The 2020 Cadillac XT6 Sport is the one I would choose, so it’s lucky that’s exactly what Cadillac sent me. You can choose between a Premium Luxury version, or Sport and add on a Platinum package for $3,700 which includes super soft leather seats, a microfiber suede headliner and leather console and door trims. My Sport tester came in a fetching Shadow Metallic offset with black exterior trim, unique V-series inspired grille, more aggressive fascias for the front and the rear, tinted tail light lenses, unique exhaust outlets, and optional 21 inch wheels. It’s a handsome  beast.

The XT6 slots neatly in between the XT5 and the Escalade and is Cadillac’s largest crossover. With 3 rows it has plenty of room and even adults fit well in the 3rd row, they are definitely not an afterthought. It strikes me that the XT6 would be an ideal vehicle if you’re in the market for an Escalade, perhaps.

The 2020 XT6 is powered by the automaker’s 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It’s gets along pretty well, 0-60 takes 6.4 seconds if you turn off the traction control and mash your foot into the carpet, but I can’t help feeling it really needs a turbo 6, since its German competition offer just that.

How does it go?

The Sport model I tested offers more than just an exterior trim package, firstly you get an all-wheel-drive system that shifts power between the left and right rear wheels thanks to a pair of electronically activated clutches at the rear and secondly more aggressive throttle and shift programming and standard adaptive dampers. These help the 3 -row crossover handle pretty well, of course it’s no Alfa Stelvio Q, but what else is?

On the move the ride is firm but not jarring and the body maintains solid composure in the bends. Turn-in and cornering grip were impressive with the 21 inch wheels but you couldn’t really describe it as sporty. The only miss is the steering, which is too heavy and provides little to no feedback. Driven at less aggressive speeds though the XT6 provides a comfortable way to move the family and their cargo across country with ease.

The 9-speed auto swaps cogs smoothly and efficiently and didn’t seem to hunt for gears and is eager to downshift when asked and at full chat the V6 actually sounds pretty good. Most of the sounds at cruising speeds stays out of the cabin so you can enjoy your music in peace.

Interior

The XT6’s cabin is comfortable, roomy and well appointed. The driver and front passenger get heated and cooled eight-way power and they are both comfortable and supportive. Our Platinum Package tester had 2 captain’s chairs in the second row, something I prefer since it looks cool and provides easier access the 3rd row.

Material quality is good especially with the semi-aniline leather chairs and plentiful use of soft plastics carbon fiber trim and a modern looking dash. Cadillac’s User Experience (CUE) technology also gets better, the interface is much easier to navigate. The 8-inch touch screen looks great, graphics are clear and bright, and to help prevent those annoying with fingerprint smears there’s a new wheel controller on the center console that can used to navigate the interface.

Space is plentiful in the first and second rows but not so much in the third row, especially for an adult, but kids will be fine. With all seats up you’ll not have a lot of cargo space but if you drop the 3rd row using the motorized controls, the 60/40-split bench folds flat, giving you 43.1 cubic feet available.

To wrap up

All XT6 models come standard with low-speed forward emergency braking, front and rear park assist, and lane keep assist as well as cornering headlamps (which I liked) and automatic high-beams. My tester had the driver assist package which adds adaptive cruise control, enhanced emergency braking, and an automatic seat belt tightening system, which annoyed my wife. All alerts are via driver’s seat vibration for safety alerts and I prefer this to those annoying audible alerts in most cars.

My tester also had the Enhanced Visibility and Technology package which adds automatic park assist, a high-def surround-vision camera system, a heads-up display, and the rear camera mirror.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 is a great looking vehicle and a solid choice if you’re in the market for a luxury SUV. It can get pricey when checking options and I think it needs a turbo 6, maybe a V version is in the cards. The only thing missing here is Cadillac’s excellent Super Cruise system, which should be an option available soon.

2020 XT6 Sport AWD Numbers

BASE PRICE: $57,095
AS TESTED PRICE: $73,040
VEHICLE TYPE: Front-engine, front-/all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door hatchback
ENGINE  3.6-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
POWER: 310 hp @ 6,600 rpm
TORQUE: 271 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
O–60 mph 6.4 secs
WHEELS: 21 inch split spoke 
CARGO VOLUME: 78.7 cu ft first row folded, 43.1 cu ft second row folded, 12.6 cu ft third row folded
CURB WEIGHT: 4,700 lb
FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 20/17/24 mpg
OUR FUEL ECONOMY: 18.8 mpg
PROS: Great looking, Sport version has some get up and go, smooth 9-speed auto 
CONS: Needs a turbo 6, can be pricey