DecodedCars2021 Cadillac XT6
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 198.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,689 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 13% below the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Cadillac XT6 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 199 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,689 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 13% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 20 to 23
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 XT6 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 198.8 in | 77.2 in | 68.9 in | 112.6 in | 66.5 / 66.1 in | 4,689 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT6 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -13% | $3,550 | 386 |
| XT6 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -4% | $3,550 | 386 |
| XT6 FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -20% | $3,200 | 418 |
| XT6 AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 433 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Cadillac XT6 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2021 Cadillac XT6 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Cadillac XT6 (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Volvo XC90 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X | 371 mi | Not rated | 24 |
Recalls (2)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 22, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V709000 · 95,231 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
- Risk
- An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jun 3, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V422000 · 572 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
- Risk
- Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.
Not every 2021 Cadillac XT6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Cadillac XT6 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Cadillac XT6. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XT6 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Cadillac. How we calculate this →