21 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but that’s what you get with the 2023 Cadillac XT6 AWD with its 3.6L V6. This isn’t a vehicle most people buy for its thriftiness. Families who prioritize space, luxury, and the Cadillac brand image, are willing to accept middling fuel efficiency. This powertrain delivers adequate power and a smooth driving experience that aligns with Cadillac’s mission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates place the XT6 AWD 3.6L at 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the XT6’s weight and the inherent inefficiency of stop-and-go driving, where the engine constantly works to accelerate the substantial vehicle. The highway number is better, helped by the nine-speed automatic transmission that allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, saving fuel on longer trips. The difference between city and highway driving suggests that drivers who frequently take longer road trips will see a noticeable improvement in overall fuel economy compared to those primarily using the XT6 for urban errands.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Cadillac XT6 AWD 3.6L at exactly $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices. Those with heavier feet or who live in areas with higher gas taxes will spend more, while more conservative drivers in areas with cheaper fuel will spend less. This $2,100 figure provides a standardized benchmark for comparing the XT6’s fuel costs against other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized test, real-world MPG will always vary. Expect lower figures if you frequently engage in aggressive driving, short trips in cold weather, or heavy towing. On the other hand, drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and maintain consistent speeds on the highway can often meet or even slightly exceed the EPA estimates.

Tire pressure also plays a significant role. Keeping tires properly inflated minimizes rolling resistance and maximizes fuel economy. Don’t expect miracles, but understand that driving habits are nearly as important as the EPA sticker.

How it compares

In the competitive three-row luxury SUV segment, the XT6’s fuel economy is in the middle of the pack. The Acura MDX SH-AWD, with its 3.5L V6, achieves 19 MPG combined, offering slightly better efficiency. A Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC, using a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, manages a comparable 22 MPG combined. The Volvo XC90 B6 AWD, with its turbocharged and supercharged 2.0L engine and mild hybrid system, achieves 22 MPG combined. The Audi Q7 with the 45 TFSI engine does about 21 MPG combined. These small differences matter to some buyers, but those who value a V6 engine’s smoothness might accept the small penalty in fuel economy when choosing the XT6. You can also compare XT6 MPG across all years.

For reference, you can view all Cadillac fuel economy data on our website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The engine’s power delivery is smooth, meaning you don’t need to bury your foot in the accelerator to get moving. Gentle acceleration from a stop and anticipating traffic flow can significantly reduce fuel consumption, especially in city driving. Avoid jackrabbit starts and hard braking whenever possible, as these actions unnecessarily waste fuel.

Pay attention to the XT6’s driving mode selector. Engaging the ‘Tour’ or similar fuel-efficient driving mode optimizes the engine and transmission settings for maximum economy. These modes typically soften throttle response and encourage earlier upshifts to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range. Save sport mode for when you truly need the extra responsiveness. Sport mode significantly diminishes fuel economy.

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure the engine air filter is clean and the spark plugs are in good condition. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to work harder. Worn spark plugs result in incomplete combustion, wasting fuel and potentially damaging the catalytic converter.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, requiring more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any items from the cargo area that you don’t regularly need, such as sports equipment or tools. Decluttering your car improves gas mileage, so don’t use the XT6 as a mobile storage unit.