First Look: 2026 Cadillac Vistiq

As the automotive industry barrels towards further electrification, Cadillac is adding to the mix with the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq.

As a midsize three-row SUV, it's best considered as a next-generation XT6 in EV form—but bigger. Compared to the XT6, the Vistiq is just over seven inches longer and adds nearly nine inches of extra wheelbase. The additional size aligns it with the larger end of today's midsize SUV segment.

The extra size delivers additional practicality to the table without the large and in-charge footprint of the flagship Escalade or electric Escalade IQ. 

Built on GM's electric vehicle platform formerly known as Ultium, the Vistiq takes advantage of engineering and packaging dedicated to EVs. Like the smaller Lyriq two-row SUV, a 102 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery is found under the Cadillac’s floor.

Standard dual-motor all-wheel drive gets to play with 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, and the sprint to 60 miles per hour happens in only 3.7 seconds. Rated towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, and the heavy battery results in a base curb weight of 6,326 pounds—for context a Silverado 2500 HD clocks in at roughly 7,000 lbs.

Level 2 home charging can reach speeds of up to 19.2 kilowatts (kW), depending on the charger used. Cadillac says that Level 3 DC fast charging delivers up to 79 miles (127 km) of range in about 10 minutes, which closely matches the 190 kW peak charging rate in the Lyriq. The nominal driving range on a full charge is 300 miles (483 km).

Aesthetically, the Vistiq is still mostly a two-box conventional SUV but with a few extras that make it stand out from most mainstream choices.

All of Cadillac's EVs now wear similar front and rear fascias, with vertical headlamps, two-level taillights, and aggressively styled C-pillars with patterned glass. The Vistiq has chrome and other touches of bling both inside and out giving a nod to the world-class Cadillac designs of yesteryear. 

A Cadillac SUV is only complete with a multitude of wheel choices, and the Vistiq is no exception. 21, 22, and 23-inch wheels are available, and all three come with self-sealing tires—yes that means there's no spare. The massive wheels are connected to a four-wheel steering system, which helps shrink the Vistiq's turning circle to approximately the same as a much smaller midsize sedan—despite its size. Buyers wanting to ride on cloud nine can opt for an optional air ride suspension which offers a 3-inch ride height adjustment range.

Inside, the 33-inch LED screen handles both instrument cluster display and infotainment duty. Overall, the underlying interface looks similar to the current crop of General Motors vehicles. Automatic climate controls get their own touch screen, which may look cool, but are likely to be more distracting to operate compared to buttons and knobs.

Premium audio is handled by a 23-speaker AKG system with Dolby Atmos surround capability. For passengers and cargo, the second and third rows of seating take advantage of the Vistiq pushing the limits of dimensions as a midsize SUV and will allow most adults to sit reasonably comfortably. Cargo capacity behind the first, second, and third rows is 80.2, 43, and 15.2 cubic feet, respectively.

GM’s Super Cruise advanced driver assist system (ADAS) is standard across the board on all Vistiq trims. With three years of connected service (mainly map and road data updates), Super Cruise is a proper hands-free system that can handle lane changes and can even make the decision to overtake slower-moving cars on the left (and return to the right lane afterward, of course). In our testing of other GM vehicles, we found that the system helps to reduce fatigue on longer road trips and shines best on open roads. In addition to Super Cruise, the Vistiq will feature blind spot steering assist and side bicyclist alert systems.

The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq is expected to be available in spring 2025, with production starting soon in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Three trims will initially be available: Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury. A flagship Platinum will follow in mid-2025, and pricing for all models has not yet been announced.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter  here.