2026 Cadillac Vistiq First Look: Sharp All-Electric 3-Row Family SUV
Slotting between the smaller Lyriq and bigger Escalade IQ, the Vistiq aims to combine luxury with versatility.
Cadillac’s approach to an all-electric transition seems to entail creating an EV equivalent for every combustion-powered SUV in its lineup. The compact XT4 (we just reported the XT4 is on the way out of the Cadillac lineup) has the 2025 Optiq, the midsize XT5 is similar to the lovely Lyriq, and it's obvious which model the grandiose Escalade IQ aligns with. For 2026 an electric parallel to the XT6 will arrive: the new Cadillac Vistiq three-row EV SUV.
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The American luxury automaker offered a cursory glimpse of the Vistiq earlier this year and has now provided official details and a firsthand look at the upcoming model that will slot between the Lyriq and Escalade IQ in its electric SUV lineup.
Viewing the Vistiq
A distinctive design language is coalescing for Cadillac EVs, and those cues are visible on the Vistiq. Everything radiates from the Cadillac crest in the grille, which isn’t truly a grille but a shiny panel backlit in different patterns depending on trim level. Vertical headlights containing stacked LEDs are an attribute common among newer Cadillacs, but the Vistiq is distinctive in how its horizontal accent lights are separated from the main lenses by body-color paneling.
The Vistiq’s upright shape will support three-row functionality, yet Cadillac worked to minimize appearances of prosaic family hauling in this SUV’s profile. Trim on the vehicle’s lower section subtly rises as a line above its windows descends, giving a tapered look to the profile. The angled D-pillar implies forward motion, and the glass panel ahead of it contains geometric strakes said to be inspired by the works of modernist painter Piet Mondrian. Wheels measuring 21 inches are standard, while 22- and 23-inch rollers are available.
Concepts introduced at the front conclude at the rear, as split lighting elements return the focus to another Cadillac crest, this one functioning as the release button for the power-operated tailgate. There’s additional body-color accenting in the diffuser-inspired rear bumper. All 2026 Vistiq models will wear a 900 E4 badge on their tailgate.
One Strong Standard Powertrain
That badge relates to Cadillac’s confusing convention of marking its vehicles with a number representing the vehicle’s torque output in Newton-meters, rounded up to the nearest 50. The Vistiq produces 880 Nm, which Americans will better comprehend as 650 lb-ft of torque, along with 615 hp. That’s the maximum output of the dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain (to which the E4 badge suffix relates) in its Velocity Max mode, which is activated by a red V button on the steering wheel. According to Cadillac’s stopwatches, this mode enables a 0–60-mph time of 3.7 seconds—a full second ahead of the roaring Escalade V.
Cadillac has confirmed the Vistiq will use a 102-kWh battery pack. That appears to be the same Ultium lithium-ion unit used in the Lyriq, leading us to believe the Vistiq can charge at up to 190 kW like its counterpart. Cadillac says the Vistiq will be able to travel approximately 300 miles on a full charge, likely less when larger wheels are equipped. Bidirectional charging capabilities allow for vehicle-to-home power transfer.
Family Luxury and Tech Inside
The Vistiq’s cabin contains snazzy tech features and luxurious trimmings from Cadillac’s EV parts bin. A curved 33-inch digital dashboard display with 9K resolution is the centerpiece, which doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Cadillac thinks Google integration will suffice for drivers' navigation and connectivity needs. Climate control is adjusted on a separate 8.0-inch touchscreen; the physical switchgear used in the Optiq and Lyriq for those functions will likely be easier to operate.
An identical 8.0-inch touchscreen on the back of the center console allows second-row passengers to control climate and other comfort settings. That second row is available as a three-across bench seat for seven-passenger capacity or individual captain’s chairs for a six-seat arrangement. Regardless, leather-lined front seat backs heighten the cabin’s luxurious impression for riders.
Cadillac didn’t skimp in appointing the third row. The seats are treated with perforated and contrast-stitched leather, and they have air vents, cupholders, and USB-C ports beside them, just like those ahead. Although legroom is tight for adults, headroom seems ample thanks to the Vistiq’s shape and the fixed glass panel above the seats, a continuation of the panoramic sunroof provided for the first and second rows. And only far-back passengers get to look through that interesting Mondrian glass.
Cargo space behind the third-row seats measures 15.2 cubic feet, slightly more than in the XT6. Additionally, the Vistiq has a sizable storage bin beneath the cargo floor to expand carrying capacity. However, this EV lacks a frunk; its hood opens, but there is no compartment to store anything beneath.
Vistiq Trims, Pricing, and Availability
All 2026 Vistiq models will come equipped with an impressive set of standard features. Even in entry-level Luxury and Sport trims, amenities include five-zone automatic climate control, a 23-speaker AKG premium audio system, a dual-panel glass roof, a digital rearview mirror, and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats.
General Motors’ Super Cruise hands-free driving system is standard, along with driver assist and active safety features such as front automatic emergency braking, side cross-traffic alert, and emergency evasive steering.
The Premium Luxury trim will drive differently than the Vistiq models below it because of the addition of an adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering. This trim also gets upgrades such as larger wheels, a faster Level 2 onboard charger, an augmented reality head-up display, and night vision.
Topping the range is the Vistiq Platinum, which offers an expanded selection of interior upholstery colorways and stitching patterns. This version can be distinguished by its unique front fascia lighting pattern, model-specific bumpers and rocker panels, and extended body-color trim. High-performance Brembo brakes are mounted behind the Platinum’s 23-inch wheels.
With a starting price just below $79,000, the Vistiq arrives at an interesting time for three-row electric SUVs; the segment is expanding even as some automakers reevaluate their commitment. The Kia EV9 and Volkswagen ID Buzz combine standout design with everyday versatility, while the Rivian R1S surpasses the Vistiq in performance (as will the upcoming seven-seat Porsche). Although it greatly exceeds $100,000, Cadillac’s own Escalade IQ looks supremely luxurious. Vistiq production begins in early 2025 at General Motors’ Spring Hill, Tennessee, manufacturing facility.
Alex's earliest memory is of a teal 1993 Ford Aspire, the car that sparked his automotive obsession. He's never driven that tiny hatchback—at six feet, 10 inches tall, he likely wouldn't fit—but has assessed hundreds of other vehicles, sharing his insights on MotorTrend as a writer and video host.
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