Cadillac is seriously going all-in on electric cars, and you know what? It’s working! The Lyriq kicked things off brilliantly back in 2022, quickly becoming the best-selling luxury EV in America. It now accounts for about 20% of all Cadillac sales and is bringing tons of new people to the brand (an impressive 80% conquest rate!).
The Lyriq was just the start, though. Now, Cadillac’s electric lineup has grown to five models, and they’re not slowing down. One of the latest to hit the scene is this beauty: the 2026 Vistiq. Think of it as the spiritual successor to the XT6, but on a whole different level. It’s big, it’s bold, and while it’s not quite a “baby Escalade” (we’ll get to that), it’s definitely a major statement in the luxury EV world.
Is this the electric three-row SUV you’ve been dreaming of? I spent some time with it to find out.
Quick Facts: Get to Know the Vistiq
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Model: 2026 Cadillac Vistiq
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Dimensions:
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Length: 205.6 inches (5,222 mm)
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Width: 86.7 inches (2,203 mm)
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Height: 71.0 inches (1,804 mm)
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Wheelbase: 121.8 inches (3,094 mm)
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Battery: 102 kWh lithium-ion pack
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Output: 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque (Yep, you read that right!)
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Performance: 0–60 mph in 3.7 seconds (Faster than most sports cars!)
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Curb Weight: 6,326 lbs (It’s a substantial machine)
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Range: 305 Miles (EPA estimated)
Iconic Looks: Big, Bold, and Clearly a Cadillac EV
First glance at the Vistiq? Wow. This thing is seriously imposing. It clearly follows the design language of the Lyriq and the mighty Escalade IQ, especially with that awesome illuminated “Black Crystal Shield” grille flanked by signature split lighting units. You immediately know it’s not just any electric vehicle; it’s a Cadillac EV. They nailed the presence.
As you move further back, the design becomes a bit more understated, with clean, streamlined bodywork and flush-mounted door handles. I love the long, sloping roofline, especially when it’s painted in a contrasting black – very sleek.
Now, that Mondrian pattern on the third-quarter glass? Yeah, that’s… a choice. Cadillac says it’s for motion and privacy, but for me, it’s a bit much. Thankfully, it doesn’t mess with visibility from the inside, which is actually quite good.
Despite its imposing size – it’s over 205 inches long, 7 inches longer than the old XT6 – the Vistiq is surprisingly aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.29. That’s super impressive for a big SUV! The wheels are huge too, with 21-inchers standard, 22-inchers on higher trims, and optional 23-inch kicks. The rear end is a bit more conservative compared to the wilder Lyriq, featuring split taillights and a power liftgate that pops open with a touch of the Cadillac emblem.
Stepping Inside: Luxury, Tech, and Three Roomy Rows
Okay, if the outside gets your attention, the inside will make you want to stay. My Premium Luxury tester was simply stunning. Those “Phantom Blue” seats immediately jump out – they’re gorgeous, with quilted accents and contrast piping, and they feel incredibly premium. More importantly, they’re super comfy, with heating, ventilation, and even a massage function. Yeah, luxury!
Beyond the seats, the cabin is filled with beautiful “Lumen” open-pore wood trim and soft microfiber upholstery. The stylized speaker grilles, metallic accents, and Cadillac-specific switchgear all scream luxury.
Then there’s that massive, curved 33-inch display. It’s clean, bright, and looks incredible, serving as both your digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. However, it’s not always super intuitive. For example, I struggled to find the settings for the augmented reality head-up display – turns out you have to swipe sideways on the far left of the screen to find a hidden menu. Who knew?! Also, depending on your seating position, the steering wheel can block some parts of the display, which is a minor annoyance, especially if it hides important Super Cruise messages.
The second-row captain’s chairs? Absolute first-class accommodations. They’re comfortable, supportive, heated as standard, and they slide and recline. Passengers in the back can fine-tune their environment using an 8-inch rear command center, taking advantage of the Vistiq’s five-zone climate control system. Fancy!
The first two rows are bathed in light thanks to a dual-pane panoramic sunroof with a power shade. The third row gets its own fixed glass roof, which really helps it feel open and airy, not like a dungeon.
And speaking of the third row, Cadillac boasts it’s a “no compromise” design, and honestly, they’re pretty close. It gets the same stylish “Nouveauluxe” upholstery as the front seats (no cheap materials here!), padded armrests, cup holders, air vents, and USB-C ports. I’m 6’2″, and I could comfortably fit back there for a short trip. If second-row passengers slide their seats forward just a bit, the third row truly becomes adult-friendly. Headroom is plentiful, and entry/exit is good, though my tester had a slightly sticky release for the second-row passenger seat. Hopefully, that’s just a pre-production quirk.
Need to haul cargo? The second and third rows power-fold flat, opening up a massive 80.2 cubic feet of space. Even with all three rows up, you get a decent 15.2 cubic feet behind the third row – enough for groceries or some luggage.
