine was competent, but I experienced some issues with the vehicle's all-wheel-drive system in snowy weather. I chalked them up to being on all-season tires, but I also thought that the XT6 could use a bit more power.
- The XT6 is worth a look, but it's my least favorite of Cadillac's current SUV lineup.
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When you get right down to it, three-row SUVs have a simple raison d'être: provide a ute-alternative to the stigmatized minivan.
With this comes one significant compromise, and really two. First, with all three rows in business, cargo capacity on midsize SUVs is drastically reduced. Second, the third row is really good for not much besides seating small children. Plus, the third row tends to be difficult to access.
But that minivan stigma - it is strong, it is powerful.
And as a consequence of the attendant insecurity, we have droves of three-row SUVs on the market.
Naturally, the luxury brands have gotten in on the action. Today's example is the Cadillac XT6, a seven-passenger hauler that sits above the XT4 and XT5, but below the mighty Escalade, in Caddy's lineup.
It's an important vehicle for Cadillac, which once the redesigned Escalade hits next year will be fully staffed-up with premium utes.
But is the XT6 any good? Read on to find out.