Confirmed: Cadillac XT6 Will Return with a Gas Engine After Being Discontinued
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Cadillac has officially confirmed that the Cadillac XT6 is coming back. After discontinuing the three row SUV following the 2025 model year, the brand has now decided to bring it back with a gas powered internal combustion engine instead of replacing it completely with an electric model.
The confirmation came from Kristian Aquilina, Vice President of Cadillac Global, who shared the news in a LinkedIn post. While Cadillac has not revealed technical details or launch timing, it has confirmed that the next generation XT6 will arrive after the redesigned XT5 launches in 2027.
Cadillac XT6 Returns Despite Earlier Discontinuation
Cadillac ended production of the XT6 after the 2025 model year as part of its transition toward an electric future. Buyers looking for a three row Cadillac SUV were left with only two choices.
- The gasoline powered Escalade
- The all electric Cadillac Vistiq
Now, the company has reversed that decision and confirmed that the XT6 will once again become part of its lineup.
This move means Cadillac will continue offering buyers another gasoline powered three row SUV alongside its growing electric portfolio.
Cadillac XT6 Sales Showed There Was Still Demand
One reason behind the XT6’s return could be customer demand.
During its final full year on sale, Cadillac sold around 20,000 XT6 SUVs. In comparison, the electric Cadillac Vistiq has not reached similar numbers.
According to Cadillac sales figures:
| Model | Sales |
|---|---|
| Cadillac XT6 (Final Full Year) | Around 20,000 units |
| Cadillac Vistiq (2025) | 7,879 units |
| Cadillac Vistiq (First Half of 2026) | On pace for similar annual sales |
While electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, these figures suggest that many buyers still prefer a traditional gasoline powered three row SUV.
Launch Timeline
Cadillac has not announced an official launch date for the new XT6.
However, the company has confirmed one important detail.
- The redesigned Cadillac XT5 will launch first in 2027.
- The new XT6 will arrive only after the new XT5 reaches the market.
That means buyers should not expect the XT6 to debut before the redesigned XT5.
Cadillac's EV Strategy Continues to Evolve
Cadillac had previously announced plans to become an all electric luxury brand by the end of the decade. However, recent developments suggest the company is adjusting that strategy.
The confirmed return of the XT6 with a gasoline engine follows other recent decisions, including plans for a second generation Cadillac CT5 sedan and updates for the Cadillac XT5.
Rather than abandoning internal combustion models completely, Cadillac now appears to be balancing gasoline and electric vehicles based on customer demand.
What We Know So Far
Here is everything officially confirmed at this point:
- Cadillac XT6 will return.
- It will use a gasoline powered internal combustion engine.
- The SUV will arrive after the redesigned XT5 launches in 2027.
- Cadillac has not released engine specifications, pricing, features, or design details yet.
- More information is expected closer to its official debut.
Final Thoughts
The return of the Cadillac XT6 marks a notable shift in Cadillac’s product strategy. While the company continues expanding its electric lineup with models such as the Vistiq, customer demand for traditional SUVs appears strong enough to justify bringing the XT6 back.
For buyers who still want a luxury three row SUV with a gasoline engine, this is welcome news. Although Cadillac has not shared detailed specifications or a launch date, the confirmation alone signals that the XT6 will once again have a place in the brand’s lineup.
Sources & References
Official Sources
1. Cadillac Newsroom
https://news.cadillac.com/
Official Cadillac media website with press releases, product announcements, and company news.
2. Cadillac USA
https://www.cadillac.com/
Official Cadillac consumer website featuring current models, specifications, pricing, and vehicle information.
3. General Motors News
https://news.gm.com/
Official General Motors newsroom covering Cadillac and other GM brands, including corporate announcements.
4. Cadillac Global LinkedIn (Kristian Aquilina)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadillac/
Official Cadillac LinkedIn page where leadership announcements and company updates are shared.
Trusted Automotive Publications
5. Car and Driver (Original Report)
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/
One of the most trusted US automotive publications covering industry news, reviews, and vehicle launches.
6. MotorTrend
https://www.motortrend.com/news/
Leading US automotive publication with news, reviews, comparisons, and industry analysis.
7. Edmunds
https://www.edmunds.com/
Trusted source for vehicle specifications, pricing, ownership costs, and expert reviews.
8. Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
https://www.kbb.com/
Well-known automotive resource for vehicle pricing, buying advice, and market insights.
9. Automotive News
https://www.autonews.com/
Industry-leading publication covering automotive business, manufacturers, and market trends.
10. Cars.com News
https://www.cars.com/news/
Reliable source for automotive news, new vehicle launches, and buying guides.
Sales & Market Data
11. GM Investor Relations
https://investor.gm.com/
Official General Motors investor website with quarterly reports, sales figures, and financial updates.
12. GoodCarBadCar
https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/
Popular independent website tracking US vehicle sales by brand and model.
13. Cox Automotive Insights
https://www.coxautoinc.com/market-insights/
Automotive market research and industry trends widely referenced in North America.
