Tested: 2026 Cadillac Vistiq
With the Vistiq, Cadillac's electric vehicle lineup is now filled out to no fewer than five models, spread throughout the luxury segment. This new three-row SUV sits just below the Escalade IQ/IQL, with the same running gear as the slightly shorter two-row Lyric-V. The compact Optiq serves as the entry-level offering, while the hugely expensive wagon-like Celestiq serves as a halo.
This is more than just adding a row of seats to capture a wider swath of car shoppers. The Vistiq's unique sheetmetal and interior make it clear it is not just a Lyriq XL, while materials and refined ride are still appropriately luxurious for something wearing a Cadillac badge. Caddy's newest EV SUV also features the first implementation of a new augmented-reality head-up display, as well as new features to the Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance system.
2026 Cadillac Vistiq
The Lowdown
The Vistiq rides on the same 121.8-inch wheelbase as the Lyriq but is 8.9 inches longer overall to accommodate the extra row of seats, and the claimed 6326-pound base curb weight is about 500 more than Lyriq. There's a 102-kWh battery pack under the floor, good for an estimated range of 305 miles.
Four trim levels are available: Luxury, Sport, Premium Luxury, and Platinum. Sport is an extra $500 above the $79,090 Luxury base price, and most notably features blacked-out exterior trim. The Premium model tacks on $14,500 to the more basic Luxury, adding an air suspension, rear-wheel steering, Night Vision, head-up display, and second-row captain's chairs.
- Vehicle tested: 2026 Cadillac Vistiq Premium Luxury
- Base Price: $79,090
- Price as Tested: $93,590
- Location: Southeast Michigan
Powertrain: Dual-motor, all-wheel drive
Power: 615 hp (total system peak)
Torque: 649 lb-ft (total system peak)
0–60 mph: 3.7 sec (mfr est)
Battery Capacity: 102 kWh
Weight: 6326 pounds (mfr claim)
EPA Range: 305 miles (mfr est)
2026 Cadillac Vistiq
How Does It Drive?
Answering that question depends largely on which Vistiq is being driven. The bulk of my test drive outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan, was in a Premium Luxury model riding on 23-inch wheels with noise reduction foam inside the tires. Accordingly, the ride was very, very quiet and surprisingly composed over the worst sections of patchwork blacktop.
The rear-wheel steering contributed to the sensation that the Vistiq felt like a normal amount of big and not as huge as I would expect a three-ton EV to seem. The system effectively shrinks the wheelbase in corners, but the rest of the time that distance between the axles helps contribute to overall smoothness and avoids the occasional bucking body motions common on shorter-wheelbase EVs.
With 615 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque in the Velocity Max mode, the Vistiq can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, according to Cadillac. During normal driving in the standard Tour or Sport modes there is less power available, but nevertheless the Vistiq has plenty of acceleration available in nearly all situations.
My cornering experience was limited by damp roads and an strong instinct to keep a valid driver's license, but the Vistiq handled curves with plenty of confidence and on a fairly even keel. Perhaps more relevant to the target customer is that the front seats are plush but supportive, and the massage function is adequately strong.
The steel-spring version of the Vistiq was less of a magic carpet ride. Riding on smaller, 21-inch wheels with more tire sidewall would seem like a boon for ride compliance, but the lack of insulating foam inside those tires was a key difference. There's more noise from the treads, as well as the basketball-like ping from the tires on expansion joints. Turn-in also felt a little more sluggish without the rear wheels joining in, although there was also a bit more steering feedback. It was still quiet, and might compare well to other three-row SUVs, but going back to back against the air springs and insulated tires makes the steep price jump to Premium Luxury seem highly desirable.
2026 Cadillac Vistiq
There's a not-driving aspect to the Vistiq in the latest new feature for the standard Super Cruise system. This will now coordinate with the navigation system to switch lanes for highway-to-highway interchanges (provided both roads are enabled for the hands-free system), as well as move over to the right lane before the driver takes over to exit the highway. For now, this is only available on the Vistiq, Cadillac's representatives giving a forceful "stay tuned" as to when this will appear on future products or roll out to existing Super Cruise vehicles. The Vistiq is rated for 5000 pounds of towing, and Super Cruise will also function with a trailer attached, albeit with none of the automated lane-change functions.
Whether or not your hands are on the wheel, there's a new augmented-reality function to the head-up display that projects directions at a longer focal point than the standard view on the windshield. It's one of three display options and the best combination of minimal distraction and useful alerts with animated arrows for navigation instructions and visual cues that Super Cruise is readying a lane change.
What's It Like to Live with?
2026 Cadillac Vistiq
As with other recent GM products, the Vistiq feels like an SUV that happens to be powered by electrons. That is, fairly conventional until it comes time to refuel. That extends to the basic layout, which mimics its gasoline-powered sibling, the XT6 (as well as that crossover's Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC counterparts).
The front row is plenty spacious, while the second row is adequate but not expansive. The third row is compromised by a high floor, which put my knees well above hip level. It's fine for short trips or smaller (presumably younger) occupants, which is likely what they'll be used for. USB-C ports and HVAC vents for both the second and third rows, plus an AC port in the second row, at least keep everyone cool and charged.
Behind that third row the luggage space is short, as with most three-row SUVs. There are buttons in the cargo area to raise and lower the third row, as well as fold the second row (which only raise manually). There's an additional set of buttons inside both rear doors to fold the third row from amidships.
2026 Cadillac Vistiq
As with the latest crop of Cadillac (and GM) vehicles, the instrument cluster and infotainment are combined into a sweeping display across the dashboard. The steering wheel crops the top of the display ever so slightly (depending, of course, on your stature and driving position) but without blocking any critical information. The instruments themselves are straightforward and easy to read, with minimal superfluous clutter.
Leftmost on the cluster is a small touchscreen that lets you change display settings or trip information and adjust the head-up display. The Vistiq also has a third space below the main screen for climate control, similar to the one found in the electric Escalade. I'll never skip an opportunity to opine about buttons over screens, but the Vistiq makes all the important functions immediately available.
Should I Buy One?
This is a luxury vehicle, which means I'll once again point out that value is largely absent from a purely rational perspective. If all you want is a three-row electric SUV, the Kia EV9 and upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 9 come with similar range in the mid-$60,000 range. In terms of more luxurious rivals, the Rivian R1S and Volvo EX90 are nearly a direct comparison, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV starts well above the price of a Vistiq Premium Luxury.
Which is a long way of saying there's a limited selection of three-row EVs on the market, and the Cadillac offers an impressive combination of style, comfort, and performance.
2026 Cadillac Vistiq
Highlights and Lowlights
We Love:
- Smooth and silent running, even for an EV.
- Comfortable front-row seats.
- Stress-free highway slogs with Super Cruise.
We Don't:
- Big price for the better suspension and tires.
- Third row seating isn't really for adults.
- Even a great touchscreen isn't as good as buttons.
Favorite Detail
2026 Cadillac Vistiq
There's a regen-on-demand paddle behind the left side of the steering wheel, as with nearly every other GM electric vehicle. The cool part, however, is that it's no mere on/off or mode switch but is pressure sensitive. Essentially, you can use it as a hand brake to maximize the regenerative braking even if you drive in a conventional two-pedal mode.
