Extraordinary Rides

With Arizona’s mild winter weather, it’s a great time to gather family or friends and take a long road trip. The Cadillac XT6 is a good choice for a vehicle, which is based on the popular GMC Acadia SUV. The difference is, this Caddy is loaded with plenty of standard goodies that are optional on the less-expensive GMC version. This might explain the window-sticker tab of $59,000.

For this price, consumers expect a lot— and they will get it. The maximum seating capacity is listed as eight, so there’s plenty of room. If the second-row bucket seats are ordered, this capacity drops to seven. Either way, a third-row seat is issued. They are power 2020 Cadillac XT6 SUV provides old-fashioned American luxury Text and photos by C.A. Haire

operated and, if lowered, they create generous rear cargo room. The quality of materials and workmanship is very good, and the leather trim is top grade.

The tech people will enjoy Apple CarPlay, Android auto, Wi-Fi and wireless smart phone charging. Safety features like auto emergency braking, pedestrian warning, lane assist and blind-spot monitoring are here, but fortunately, the driver can disconnect these. Most of the controls are easy to use, thanks to the many simple buttons and knobs.

The only engine available is a proven 3.6-liter V-6, rated at 310 horsepower, connected to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel economy is listed at 17 mpg in the city, and 24 on the highway. Front-wheel drive is standard, but this one has the optional all-wheel drive unit that offers maximum traction on slick pavement or dirt trails. A computer program offers four modes of operation: touring, sport, AWD and off road.

We took this XT6 on an off-road trip, going through sandy washes and light mud. With the high-ground clearance and allwheel traction, it did quite well on the beaten track. But keep in mind: The long wheelbase and low-hanging front bumper limit the ability to take more serious dirt trails. This is for recreational off-pavement use, not the Baja 500.

This vehicle racked up 600 miles in one week. Highway fuel economy from Fountain Hills to Tucson was 21 mpg. On the return trip, it increased to 26 mpg, for an overall 23.5 average. This is close enough to the claimed 24 by the factory, so we have no complaints about fuel economy. This SUV is very comfortable, whether cruising on the freeway or stuck in stop-and-go city commuting.

There is nothing overly exotic about the XT6, but it does provide old-fashioned American luxury with the ability to haul lots of gear or passengers—at a reasonable price.