The fully electric Cadillac Vistiq renders the Escalade unnecessary.

      Cadillac aims for a comprehensive range of electric vehicles and is close to achieving this goal. It has a standard crossover SUV (the Lyriq), an entry-level option (the Optiq), an electric variant of its flagship Escalade (the Escalade IQ), and even an extravagant model (the Celestiq). However, there is still something lacking.

      For a contemporary luxury brand, having a midsize three-row crossover is essential. Customers who find the Toyota Highlander too pedestrian need a vehicle for transporting kids to lacrosse practice but may not desire something as large as the Escalade. This isn't the most thrilling design brief, which is evident in the gasoline Cadillac XT6, often perceived as merely a placeholder. Its new electric equivalent, the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, however, changes that perception.

      Emphasizing familiarity isn’t necessarily a drawback

      With several EVs already in its showrooms, Cadillac didn’t feel the need to take risks with the Vistiq’s design. This three-row model integrates recognizable design elements from the other Cadillac EVs into its distinctive style, offering seating for seven or six, based on the choice between a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs.

      The Vistiq showcases the same assertive look seen on Cadillac EVs since the Lyriq's 2022 introduction. Despite EVs generally requiring less cooling than traditional vehicles, Cadillac opted for a substantial grille, paired with prominent vertical headlights and slender daytime running lights that enhance the front’s visual impact. This design choice supports the “baby Escalade” branding, making a powerful first impression akin to the larger Escalade IQ. The rear styling, however, is less cohesive, borrowing from other Cadillac EVs, and presents a more chaotic arrangement of lights, reflectors, and trim.

      Inside, the Vistiq offers three rows of fairly comfortable seating — even the third row accommodates medium-sized adults and provides large cupholders, USB-C ports, and its own glass roof. A low window line and a slim dashboard enhance the feeling of space in the front, delivering surprisingly good forward visibility for a large vehicle. Additionally, the variety of materials and trim elevates the Vistiq’s luxury feel. The test vehicle — a higher-spec Premium Luxury version — featured blue leather with white piping, complemented by wood and metal accents, offering a refreshing alternative to the many one-tone interiors on the market.

      Drives as a Cadillac should

      While this electric SUV serves as a family vehicle, it boasts specifications worthy of Cadillac’s V-Series performance lineup. The standard dual-motor all-wheel drive system, shared with the Lyriq-V (and the Chevrolet Blazer EV SS), generates 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. According to Cadillac, this power enables the Vistiq and its six passengers to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, closely rivaling the BMW iX M70 xDrive, which lacks a third row.

      In Velocity Max drive mode, the full power feels as intense as the specifications suggest. However, that’s the only aspect of the driving experience that can be described as ferocious. Featuring optional air suspension (with standard steel coil springs and adaptive dampers), the Vistiq glided smoothly over deteriorating Michigan roads without exhibiting the dreaded softness of classic Cadillac vehicles. While the suspension can be adjusted to absorb bumps, Cadillac's engineers ensured it retains enough stiffness to prevent excessive motion for occupants over road irregularities.

      An optional four-wheel steering system, similar to that of the Escalade IQ, is also notable. While it lacks the IQ’s novelty Arrival Mode, which allows for sideways parking, it does enhance the turning radius, making parking simpler and providing a more stable and precise feel in corners. Like the ride quality, the handling maintains a characteristic Cadillac relaxation, avoiding any drift towards imprecision and sloppiness. Thus, the Vistiq’s chassis tuning is perfectly calibrated.

      Super Cruise continues to improve

      Much of the Vistiq’s technology is carried over from other recent Cadillac models. The curved 33-inch dashboard display mirrors those in the Cadillac Optiq and Lyriq, operating on General Motors’ latest Android-based infotainment system. While it offers Google Built-in apps, Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto are not available. Additionally, a standard 23-speaker AKG audio system with Dolby Atmos technology features across Cadillac’s lineup for the 2026 model year.

      However, the Vistiq introduces an optional augmented reality head-up display that can project information such as speed, adaptive cruise control following distance, and directional arrows from the integrated Google Maps app. Although similar features are available from other automakers, like Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac’s integration is well-suited to the limited space. This display employs technology from GM-supported Envisics, designed to reduce distortion, though a more comprehensive evaluation in varied lighting conditions will be necessary to assess its effectiveness fully.

      The Vistiq