2026 Cadillac Vistiq First Drive Review: Escalade Aspirations in a Midsize Package

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      After years of excitement and a gradual rollout, GM's electric vehicle lineup based on the previously known Ultium platform has finally been completed. The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, a three-row, seven-seat model, is the final addition, positioning GM as an electric luxury family SUV beneath the high-priced Escalade IQ. Cadillac is marketing it as a scaled-down flagship, rather than just a three-row version of the Lyriq.

      So, does it succeed, or is it just another electric vehicle designed more to satisfy regulatory requirements than to entice customers? Cadillac brought us to a secluded area in rural southeast Michigan to find out.

      Three-Row Titan or Hesitant ‘Tweener?

      In an unusual twist, the Vistiq stands in for the XT6. Remember that model? Cadillac recently confirmed its discontinuation, though it seems to have been phased out in the minds of most consumers long before it ever reached dealerships. This isn’t entirely Cadillac’s fault; the XT6 was a fairly decent crossover that maintained a respectable design over time. Its downfall? Launching alongside Lincoln’s attention-grabbing 2020 Aviator. Tough luck, Cadillac.

      While Cadillac attempted to infuse some Escalade-inspired design into the XT6, the front-wheel-drive platform limited their options. In contrast, the Vistiq benefits from its all-electric foundation without such restrictions. The Escalade IQ demonstrated this with its striking resemblance to its gasoline counterpart, and the Vistiq simply scales that down.

      Starting at $79,090, the Vistiq will eventually be available in four variations: Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. I drove the Premium Luxury model, which costs $93,290 before options. While it doesn’t have the features of the Platinum version (which isn’t yet in production), it still feels quite upscale.

      Every Vistiq comes standard with Super Cruise, and opting for the Premium Luxury model adds features like adaptive air suspension, rear-axle steering, and an enhanced head-up display with augmented reality capabilities, among other benefits. The only additional options on our configuration were the 23-inch wheels ($1,000) and the Opulent Blue Metallic paint ($625), bringing the total to $94,915.

      Cadillac

      For those not fond of Cadillac, the price might raise some eyebrows. However, keep in mind that the gasoline-powered Escalade, Cadillac's best-seller, starts at nearly $95,000. Here’s another interesting point: last year, the Lyriq was Cadillac’s second best-selling model, surpassing the XT5 in its second year on the market. Yet, the comparison of the Vistiq to a three-row Lyriq doesn't hold up; they feel and look distinctly different.

      A ‘Mini Escalade’

      In comparison to the massive Escalade IQ, the Vistiq feels somewhat reasonable in size, which Cadillac is using in its marketing. It is an Escalade for those who may not need or have the space for something that large yet still desire its aesthetic and comfort—qualities that the Vistiq definitely offers.

      While the XT6 leaned towards austerity, the Vistiq is visibly more luxurious. Though it may not be as extravagant inside as its larger and pricier counterpart, it takes many design cues from it. The Vistiq boasts a wide 33-inch display that covers nearly as much area as the Escalade's main screens but forgoes the passenger-side extension. Ultimately, this isn't a significant loss but serves as a hint that you've opted for the "baby" Escalade.

      Cadillac deliberately tried to obscure this distinction. The Escalade serves as the upsell, and Cadillac gains from a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out). However, there’s something appealing about achieving most of the experience at about two-thirds of the price. The downside is that it also feels noticeably smaller.

      Though the photos may suggest otherwise, the illusion is shattered upon seeing the Vistiq up close. With the air suspension set low for entering and exiting, the midsize SUV appears nearly wagon-like. At its height, the Vistiq stands only five feet, 11 inches tall, whereas the Escalade IQ towers at over six feet and is a foot and a half longer, resulting in a huge difference in cabin space.

      However, it’s important to consider the broader context. With 30.6 inches of legroom, the Vistiq's third row offers slightly less space than rivals like the Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, and Volvo EX90, which mostly sacrifice second-row legroom for more spacious third rows. The Mercedes EQS SUV stands out with its tiny and optional third row. It's worth noting that the base EQS costs $25,000 more than the Vistiq while offering roughly half the horsepower.

      Cadillac has enhanced