Cadillac’s electric rebirth began with the Lyriq in 2022, shaking up the luxury EV market and quickly becoming America’s best‑selling model in its class. With an impressive conquest rate and rising EV market share, Cadillac is clearly riding a wave and its new three‑row Vistiq is a major leap forward. Positioned as the spiritual successor to the XT6, the 2026 Vistiq brings bold design, performance, and tech but can it truly claim the title of a “baby Escalade”? We spent time behind the wheel, and here’s what we discovered.
Quick Specs – 2026 Cadillac Vistiq
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Model: Cadillac Vistiq 2026
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Exterior Size: 205.6″ long × 86.7″ wide × 71.0″ high
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Wheelbase: 121.8″
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Battery: 102 kWh Ultium pack
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Power Output: 615 hp / 650 lb‑ft torque
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0–60 mph: ~3.7 seconds
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Curb Weight: 6,326 lb
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EPA Range: ~305 miles
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Starting Price: $79,090 (includes $1,695 destination fee); Premium Luxury trim ~ $93,590
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Sales Status: Available now
Bold, Electric Design with Cadillac DNA
At first glance, the Vistiq makes its EV roots obvious. The illuminated Black Crystal Shield grille and split‑beam LEDs echo the Lyriq and Escalade IQ, offering a sleek and modern face. Flush door handles and optional black-painted sloped roof enhance the silhouette, creating a refined and cohesive profile.
A standout detail is the Mondrian-style graphic on the third-quarter glass Cadillac says it symbolizes motion and privacy for third-row occupants. While some will love its artistic touch, others may find it over the top. Either way, it doesn’t significantly compromise rear visibility.
Measuring over 17 feet long and nearly 7 feet wide, the Vistiq boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.29 impressive for a vehicle its size. Standard 21″ wheels provide a balanced look, with 22″ and 23″ options for those seeking a more aggressive stance. At the rear, clean lines, split taillights, and a touch-activated badge-operated liftgate keep the design elegant without overstating.
A Premium Cabin With Genuine Third-Row Comfort
Inside, Cadillac truly shines. Our Premium Luxury trim featured plush Phantom Blue embroidered seats with heating, ventilation, massage functions, 8‑way power adjustments, and memory settings for both front occupants. High-end materials including open-pore wood, microfiber trims, and bespoke metallic controls elevated the cabin’s upscale feel.
A massive 33″ curved display spans the dashboard, integrating both digital instrument cluster and infotainment controls. While visually impressive, Cadillac’s complex menus like those for adjusting the heads-up display aren’t immediately intuitive. At times, the steering wheel may block HUD warnings during Super Cruise or lane-change prompts.
The second-row captain’s chairs offer heated comfort, sliding/reclining capability, and controls via an 8″ center console panel. Surprisingly, the third row doesn’t compromise on quality, with the same upholstery, padded armrests, cup holders, USB‑C ports, and enough legroom to accommodate a 6’2″ adult for shorter trips.
Cargo space is generous: 15.2 cu ft behind row three, 43 cu ft with row two in use, and up to 80.2 cu ft when folded flat.
Luxury features abound. Heated and ventilated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, illuminated scuff plates, wireless phone chargers, and a 23‑speaker AKG Dolby Atmos sound system round out a high-end interior. Panoramic glass roofs over the first two rows and fixed skylights above the third infuse the cabin with light.
Power, Range & Charging Flexibility
Thanks to a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup powered by a 102 kWh Ultium battery, the Vistiq delivers a powerful 615 hp and 650 lb‑ft of torque. Its 0–60 mph time in just 3.7 seconds and 5,000 lb towing capability position it as a standout performer in its class.
In straight-line acceleration, it outpaces the Volvo EX90 and Mercedes EQS SUV, though its 305‑mile range trails Tesla Model X and some competitors. Still, it offers real-world usability.
Fast charging capabilities up to 190 kW add roughly 80 miles of range in 10 minutes. However, the CCS port requires a NACS adapter at Tesla Supercharger stations. For home charging, the provided dual-level charger delivers 20.9 mi/hr on a 240 V, 11.5 kW connection, while Level 2 (19.2 kW) can yield around 47 mi/hr. Convenience is enhanced by optional bidirectional charging, allowing integration with home backup systems via GM’s Energy V2H bundle.
Comfortably Controlled Driving Dynamics
Built on the BEV3 Ultium platform, the Vistiq’s suspension multi-link front, five-link rear, optional Air-Ride Adaptive is tuned for comfort. It handles rough roads with aplomb while maintaining composure through twisty turns. The rear-wheel steering system tightens its turning radius to just 38.2 ft, making the large SUV surprisingly agile in tight spaces.
However, the weight over 6,300 lb hamstrings its agility a bit. The electric power steering, while responsive and accurate, lacks a sporty feel even in Sport mode.
The braking system features massive 13.5″ front and 13.6″ rear rotors, with Brembo six-piston calipers on Platinum trims. Regenerative braking, controlled via a paddle, supports one-pedal driving though the experience may take some getting used to. Cabin quietness remains impressive, with laminated glass and sound dampening keeping road noise at bay even at highway speeds.
Top-Tier Safety & Super Cruise
Confidence behind the wheel comes courtesy of Cadillac’s enhanced Super Cruise capable of hands-free driving on well-mapped highways, assisted lane-centering, and hands-free lane changes. Standard driver-assist technologies include:
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Automatic Emergency & Reverse Braking
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Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
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Forward Collision Alerts
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Blind Zone Steering Assist
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Traffic Sign Recognition
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HD Surround Vision
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OnStar services
This suite combines luxury, convenience, and cutting-edge safety for daily drives and long trips alike.
Verdict: Power and Luxury, Though Not Minus the Escalade Size
Overall, the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq successfully blends luxury, tech, and power into a compelling EV package. Its 615 hp and rapid acceleration give it real performance cred, while its upscale interior brings the premium experience to all three rows. With 305 miles of range and comprehensive charging support, it stands tall against illustrious rivals though some flaws remain.
Pricing starts around $79K and rapidly climbs with premium upgrades; our Premium Luxury trim approaching $93K. Still, it offers top-tier luxury and features with fewer compromises than many European three-row EVs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Impressive 615 hp performance means real-world speed and supercar-like acceleration.
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Authentic third-row comfort, not just “occasional use” Cadillac’s done it right.
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Upscale interior materials and ample cargo space make it feel more luxury SUV than EV compromise.
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305-mile EPA range and 190 kW DC fast-charging ensure long-range usability.
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Standard Super Cruise with hands-free tech adds a layer of convenience and high-tech appeal.
Cons:
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Heavy chassis limits nimbleness and steering engagement, even in Sport mode.
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Complex infotainment interface, especially HUD controls, can frustrate initial users.
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Pricing climbs fast with options, risking pushing buyers toward full-size Escalade IQ.
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Charging compatibility issues, since Tesla Supercharger access requires an adapter.
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Steering feel is competent, but lacks sporty feedback for driving enthusiasts.
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