When it comes to three-row luxury SUVs, Cadillac has always had a reputation for flair, bold design, and technology — but not necessarily for reliability. Buyers have historically leaned on Lexus when long-term dependability mattered most, especially in a premium crossover. That perception is starting to change. After three years of ownership, the Cadillac XT6 proves that GM’s luxury division can deliver a vehicle that matches the Lexus RX in reliability, according to data from J.D. Power, RepairPal, and Edmunds. This isn’t just a story about numbers; it’s a quietly important milestone for Cadillac as it stakes its claim in a competitive segment.
The XT6 isn’t just dependable; it’s a luxury SUV that’s dependable, which is saying something. Owners benefit from predictable maintenance, moderate repair costs, and a vehicle built to endure the complexities of modern driving life. In short, the XT6 is proving that a Cadillac can offer not just style and comfort, but also the peace of mind that luxury SUV buyers have historically associated with Japanese brands like Lexus, which is kind of crazy. Let’s get into it.
Why Reliability Matters In Luxury SUVs
Luxury SUVs are expected to look good, be comfortable, and perform — but reliability has often been the Achilles’ heel of all luxury nameplates. Owners don’t just want elegance; they want peace of mind. Historically, Lexus has dominated this segment with a sliken-gloved fist, and the RX is the benchmark for long-term dependability.
According to J.D. Power’s 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), Lexus scores 140 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) after three years, placing it at the top of the premium segment. Cadillac, long criticized for inconsistent quality and reliability, is closing the gap. The XT6 ranks first among Upper Midsize Premium SUVs in J.D. Power’s latest VDS, reflecting a solid step forward for GM’s luxury division.
Repair Frequency And Costs
RepairPal rates Cadillac’s reliability as 3.0 out of 5, “above average” for premium brands. The XT6 itself shows very low repair frequency, averaging 0.4 shop visits per year. For most owners, this translates into a vehicle that runs reliably without frequent maintenance surprises.
Expected Maintenance Expenses
Nothing kills the joy of an otherwise enjoyable car more than expensive repairs and pricey, frequent maintenance. Repair costs are a crucial part of real-world ownership. RepairPal estimates the average annual repair cost for Cadillac at $783, which is reasonable for a V6-powered, technology-laden three-row SUV. Combined with moderate maintenance intervals, these figures paint a picture of a dependable SUV with predictable ownership costs.
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Long-Term Costs Of Owning A Cadillac XT6
Edmunds’ True Cost to Own report projects minimal major repairs for the first three years of XT6 ownership. Routine maintenance costs are also moderate: $546 in year one, $918 in year two, and $735 in year three. These numbers reinforce that Cadillac is not just building style and comfort into the XT6 — it’s building long-term value.
Comparing The XT6 To The Lexus RX
Lexus has long been the gold standard for luxury SUV reliability. The XT6’s combination of low repair frequency and moderate maintenance costs brings it into Lexus territory. For buyers who once assumed only Japanese luxury brands could deliver trouble-free ownership, the XT6 offers a compelling alternative. This must come as some kind of relief to American car fans. The imports have dominated reliability for so long that even reading this headline will strike some readers as a kind of clickbait. This is only meant to highlight how big a deal it is that Cadillac is competing with Lexus on reliability.
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2025 XT6 Powertrains And Performance
Let’s take a beat to remember what brand we are talking about here. The 2025 Cadillac XT6 offers a pair of familiar but premium engines. The base model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline‑four, producing about 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. For drivers who demand more muscle, the optional 3.6-liter V6 delivers 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive — the Sport trim only comes in AWD.
Efficiency, Towing, And Drivetrain
Despite its power, the XT6 maintains decent efficiency for a three‑row SUV: the turbo-four returns up to 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway, while the V6 achieves 18–19 mpg city / 25–26 mpg highway, depending on configuration. The V6-powered XT6 can tow up to 4,000 pounds, thanks to Cadillac’s Smart Tow Trailering system, giving it genuine utility for family haulers. Both engines are paired with the same nine-speed automatic, ensuring smooth shifts, and Cadillac offers a twin-clutch AWD system on higher trims for added traction and control.
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Ride Comfort And Interior Experience
Cadillac designed the XT6 to feel composed and confident on the highway. The Sport trim uses a performance suspension with real-time damping control, helping smooth out bumps and maintain stability during spirited driving. Thanks to its independent suspension and well‑tuned chassis, the XT6 manages to deliver a supple ride even when carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. Drivers report that the nine-speed transmission and chassis work together to avoid harsh shifts, preserving a refined, Cadillac-like cruising character.
Interior Space And Comfort
Inside, the XT6 seats up to seven with a standard second-row bench or six with available captain’s chairs, creating a flexible cabin for families. Cadillac was generous with cargo space: flip down the second and third rows, and you get up to 78.7 cubic feet of storage, while all three rows in use still leave 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row. Luxury details abound with an available Ultraview sunroof, premium materials, and an eight-inch touchscreen in lower trims — Cadillac didn’t skimp on refinement even as it built a three‑row vehicle meant to be practical, comfortable, and undeniably upscale.
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Why The XT6’s Reliability Is Surprising
The XT6 is a three-row SUV with modern technology: infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, and high-output powertrains. Typically, vehicles of this complexity face higher long-term issues. Yet, J.D. Power, RepairPal, and Edmunds all point to Cadillac’s success in mitigating these challenges.
It’s not flawless — long-term reliability beyond five years remains to be proven — but for three-year ownership, the XT6 performs exceptionally. Its J.D. Power ranking, moderate repair frequency, and low projected costs signal that Cadillac has done something notable: it’s producing a premium SUV that earns both style points and reliability credentials.
This means that for buyers shopping for three-row luxury SUVs, reliability is no longer a compromise when considering the Cadillac. The XT6 proves that Cadillac can combine comfort, technology, and style without sacrificing reliability — an impressive achievement in a segment where peace of mind matters just as much as prestige.
Sources: J.D. Power, RepairPal, Edmunds
