2026 Cadillac Optiq Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

4 hours ago

Overview
Cadillac's smallest electric offering is the 2026 Optiq SUV. This compact crossover is powered by a pair of electric motors that makes 300 horsepower in most models but gets tuned up to 519 ponies in the sporty V-series model. The estimated driving range is competitive at up to 300 miles per charge, and the Cadillac's chassis is tuned for spirited driving, so it can be a fun partner on a twisty road. The interior is spacious and decked out with luxuries, including woven textile materials, bright metal accents, a 33.0-inch curved screen, and an AKG-tuned stereo system. It doesn't have quite the same presence as the gargantuan Escalade IQ, but the Optiq is still an impressive offering that's earned the right to wear the Cadillac badge.
What's New for 2026?
A performance-oriented Optiq-V joins the lineup for 2026. This new range-topping model boasts 519 horsepower, upgraded Brembo brakes, a launch-control system, and retuned chassis and steering components. Its range estimate of 275 miles per charge isn't as high as the standard Optiq models, but it's still competitive with rivals such as the Audi Q4 e-tron 55 and the Genesis Electrified GV70. The Optiq-V wears a sportier look inside and out, including carbon-fiber trim pieces, 21-inch wheels with low-profile tires, a unique rear lower diffuser, and a slew of V-series badges.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Cadillac Optiq is expected to start around $55,000 and go up to $68,795 depending on the trim and options.
Luxury 1
$55,000 (est)
Sport 1
$56,000 (est)
Luxury 2
$59,000 (est)
Sport 2
$62,000 (est)
V-Series
$68,795 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k
Although the speedy Optiq-V is tempting, we'd stick with one of the standard models to help maximize range. The Optiq is plenty entertaining to drive without the V-series model's extras anyway. We'd pick the Luxury 2 trim, as it adds nice-to-have features like an automatic power rear liftgate, quilted upholstery for the seats, front massaging seats with heat and ventilation, a heated rear seat, a color head-up display, adjustable interior ambient lighting, and a 360-degree exterior camera system.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Most Optiqs come with the same 300-hp dual-motor electric powertrain, but the performance-oriented Optiq-V gets its motors boosted to a combined 519 horsepower. Like many other EVs, power delivery is nearly instantaneous. Handling is fairly athletic for an SUV, and while the Optiq corners nicely, it offers a balanced ride when cruising too. A set of dual-valve dampers in the suspension has allowed Cadillac's engineers to dial in the best of both worlds. Steering is nicely weighted, too, with decent feedback off-center and a subtle road feel when driving straight. The regenerative braking system takes some getting used to, as it's less linear than in rival EVs and therefore can seem a little unpredictable until you get used to its peculiarities. The Optiq-V comes with upgraded Brembo brakes, a retuned suspension, a tighter steering ratio, and a launch control system. We haven't driven the V-series model yet, but when we do we will update this story with driving impressions and test results.
0–60-MPH Times
After getting a chance to test drive the Optiq, we estimate it should get to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. That kind of performance is fairly brisk by SUV standards, but not among electric vehicles. Rival EVs with dual-motor powertrains, such as the Genesis GV60 and the Polestar 3, offer quicker acceleration than the Caddy. The Optiq-V should fix that though, and Cadillac estimates a 3.5-second 60 mph time for that model.
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Cadillac
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Optiq can tow up to 1500 pounds, but it requires an optional trailer hitch, which is available as an accessory on all models.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Cadillac estimates a total driving range of over 300 miles per charge for the Optiq and 275 miles for the Optiq-V. (EPA estimates are not available at this time.) An 85.0-kWh battery pack is standard on all models and can be charged at a public fast-charging station or on a home charger. Cadillac says 79 miles of range can be added in as little as 10 minutes.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
An attractive interior design is crafted from recycled materials and peppered with clever tech. The Optiq's dashboard is topped by a giant curved screen, but just below that a textured metal accent and textile trim piece mingle and appear surprisingly upscale. The textile wrap extends to the floating center console, where it's punctuated by a pair of cupholders and a rotary controller for the infotainment system. Passenger space in both the front and back seats seems plenty comfortable for a quartet of adults, so the Optiq should be roomy enough for road-tripping. The sloping roofline cuts into cargo space slightly, but at 26 cubic feet, there still should be ample storage space for most owners. We'll have to wait to see how many carry-on suitcases we can cram into the cargo hold to understand how well it can accommodate luggage for four. There is, unfortunately, no front trunk space.
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Cadillac
Infotainment and Connectivity
A large, 33.0-inch curved display sits atop the Optiq's dashboard, providing a clear view of a touchscreen infotainment system and a digital gauge cluster. This display has shown up in several other Cadillac models, including the Lyriq, and its graphics are crisp, and actions are prompt. Google Maps Navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on the menu. All models come with a 19-speaker AKG stereo system with Dolby Atmos.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Not only does Cadillac include all of the expected driver-assistance features as standard, but it's throwing in its Super Cruise hands-free driving mode for all Optiqs as well. For more information about the Optiq's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Like Cadillac's other electric SUVs, the Optiq comes with a powertrain warranty that trumps that of other premium people haulers. Cadillac currently covers the first dealer maintenance visit, but rivals such as the Jaguar I-Pace offer longer periods of free maintenance.
Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
Battery components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
Specifications
Specifications
2025 Cadillac Optiq
Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Luxury 1, $54,390; Sport 1, $54,990; Luxury 2, $56,590; Sport 2, $57,090
POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Rear Motor: induction AC
Combined Power: 300 hp
Combined Torque: 354 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 85.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.5 or 19.2 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 150 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.3 in
Length: 189.8 in
Width: 75.3 in
Height: 64.7 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 54/47 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 57/26 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 5200 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.2 sec
1/4 mile: 14.4 sec
Top Speed: 112 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 107/116/97 MPGe
Range: 302 mi
More Features and Specs