2026 Cadillac Vistiq Review + Video

Cadillac is continuing its electric vehicle (EV) onslaught, with the latest one slotting into a shockingly large gap not just in the brand’s own lineup, but for the industry as a whole.

Indeed, for how popular crossovers this size have become, few are powered by electrons alone — and even fewer look this good while doing it. It’s also a bold move for the brand, which is ditching the gas-powered XT6 at the end of the year, leaving the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq as its lone three-row this side of the enormous Escalade. That decision looks especially daring in the face of declining consumer appetite for EVs, with sales down across the country and beyond.

Luckily for Cadillac and its prospective customers, the Vistiq has its priorities in the right place. Rather than emphasized, its power source plays a secondary — although still exceptionally important — role, leaving room for the specialness of the entire experience to be the true star. In doing so, this EV could easily be a halo product for any other automaker.

Styling 10 / 10

The caveat for Cadillac, of course, is the Escalade that looms so large at the top of the lineup both literally and figuratively — and now there’s an all-electric version, too. Then there’s the highly exclusive Celestiq that’s supposed to be an epic flagship for extremely well-healed shoppers. (Seriously — the handmade EV costs in excess of US$300,000.)

If it wasn’t for those models, the Vistiq could easily stand alone as Cadillac’s preeminent product — a bold claim, yes, but one that’s backed up by all the ways this EV impresses. It starts with its styling, which is tasteful and well proportioned, with just a few touches that tell of how this crossover is powered.

The absence of a traditional grille is most telling, although the front-end treatment looks as close to conventional as any EV out there, with the same shape as the one worn by the XT6. Naturally, this one is entirely enclosed, with an assortment of thin strips of light that border it and an illuminated Cadillac badge in the middle for good measure.

The rear quarter windows also boast a unique pattern, and it’s one that ties the Vistiq to the Cadillac Optiq that launched earlier this year. The difference here, however, is the way the graphic treatment has been applied to transparent pieces of glass instead of (mostly) solid panels as it has been on its smaller sibling. Better still, the grey finish pairs perfectly with this tester’s silver paint.

Meanwhile, the cabin is home to a well-curated assortment of shapes, textures, and colours, although the latter is mostly true of this Premium Luxury trim in particular. That’s because it’s the only way to get the eye-catching blue upholstery seen here that’s no doubt divisive, but it adds a bit of boldness that’s rare these days. It works nicely with the rest of the materials — namely the wood grain — to give the Vistiq something of a nautical vibe.

Comfort 9 / 10

The front seats are supportive and well structured, and while the synthetic leather they’re wrapped in might seem short of expectations given the asking price — more on that shortly — it looks and feels like the real stuff. No matter the trim, those chairs are heated and ventilated, and they feature selectable massage settings, while the second-row seats are heated, as is the steering wheel.

While adaptive dampers are standard across the lineup, the Premium Luxury and Platinum trims add air springs that give the Vistiq a suppleness that helps hide the mass of its big battery pack and twin electric motors. However, the enormous wheels, here upgraded from 22- to 23-inch alloys ($1,300), leave occupants vulnerable to the impacts of pressure cracks and potholes, a byproduct of their excessive unsprung weight and the low-profile tires they’re wrapped in.

Features 9 / 10

The cabin remains relatively quiet in spite of those impacts, with standard noise cancellation and an impressive 23-speaker stereo that includes speakers in the front-seat headrests. Cadillac is also quite proud of the Dolby Atmos integration that’s supposed to be more immersive than standard surround sound, thanks to the way it isolates audio and plays it through select speakers. (The subscription-based technology applies only to songs engineered in Atmos.)

Other standard features include five-zone automatic climate control and 126-colour ambient interior lighting, as well as satellite radio and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, both of which require paid subscriptions. So, too, does SuperCruise — the hands-free highway drive assist system from General Motors (GM) that remains the best in the business for its ability to smoothly operate in live traffic conditions, including executing lane changes automatically.

Safety 9.5 / 10

That hands-free technology requires an entire suite of sensors and cameras, many of which serve the Vistiq’s myriad advanced safety and driver-assistance systems. Included among them is forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and advanced automatic emergency braking. The latter also works in conjunction with an intersection assist function that can warn of oncoming traffic when turning, plus there’s lane departure warning and keeping.

Other features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and evasive steering assist, reverse automatic emergency braking, and surround-view cameras (including the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles). There’s also a camera-based rearview mirror, a rear-seat reminder, and a three-year subscription to GM’s OnStar connected services including automatic collision response.

Power 10 / 10

At least at launch, Cadillac has kept the Vistiq simple with a single powertrain across the four-trim lineup. That means every one of them uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that cranks out 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Yes, those are big numbers; but this being an EV means they don’t make it as excitable as, say, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing that generates similar output using a supercharged V8 shoehorned under its hood.

Make no mistake: the Cadillac Vistiq is quick, with the ability to accelerate from a standing start to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds (which, as it happens, is strikingly similar to what its sport sedan sibling is capable of); but rather than a riotous experience egged on by the ferocious sounds of a screaming supercharged engine, it provides a classy cocoon to cruise around in.

