At the end of last year, Cadillac unveiled the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq which was supposed to fill a gap between the Lyriq and the larger Escalade IQ. At the time, Cadillac didn’t release technical details and limited our view to scant teaser images that showed a shape that was boxier than the Lyriq. With production set to start in Tennessee next year, Cadillac has revealed more details including the interior and final pricing ladder with a base model starting at just under $80,000.
Vistiq paints an artistic view of Cadillac’s future
When we last saw the Vistiq, it was a chance sighting in a local parking lot where we got a chance to see the Vistiq’s lighting in action (and not much else) Cadillac invited us to an event in Detroit shortly after that where we learned much more about the Vistiq and what it will offer to consumers. The exterior styling does share some resemblance with the XT6 but the Vistiq is otherwise not related to that model and will instead be the latest member of GM’s growing pool of electric vehicle offerings. GM axed Ultium from the consumer lexicon a short while ago but the platform builds on what we have seen in the past and the styling here is a tasteful mixture of Lyriq and Escalade all in a slightly smaller package. All Vistiqs get 21-inch wheels standard but buyers can option up to 22 or even 23-inch hoops depending on what type of model they get.
The front grille panel will be the main way to tell all three flavors of Vistiq apart with the Luxury and Sport trims getting distinct grille designs. This largely follows the same basic theme that we have seen in Cadillac’s other models and it allows the Vistiq to seamlessly fit into the lineup while still providing customers a touch of distinction. The rear styling is where most of its Lyriq DNA appears with the lighting sharing some details with that particular model but tweaked to work with the Vistiq’s boxy profile.
Vistiq interior is the best of both worlds
Slip inside the Vistiq interior and you’ll find that it combines many of the things that we love about the Escalade IQ and the Lyriq. Like those models, design and lighting play a prominent part in making the Vistiq’s cabin a luxurious place to spend time in with designers paying close attention to materials and other fine details. That includes the jewel-inspired speaker grilles on the 23-speaker AKG audio system and splashes of carbon fiber trim which is paired with Noir leather upholstery. Other models get a nifty patterned yarn-like material that’s made from recycled materials and Lumen open-pore wood being used on the Luxury and Sport trims.
The cabin is also dominated by a large 33-inch infotainment display with the system featuring Google Built-in and so much more. The second-row seats get their own display screens while the roomy third row can hold tall adults comfortably and can be folded down to help expand cargo space. With the Vistiq meant to be a bridge model, the layout here is not quite as ritzy as what you will find on the flagship Escalade IQ but should still be enough to satisfy many buyers, especially family buyers who are looking for enough room to haul the kids and their gear but are not willing to pay top dollar for a Slade.
It has how much power?
But while the Vistiq is meant to be a family hauler first, its performance credentials could make you think otherwise with Cadillac confirming that performance for the Vistiq will come from a dual-motor electric powertrain that can produce up to 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque which is enough to help the Vistiq rocket its way to 60 mph in a brisk 3.7 seconds. An active rear steer system is also available to help sharpen up handling and the dual-motor layout also allows it to have standard all-wheel drive.
When you’re not impressing your friends with how fast the Vistiq can go, you’ll be sure to please them even more with its range with Cadillac saying that the model can get an estimated 300 miles of range on a single charge. That’s on par with the segment and also further lends credence to its role as the middle brother in the SUV lineup. Oh and the Vistiq can also power certain items in your house when asked to do so which can be handy if the power goes out.
But it has to be expensive…right?
With its performance, luxury, and range, the Vistiq certainly has a formidable toolbox of options to please customers. However, its most potent trump card might be its pricing ladder with a base model starting at $77,395 (excluding the $1,395 destination fee.) While the cost of entry is within the norms of the luxury segment, it’s also a noticeable bargain when compared to some of its rivals with Cadillac clearly attempting to walk a fine tightrope when it came to offering real-world value while also preserving the Vistiq’s place in the lineup. That includes the amount of standard safety features you get with the Vistiq getting access to Blind-Zone Steering Assist, Forward Collision Alert, and Side Cyclist Detection.
“From the start, it was our team’s goal to deliver a three-row SUV that provides exhilarating performance and intuitive technology, wrapped in the brand’s iconic design language. Bold, yet refined, the Vistiq provides a comfortable ride while handling like a much smaller vehicle, delivering a sense of isolated precision,” said Jeff MacDonald, the Vistiq’s chief engineer at Cadillac.
The Vistiq is poised to start production in Tennessee next year when it will debut as an early 2026 model. The Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury will make their way to dealerships first with the flagship Platinum model making its way into the lineup next summer. The full pricing picture will be revealed in the near future but expect the Vistiq to be a potent contender to rivals from Kia, Rivian, and Tesla.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.