The 2025 Cadillac XT6 FWD with the 3.6L V6 gets 21 MPG combined. It’s not a Prius competitor, and Cadillac makes no such claim. The XT6 is for families who require three rows of seating for passengers and cargo, and who value American luxury and a smooth ride over maximizing fuel efficiency. These buyers understand the trade-offs; the XT6’s fuel economy is one factor they consider.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the XT6 FWD with the V6 at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the XT6’s weight and engine size hurt its efficiency. However, the highway number is more respectable. The nine-speed automatic transmission helps the engine stay at an efficient RPM at cruising speeds, improving fuel economy. Expect highway MPG to decrease with a fully loaded vehicle, especially in headwinds or mountainous terrain. Driving style and conditions significantly affect fuel mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Cadillac XT6 FWD 3.6L V6 at approximately $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel cost will vary depending on how much and where you drive, and the price of gasoline in your area. Expect to spend more if you primarily drive in the city and accelerate quickly. You may lower your fuel bill somewhat if you mostly drive on the highway and drive efficiently. These estimates are a benchmark for comparing the XT6’s fuel costs to other vehicles. Explore all Cadillac fuel economy data to see how the XT6 compares to other models.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy varies. If you accelerate hard, you’ll likely see numbers closer to the city rating, even during mixed driving. If you drive conservatively on the highway, exceeding 26 MPG is possible. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and fuel type affect MPG. The XT6 is a large vehicle with a powerful engine, so don’t expect miracles. Knowing how your driving habits affect fuel consumption is the first step toward maximizing efficiency. Many owners monitor fuel economy in real time using the vehicle’s driver information center. Doing so can be helpful.

How it compares

The XT6’s fuel economy is in the middle of the pack compared to other three-row luxury SUVs. The Acura MDX with front-wheel drive gets 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined, giving it a slight advantage. The Infiniti QX60, similarly equipped, offers about the same mileage. The Lexus TX 350 FWD is rated at 21 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG, better than the XT6. The Lexus TX Hybrid is a better choice for buyers who want the lowest fuel consumption. The Mercedes-Benz GLB 250, though smaller, gets better fuel economy due to its smaller engine. While the XT6 isn’t the most fuel-efficient in its class, it’s also far from the worst. The XT6’s styling, interior, and Cadillac brand are also important to buyers. You can review XT6 MPG across all years for more historical data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The XT6’s V6 engine is powerful, but using it sparingly will significantly improve fuel economy. Accelerate gradually and maintain a steady speed.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce idling time. Idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine; this is especially relevant in city driving.

Remove extra weight. Carrying unnecessary weight reduces fuel economy. Remove things you don’t need, such as sports equipment, tools, or extra cargo.

On the highway, use cruise control. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, reducing changes in fuel consumption. This is particularly effective on long, flat stretches of highway.