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Electric
All Wheel Drive
If Cadillac aims to become the brand most associated with luxury electric SUVs, it has a solid start. Just a few years ago, the legendary brand launched its first electric vehicle (EV), the five-passenger Lyriq, followed by the full-size Escalade IQ and the compact Optiq. The EV lineup continues to expand for 2026 with the introduction of the latest model—the all-new, three-row Cadillac Vistiq.
Photo:Â Perry Stern
As Cadillac continues expanding its EV lineup, the Vistiq is a logical next choice. With seating for up to seven and ample cargo space, the Vistiq is a more manageable and affordable option than the full-size Escalade IQ. The new Vistiq is well equipped with a range of advanced features, including the latest version of Cadillac's hands-free driving-assist system, Super Cruise, along with a powerful and efficient dual-motor electric powertrain.
Cadillac offers the 2026 Vistiq in four trim levels: Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. All versions come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices range from around $79,000 to $98,000, including the destination charge.
For this 2026 Vistiq review, Cadillac provided a test vehicle with Premium Luxury trim and the following options:
The test vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was $94,290, including the $1,395 destination charge to ship the SUV to your local dealership from the Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant.
Photo:Â Perry Stern
The first time I approached the Vistiq at night, the light show it displayed was pretty impressive. It didn’t need me to unlock the Cadillac; it detected the key fob in my pocket and started the light animation on the grille and headlights while popping out the door handles for easy entry.
I was immediately impressed by the Vistiq's elegant cabin, featuring high-tech displays and stylish Phantom Blue leather trim. The blue color complements the light wood, gray cloth, and brushed metal accents throughout the cabin, which is important since it is the only interior color available on the Premium Luxury trim.
The Vistiq doesn't go as overboard with the display screens as the Escalade IQ, but the single curved screen covering the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system is stylish and functional. An additional small touchscreen, located on the far left of the display, shows trip computer information and controls for headlight operation.
Instead of integrating climate functions into the central infotainment display, the Vistiq has a separate screen in the center console with straightforward, user-friendly controls. The driver can manage the five-zone climate control for all three rows from this screen, although second-row passengers have their own climate control display.
The stylish front seats add to the elegance of the Vistiq's cabin, highlighting that Phantom Blue with contrasting piping and stitching. Not only do they look good, but with standard heating, ventilation, and massage, the front seats are also quite comfortable.
My test vehicle featured second-row captain's chairs, which receive similar treatment as those in the front. Dual USB-C ports keep devices charged, and the dual-zone rear climate control is a convenient feature. With ample legroom and headroom, the second row offers a comfortable seating experience for long road trips.
Pushing a button on the side of the second-row seat easily slides it out of the way, providing good access to the third row. The third row seats two; although the seats look attractive and offer good hip room, they sit low to the floor with limited legroom, making it quite cramped for anyone other than small children.
If hauling gear takes priority over passenger space, the split third row folds flat with buttons in the cargo area. It offers a generous 43 cubic feet of space with the seats folded down. When the seats are up, there's still 15.2 cubic feet of space, enough for a few suitcases or multiple grocery bags. An additional storage cubby is located beneath the floor, perfect for storing the charging cable.
Photo:Â Perry Stern
Like the rest of the Cadillac EV lineup, the new Vistiq features the latest Google Built-in infotainment system. A curved 33-inch screen seamlessly combines the infotainment and driver displays.
The system includes:
The Google-based infotainment system is among the most intuitive on the market, featuring an easy-to-navigate menu and clear layout. The experience improves when you log in with your Google account, which brings your favorites and saved locations into the native Google Maps app, enables in-app purchases and downloads from the Google Play Store, and provides access to your Google account.
The primary method of interaction with the system is through the touchscreen. However, I often used Google Assistant for many tasks. Activated by saying "Hey, Google," the assistant can adjust the cabin temperature, send a text message, change the music, or find the nearest charging station, then load the directions into Google Maps—all by verbal request.
One issue that many consumers will find unacceptable is that Cadillac lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in all its EVs, and there are no plans to add these popular features. While the Google-based system can closely mimic Android Auto, those who prefer the Apple CarPlay experience may be disappointed.
Photo:Â Perry Stern
The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq features a dual-motor electric drivetrain that produces a massive 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with standard AWD, the not-so-small Vistiq can accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. To put that into perspective, it's quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera. That's also enough power to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq is estimated to have an 86 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating and a driving range of 300 miles. Energy consumption is 39 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles. After charging the Vistiq to 100 percent, the SUV showed a range of 309 miles. During my time with the Vistiq, the trip computer indicated a fuel efficiency of 2.2 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh), or 74 MPGe.
I've driven many EVs, and I still find myself surprised when I get into a large SUV like the Vistiq and experience the performance enabled by an electric powertrain. Not only is the Vistiq incredibly quick from a stop—enough to push all the passengers back in their seats—but the power delivery is smooth with strong acceleration up to highway speeds.
With an easy-to-control throttle, the Vistiq provides a smooth driving experience whether you're in town or on the highway. Road and wind noise is minimal, though simulated engine sounds are available for those not ready to embrace the silence of an EV. The Vistiq features one-pedal driving, which uses regenerative braking to slow the vehicle when you lift off the accelerator, stopping without needing to press the brake pedal.
Despite its size, the Vistiq features four-wheel steering that angles the rear wheels opposite the front at low speeds, making the vehicle more maneuverable than expected. This feature eased the stress of navigating through a very tight parking garage.
The Vistiq may be quicker than a Porsche, but that doesn't make it a sporty vehicle. While handling is sufficient for most driving situations, the weight of this large EV is noticeable on a winding road. However, the adaptive air suspension works well to minimize body lean and smooth out bumps in the road.
Photo:Â Perry Stern
Like the rest of the Cadillac lineup, the new Vistiq comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features include:
Cadillac equips all Vistiq SUVs with the latest version of Super Cruise, the brand's advanced hands-free driver-assistance system. Super Cruise requires an OnStar subscription, but the first three years are included with the vehicle purchase.
Heading toward Detroit on Interstate 94 in southeast Michigan, I activated Super Cruise with a button on the steering wheel and set the speed to 70 mph. A green light appeared at the top of the steering wheel, indicating that Super Cruise was active, and I could take my hands off the wheel.
Much more than just ACC, Super Cruise keeps the vehicle centered in the lane and maintains a set distance from the car ahead. When my Vistiq approached a slower vehicle, an indicator in the driver's display alerted me that the system was performing an automatic lane change—the left turn signal activated, and the Cadillac smoothly moved to the next lane, resuming the set speed to pass the vehicle. After overtaking the car, activating the right turn signal initiated a lane change back to the right.
One of the newest features of Super Cruise is its integration with Google Maps. When I was about 1.5 miles from my exit, the Vistiq detected a gap in the right lane between two vehicles and slowed down to move into the available space, ensuring I was in the correct lane when it was time to exit the highway. The system still only operates on designated limited-access highways, so I had to take over driving while exiting.
Although the new Vistiq has many active and passive safety features, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released crashworthiness ratings at this time.
According to the JD Power 2025 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the BMW X6 ranks highest in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV segment. The Genesis GV80 and the Porsche Cayenne are the next-highest-ranked models.
According to the JD Power 2025 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the BMW X6 ranks highest in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV segment. The Porsche Cayenne ranks second, while the Genesis GV80 and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport rank third (in a tie).
Other 2026 Vistiq competitors include the Lucid Gravity, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, and Volvo EX90.