Fuel Economy 10 / 10

Those electric motors bookend a battery pack that provides 102 kWh of usable energy — enough to give the Vistiq an estimated range of either 483 or 491 km, depending on which onboard charger it’s fitted with. Its efficiency ratings are the same whether it’s this tester’s more stout 19.2-kW module or the 11.5-kW unit in the Sport and Luxury trims, with an expected consumption of 24.4 kWh/100 km combined, according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

This test saw the Vistiq finish with an indicated average of 4.5 km/kWh — equivalent to 22.2 kWh/100 km — although earlier in the week that number hit 5.5, or 18.2 kWh/100 km, after a 100-km evaluation split equally between the city and highway. That’s exceptional efficiency, putting it in the same territory as the slippery Tesla Model Y.

Maximum speeds are capped at 190 kW when hooked up to a DC fast-charger, where it should take about 45 minutes to hit 80 per cent from a “low state of charge,” according to Cadillac — typically 10 or 20 per cent. And while the Vistiq hasn’t yet been equipped with a Tesla-style charge port, an approved accessory adapter ($310) is all it takes to access that automaker’s Superchargers.

However, it’s worth noting that older stations in the network use a different communications protocol that isn’t compatible with non-Telsas like the Vistiq. That means all but the newest Superchargers aren’t accessible, although public stations in other networks are. And, of course, there’s home charging, too, which is unaffected by those issues.

Driving Feel 9 / 10

The Vistiq’s drivability is among its highlights, and not necessarily because it’s electric. In fact, the way it’s powered quickly becomes an afterthought, which is a hallmark of some of the best EVs on the market. OK, it still accelerates with the signature surge of electrons, no matter how quickly; and the variable regenerative braking — including proper one-pedal driving — can slow this crossover down in a unique way. But all that stuff sort of fades into the background.

While the steering is somewhat vague, it doesn’t entirely betray the size of the Vistiq, nor does it feel as heavy as its roughly 2,900-kg (6,393-lb) curb weight would suggest. That the Premium Luxury and Platinum trims feature rear-axle steering that can turn the back wheels in the opposite direction of the ones up front at parking lot speeds even helps to shrink the turning circle without its hindquarters swinging outwards noticeably.

User-Friendliness 7 / 10

The user experience is one that’s heavily reliant on screens and touch controls, although it’s easy to get the hang of the Google-based interface. That the 33-inch display that combines drive-related information and infotainment sits low on the dash means it isn’t especially distracting, while its configurability means Google Maps can be shown on either side of the screen. It isn’t, however, without its issues.

Among them is the way important information can be obstructed from view on certain screens, depending on seating position and stature. Tall drivers in particular will find the rim of the steering wheel directly aligned to block the current rate of speed — a problem made worse by the available head-up display that’s largely cut off even in its lowest setting.

Then there’s the issue of the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When viewed through the most positive of lenses, this choice was made to ensure the integrated Google Maps is the navigation system that’s relied upon rather than a smartphone-based app.

That’s how the Vistiq is able to predict range when navigating to a destination, and even precondition the battery when that destination is a charger. Those are unquestionably beneficial characteristics, but then sending and receiving text messages via the integrated Google Assistant is cumbersome and not nearly as quick as doing the same directly via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Practicality 7 / 10

The Vistiq may be a three-row crossover with seating for six or seven, depending on configuration, but it isn’t as practical as the equally new Lucid Gravity when it comes to transporting people. Even small children will find the rearmost seats to be a tight squeeze, although the space behind them is reasonable given the size of this Cadillac. Better still, there’s ample room for stuff with the third-row seats folded, with 1,218 L in total.

Value 8 / 10

The Vistiq is uniquely positioned as one of the few EVs this size on the market. Amongst premium automakers the Gravity offers the same number of seats inside, and as of this writing it’s only offered in a single trim that starts at $134,200 before options and taxes. It also has more range (720 km) and a better use of space inside.

When it comes to mainstream models, the recently introduced Hyundai Ioniq 9 is probably the closest competitor in terms of features and finishes, and it tops out at $83,549, but it doesn’t feel nearly as special as the Vistiq. That might not be enough to justify the pre-tax starting price of $95,599 for both the Luxury and Sport trims, but it’s worth noting at the very least. (All prices include freight.)

The Premium Luxury version tested here rings in at $113,399 before extras and taxes, while the range-topping Platinum trim is $120,099. For a bit more context, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV starts at $137,700 before freight and taxes with its optional — and even more cramped — third-row seats.

The Verdict

Cadillac is rolling the dice by replacing its gas-powered XT6 with an entirely electric crossover, but it’s more of a calculated risk than an outright gamble. After all, a premium crossover like this one should feel like more than an appliance — especially at this price point — and in that way the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq definitely delivers. While its interface is short of perfect, and its rearmost seats a little cramped, this EV has all it needs to be a halo product in any other brand’s lineup.