Cadillac XT6 Sport AWD — Super Cruising into 2023



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 30, 2023) Little has changed for the 2023 Cadillac XT6 mid-sized vehicle since we first tested it as an all — new vehicle for the 2020 model year. The 3-row hauler slots between Cadillac’s XT5 and the full-size Escalade and is about the size of a Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse. While not one of the better choices in the premium luxury SUV class what makes it particularly compelling this year is the availability of Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free highway driving assist option.

Our test XT6 was the Sport trim which emphasizes performance a bit more than other XT6 models and is powered by the larger 3.6-liter 310-horsepower V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. It’s a good engine-transmission choice and a solid performer with good passing power and smooth, quiet operation around town and highway driving. A 2.0-liter 237 horsepower four-cylinder is the standard engine.

The new $2,500 optional Super Cruise system now offered is still only the first generation of the hand-free highway steering assist system and not the latest Super Cruise 2.0 tech capable of automatic lane changes or hand-free towing, as equipped on the new Cadillac Escalade. That means the XT6 also won't get the recently announced update for use on undivided highways.

That’s certainly disappointing, but Super Cruise 1.0 is still a very impressive piece of technology. On the over 200,000 miles of North American highways laser-scanned by GM, Super Cruise can be activated to provide automated steering, braking and acceleration to a preset speed, keeping the SUV centered in its lane while the driver relaxes hands-free.

The level 2 driver-aid tech requires the driver's attention to operate, so an infrared camera on the steering column makes sure their eyes stay on the road. Look away for too long and the XT6 will ask you to pay attention — first by flashing red lights on the steering wheel, then with audible alerts — before eventually handing control back to the human in the hot seat.

We found Super Cruise worked well, rounding bendy highway segments confidently and reacting predictably to changes in traffic. Even before getting Super Cruise, the XT6 was well equipped with a modern suite of driver-assist technologies, most packaged into additional cost options.

Consistent with our previous review of the XT6, we found it mostly congenial and pleasant to drive but even with the available new Super Cruise nothing that would convince buyers to choose it over key competitors in the crowded and popular mid-size luxury three-row crossover class.

Vital Stats:

Base Price: $60,095
Price as Tested: $76,315
Engine: 3.6-L V-6
Horsepower: 310
Fuel Economy:  21-mpg combined city/highway
Seating: 6 or 7

Fab Features:
Optional Super Cruise Self-Driving capability
Excellent Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system
Quiet cabin, comfortable ride