2025 Cadillac Lyriq Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Although it first arrived for 2023 as a RWD model, the Lyriq SUV lineup didn’t finish filling out until the following year with the debut of the AWD version. At full strength now, the electric Cadillac returns this year with a streamlined trim walk, new standard features, and slightly more range. Electric luxury crossover competitors include the BMW iX, Acura ZDX, and Audi Q8 E-Tron.
Need way more space in your Cadillac electric SUV? Read all about the big and bodacious Escalade IQ here.
What’s New
- An estimated increase in range
- Standard OnStar package
- Standard front passenger seat memory
- Standard Technology package
- The Lyriq Tech base model has been discontinued
- More interior ambient colors
What We Think
For the brand’s first EV, the Lyriq is a strong offering. The Cadillac SUV boasts a dramatic yet elegant exterior that looks like it could be from the future. Interior styling and materials are outstanding, and cabin amenities include comfortable heated, cooled, and massaging seats, a panoramic sunroof, speakers in the front headrests, and a pullout drawer in the dash.
The Lyriq’s big screen delivers sharp graphics, while the luxury ute will greet you or say goodbye with an over-the-top exterior lightshow. We were less impressed by the luxury SUV’s hollow-sounding premium audio, lack of a front trunk (though there is a good amount of underfloor storage in the main hold), and early-run build quality issues, like inconsistent panel gaps and an exterior charge port door that refused to cooperate.
AWD models are properly quick, but we wouldn’t call the Lyriq sporty. It’s a heavy SUV that behaves like one, though it’s not at all hard to drive. The Caddy delivers a cossetting ride that only complains over the most heavily fatigued pavement. Super Cruise is great, but other driver assist tech is less impressive. That said, color us Lyriq fans. Its priced right and seems poised to help the brand make an impact in the EV age.
Range and Charging
Cadillac pegs range for 2025 RWD models around 326 miles, and AWD variants can go as far as 319 miles. These numbers are improvements of 12 miles each compared to the 2024 Lyriq.
Peak charging rates on a Level 3 charger can be high as 190 kW, solid but not class leading. Some 86 miles of range can be added in 10 minutes of DC fast charging, or up to 80 percent state of charge in roughly 45 minutes, says Cadillac. Level 2 charging recovers between 20 and 50 miles per hour of charge time depending on charger.
How Quick Is the Lyriq?
Not as swift as some EVs, but it holds its own. The Lyriq is offered in two configurations. Single-motor RWD versions produce 365 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, enough grunt to propel the SUV to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
There’s also a quicker dual-motor AWD model that develops 515 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. This one can launch to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, not quite on par with the Tesla Model Y Long Range’s 4.4-second sprint.
Safety Ratings and Features
Lyriq earns NHTSA’s top safety rating: five stars overall. It also aced every individual testing category on its way to that achievement.
Adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, parking sensors, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keeping and centering, and a 360-degree camera are standard features on every 2025 Lyriq. GM’s outstanding Super Cruise hands-free, semi-autonomous driving system is optional, as is a rear camera mirror with washer.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Compared to the Model Y and ZDX, the Lyriq trades cargo capacity for passenger space. Front legroom compares favorably to both rivals.
Technology
Every 2025 Lyriq picks up a standard hands-free power liftgate, front passenger seat memory with two settings, and 100 more hues for the cabin’s ambient lighting, making for 126 colors total. The standard 33-inch, billion-color curved infotainment screen is back, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the cabin’s wireless phone charging pad. Seven speakers are standard, but Cadillac will sell you an available 19-speaker AKG Studio setup with speakers in the headrests.
Lyriq Luxury vs. Sport: What's the Difference?
The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq is available in two trims this year: Luxury and Sport. Each is offered in RWD or AWD, with Luxury models getting metallic Galvano door handles and bright accent exterior side moldings and window trim. Sport models stand apart with body-colored door handles and dark accents.
Pricing for the 2025 Lyriq Luxury starts at $59,990. The Lyriq Sport goes from $60,490.
