The 2021 Cadillac XT6 AWD with the 3.6L V6 achieves 21 MPG combined fuel economy. This figure might not impress hypermilers, but many buyers accept it for the XT6’s luxury, space, and all-weather capability. The XT6 isn’t for penny-pinchers, it’s for families and empty-nesters who prioritize a comfortable, composed ride with usable third-row seating, and Cadillac prestige. They consider fuel costs, but those costs aren’t the main reason they buy the car.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the XT6 AWD at 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The lower city MPG is because the engine works harder in stop-and-go traffic, and the all-wheel-drive system causes drag. The highway figure is better, helped by the 9-speed automatic transmission that lets the engine cruise at lower RPMs at higher speeds. That 25 MPG makes longer road trips easier, which is key for those using the XT6 for family vacations or weekend getaways.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Cadillac XT6 AWD 3.6L at $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs can change depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and the fuel you use. Still, $2,100 is a good benchmark for comparing the XT6’s running costs to other similar vehicles. You can also view all Cadillac fuel economy data on our site.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates give a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary quite a bit. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips where the engine doesn’t warm up fully, and carrying heavy loads will all hurt your MPG. However, gentle acceleration, predicting traffic, and keeping a steady speed on the highway can help you get closer to, or even beat, the EPA’s estimates. Expect to see numbers somewhere between the EPA’s city and highway ratings in mixed driving conditions. Check our pages for XT6 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The XT6’s fuel economy puts it in line with its competition. The Acura MDX SH-AWD, for instance, officially gets 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway (22 MPG combined), making it very similar to the XT6. The Volvo XC90 T6 AWD is rated at 20 MPG city and 28 MPG highway (23 MPG combined), giving it a slight edge, even though the XC90’s supercharged and turbocharged engine delivers power differently. The Lincoln Aviator with its standard engine is closer to 18city/26hwy or 21 combined. The BMW X5 xDrive40i manages 21 City/25 Hwy or 23 combined. This is important because it shows buyers aren’t sacrificing much fuel economy for the Cadillac’s style, features, and driving feel. The slightly better fuel economy of competitors probably won’t change these buyers’ minds.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Cadillac XT6, while a luxurious SUV, can still benefit from fuel-saving habits. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 3.6L V6 in the XT6 responds well to a gentle touch, and sudden bursts of speed will really lower fuel economy. Predict traffic and keep a steady speed when you can to keep the engine running in its most efficient range.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. Tire pressure monitors can also assist you in your search for the best fuel economy.

Keep idling time to a minimum. Idling burns fuel without going anywhere. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, so you won’t cause any wear and tear, especially since the Cadillac XT6 comes with automatic stop/start.

Reduce the weight in the vehicle. Extra items in the cargo area or backseat add weight, which lowers fuel economy. Remove anything you don’t need regularly. The larger the load, the harder the engine works to accelerate.

When using the XT6’s all-wheel-drive system, remember the effect it has on fuel economy. While AWD gives better traction in slippery conditions, it adds weight and increases drivetrain losses. Only engage AWD when you need it, such as in snow, ice, or heavy rain. The system is optimized for FWD or RWD only during normal driving. AWD is only used when wheel slippage from the drive wheels is detected.