Automakers seldom want to leave a segment untouched without fielding their own entry into it, and now Cadillac is plugging a new model into its lineup. “Plugging” is the key, here, as the all-new 2026 Cadillac Vistiq is an all-electric SUV. We got a brief look at it recently, but we don’t expect to be driving it until closer to its on-sale date in the spring of 2025.
What is the Cadillac Vistiq?
This newest Caddy is a three-row SUV. It slips into Cadillac’s all-electric lineup that, coming soon or already on sale, consists of the Optiq, Lyriq, and Escalade IQ sport-utilities, along with the hyper-expensive Celestiq sedan. The Vistiq fits above the smaller two-row Lyriq; and below the larger three-row Escalade IQ.
The automaker said the Vistiq is aimed at families who “need space for children and pets.” It will be built at GM’s facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee and will be sold globally.
What powers the Cadillac Vistiq?
As with all of GM’s current electric vehicles (EVs), the Vistiq will ride on a dedicated EV platform which incorporates the chassis and battery. This modular design can be adapted to virtually any vehicle size – which is why it’s under everything electric – as can the battery, by adding or subtracting cells. (Cadillac retained the name “Escalade” for the Escalade IQ because it’s well-known to customers, but it also uses an EV platform, rather than simply being an electric-motor-equipped version of the gasoline Escalade.)
The Vistiq will have a 102-kWh lithium-ion battery and come with two electric motors, one for each axle, giving it standard all-wheel-drive (AWD). The motors combined will produce 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, and when set into “Velocity Max” mode – even vehicles intended for pets and children need to have a go-fastest setting, apparently – Cadillac promises acceleration of zero to 96 km/h (60 mph) in 3.7 seconds.
The range isn’t official yet, but Cadillac is estimating 483 kilometres (300 miles) on a charge. With a DC fast-charger and ideal conditions, the Vistiq should be able to pick up some 127 kilometres (79 miles) of range in about ten minutes. The Vistiq will also have bi-directional charging, able to – with the right charging equipment – send its power out, such as to run lights or appliances if the grid electricity is out.
Chassis damping control will be standard, while an adaptive air-ride suspension will be offered. Also available is active rear steer, which can slightly turn the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front, reducing the turning circle and making it easier to maneuver in tight corners and when parking. Wheel sizes will range from standard 21- or 22-inch rims; up to an optional 23-inch version, but expect those biggest tires to put a substantial crimp in the range, as well as a hearty sting in your wallet when it’s time to replace them, or to swap the stock all-seasons for winter rubber.
Regenerative braking is included, of course, capturing energy otherwise wasted during deceleration and storing it as electricity. This can be set to allow “one-pedal” driving, where the “regen” braking is strong enough that the Vistiq slows and stops when you take your foot off the accelerator — in most circumstances, you can drive without using the brake pedal at all. If the driver doesn’t want that on all the time, pulling a paddle on the steering wheel will also increase regeneration, slowing or stopping the Vistiq.
In addition to adaptive cruise control, Super Cruise will be standard, which lets you drive hands-free on pre-mapped sections of highways. It will come with a three-year plan, and then by subscription if you want to continuing using it.
The Cadillac Vistiq exterior
The Vistiq bears resemblance to other Cadillac electric offerings, with an upright front end, thin vertical lights, and patterns that make it look like it has a conventional grille. The roofline maximizes scalp space for the second and third rows, but styled so it looks lower. That provides 1,041 mm (40.9 inches) of front-row headroom, plus 990 mm (38.9 in) in the second row, and slightly more – 1,005 mm (39.5 in) – in the third.
The vertical taillights match the look of the lights in front, and continue into the liftgate under the window. The third-row window has a graphic in the glass – Cadillac calls it a “Mondrian pattern,” no doubt in homage to the geometric style of Dutch painter Piet Mondrian – both for exterior flair and for privacy for those in the third row. In addition to a panoramic sunroof over the first and second rows, there’s a separate one farther back to shed light on those in the third row, all as standard equipment.
The Vistiq will come in Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury trims, and all will have their own styling cues to differentiate them. They’ll be joined next summer by a top Platinum trim, which will include a unique crystal grille shield, different fascias, its own wheel designs, Brembo brakes, and custom interior stitching and materials.
What’s the Cadillac Vistiq cabin like?
Seating is for six or seven, depending on whether the trim has a second-row bench or captain’s chairs. The dash is topped with a 33-inch screen incorporating the instrument cluster and infotainment screen, along with a second eight-inch screen in the console for the climate functions.
That infotainment screen will contain Google Built-in, including maps and an assistant, but it won’t have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. General Motors has been quietly dropping that connectivity from its systems. A representative presenting the Vistiq said that’s been “no issue with customers,” but might be a sticking point for those who like their phone functions to go everywhere with them.
Standard driver-assist technologies include blind-spot steering assist, side bicyclist alert, and available Night Vision that uses an infrared sensor to detect people or animals ahead.
Features will include a 23-speaker AKG sound system; five-zone climate controls; leather-free fabrics including one made from 100% recycled materials; and carbon-fibre or open-pore-wood accent trim. All trims will have front seats with heating, cooling, and massage.
Cadillac is promising lots of interior storage, along with considerable creature comforts for those in the third row, including phone storage, USB chargers, cupholders, and padded armrests.
How much will the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq cost?
Our look at the Vistiq was brief, and we didn’t get a lot of details, nor its Canadian price, which will be announced closer to the launch date. As a guideline, the smaller Lyriq in Luxury AWD trim, the trim where the Vistiq will start, is $75,894 before delivery and taxes, so this new model will begin north of there. And when we get our chance behind the wheel, you’ll be the first to know what we think of it.
Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on X, Tiktok and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.