Cadillac didn’t skimp on the standard goodies either. Even the entry-level Luxury model gets a heated power steering wheel, heated/ventilated/massaging front seats, heated rear seats, dual wireless phone chargers, a 23-speaker AKG Studio Audio system with Dolby Atmos, ambient lighting, and Google built-in (Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play store). It’s a seriously well-equipped machine.
Power and Performance: Electric Thrills & Solid Range
Now for the fun part: power! The Vistiq’s heart is that 102 kWh battery, which feeds a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The result? A staggering 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is shared with the upcoming Lyriq-V, and it means this big, three-row SUV can launch from 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds. Yes, you read that right – that’s V-Series level performance in a family hauler! It’ll leave a Mercedes EQS SUV in its dust and easily outguns the Volvo EX90. Plus, it can still tow up to 5,000 lbs.
Despite all that power, the Vistiq also delivers a solid range: up to 305 miles. While a few rivals like the Tesla Model X (329 miles) or Mercedes EQS SUV (312 miles) might edge it out by a few miles, 305 miles is definitely more than enough for most daily driving and road trips.
Charging is pretty quick too. It uses a Combined Charging System (CCS) port, so you’ll need an NACS adapter for Tesla Superchargers for now, which is a minor annoyance. But with 190 kW DC fast-charging, you can add up to 80 miles of range in roughly 10 minutes. At home, you get a dual-level charge cord that can add nearly 21 miles of range per hour on a 240V outlet. And yes, it supports bidirectional charging – meaning, with the right GM Energy bundle, your Vistiq can even power your home during a blackout! How cool is that?
Behind the Wheel: A Silky Smooth Cadillac Ride
If you’ve driven the Lyriq, the Vistiq will feel very familiar. Both ride on GM’s excellent Ultium platform and prioritize comfort, and it absolutely pays off here. The Vistiq has a beautifully refined ride quality – silky smooth, but still connected to the road. The standard multi-link suspension with semi-active dampers is great, but my tester’s Air Ride Adaptive suspension was truly remarkable. It just floats over bumps, even on rough dirt roads and broken pavement. It’s genuinely luxurious.
Despite its relaxed attitude, this big three-row SUV can hustle when you want it to. It feels planted and secure when you throw it into corners, though you do feel that hefty 6,300+ lb curb weight if you try to get too sporty. It’s not a sports car, but it handles its size remarkably well.
The electric power steering isn’t overly engaging – it’s direct and predictable, perfect for a family-focused luxury crossover. Even in Sport mode, I wished for a bit more weight and feel, but that’s a minor nitpick.
One of my favorite features on the Premium Luxury trim is the active rear steering system. It turns the rear wheels up to 3.5 degrees, making this large SUV feel much smaller and more maneuverable, especially in tight parking lots. Seriously, its turning diameter (38.2 feet) is actually smaller than the smaller XT5 and XT6! It’s a game-changer for urban driving.
When it’s time to stop, the brakes are strong and confident, bringing this heavy crossover to a smooth, predictable halt. The Vistiq also offers a steering wheel-mounted “Regen On Demand” paddle for quick regenerative braking, and a one-pedal driving mode if that’s your jam.
And finally, one of the most welcome things about the Vistiq is how incredibly quiet the interior is. Thanks to laminated glass, extensive sound deadening, and noise cancellation tech, it’s like a peaceful sanctuary. Even at highway speeds or on bumpy dirt roads, it was impressively hushed.
To make life even easier, the Vistiq comes with a full suite of standard driver assistance systems, including an upgraded version of Super Cruise. This hands-free driving tech is truly fantastic on compatible highways, with improved functionality and automatic lane changes. You also get all the usual safety nets like Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, and a fantastic HD Surround Vision system.
The Verdict: A Solid (But Pricey) Luxury EV SUV
So, is the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq the “baby Escalade” we’ve been waiting for? Not quite. It has its own distinct, sleek, and modern vibe, which is a big leap forward from the XT6 it replaces. Cadillac definitely has another winner on their hands here.
The Vistiq offers an impressive blend of luxury, blistering performance, and true three-row capability – something that sets it apart from rivals like the Tesla Model X and Mercedes EQS SUV, which aren’t quite as practical in the third row. It’s also got Blackwing-level acceleration, a super comfortable and refined ride, and a solid 305 miles of range. Despite a few minor tech interface quirks, the Vistiq truly builds on the Lyriq’s success and pushes Cadillac’s EV game even higher.
The main catch? The price. It starts at $77,395, and my loaded Premium Luxury tester rang in at a hefty $93,590. That’s a significant jump from the gas XT6. However, it actually undercuts the Volvo EX90 and is only a few thousand dollars more than a top-spec Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy. So, within the growing luxury three-row EV segment, the Vistiq is actually quite competitive.
It might live a bit in the shadow of the mighty Escalade IQ, but the Vistiq carves out its own impressive niche. If you’re looking for a luxurious, powerful, spacious, and genuinely family-friendly electric SUV that truly feels like a Cadillac, the Vistiq is absolutely one to check out. It’s a fantastic addition to their electric revolution, and I think many luxury buyers will be very happy with it.
