Baby Escalade IQ: 2026 Cadillac Vistiq EV
The Vistiq is smaller and less expensive than the Escalade IQ with plenty of the same luxury. Which one's for you?
Here's the transcript to the video, cleaned up by AI and edited by a staffer:
0:00
This is a three-row electric luxury SUV — the baby Escalade IQ, the Cadillac Vistic. It’s fully electric, just as beautiful as the Escalade IQ, but slightly smaller and with a lower price tag.
0:12
Even the base luxury trim comes with Cadillac’s signature light-up sequence and refinements. The base model is priced just under $100,000 CAD, about $80,000 USD.
0:44
It has instant torque with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing 615 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 60 in just 3.7 seconds. It’s quick, comfortable, and, of course, a Cadillac. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.
1:07
The seats are incredibly comfortable and include memory settings for two drivers — perfect for households where drivers have different heights. You can adjust to your preferred driving position at the press of a button, without fiddling with multiple controls each time.
1:34
It’s a heavy vehicle, as expected for an EV this size, but the ride is smooth and quiet — exactly what you’d expect from a Cadillac. In my opinion, the Vistic is a more manageable alternative to the Escalade IQ, offering a third row and optional captain’s chairs.
2:05
The Cadillac badge and other areas feature light-up sequences, adding a unique touch. The body design mirrors the Escalade IQ, with 21-inch wheels on the base luxury trim. The pop-out door handles activate automatically when you approach with the key fob, and digital key functionality is included via the Cadillac app.
2:51
At the rear, you’ll find Newton meters displayed on the badge, a Cadillac-style power liftgate button, and signature lighting. While the third row is slightly less spacious than the Escalade IQ, both the second and third-row seats fold from the back. There are tie-down hooks, a 12V outlet, and on higher trims, options for rear steering and adaptive air suspension (not included on the base luxury model).
3:32
Starting the car is simple — press the brake and it starts. The Vistic uses Google built-in instead of Apple CarPlay, which means it always defaults to Bluetooth for media, though Google apps are available. The 33-inch infotainment screen is complemented by AKG speakers throughout.
4:04
Other interior highlights include a wireless charging pad, USB-C ports, three-zone climate control, large cup holders, and a leather-wrapped center cubby. Vents can be manually adjusted, and Super Cruise hands-free adaptive cruise control is standard. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the rear has heated seating for just the back if preferred.
5:25
The back is spacious, with captain’s chairs for six passengers (or a bench option for seven), rear climate vents, USB-C chargers, and a household 120V outlet. Cup holders, a pass-through, faux leather seats with detailed patterns, a panoramic sunroof, and an AKG23 speaker system round out the premium feel.
6:17
The third row is low to the ground but still comfortable, with vents, USB-C ports, cup holders, and a small sunroof that helps create a sense of space. The rear seats fold easily from this position as well.
7:08
Overall, the Vistic is a fantastic choice for a luxury three-row electric SUV. While the Escalade IQ offers iconic size and presence, the Vistic provides manageability and premium features. Cadillac is currently the bestselling premium EV in Canada.
7:33
The base luxury trim offers impressive features, including the 23-speaker AKG sound system, heated seats, and thoughtful design touches throughout. The price is $98,000 CAD ($80,500 USD).
8:43
Share your thoughts — would you choose the Vistic or step up to the Escalade IQ? Leave questions or comments on social media, and we’ll see you there.
Connie Peters is an automotive video creator and journalist covering all types of cars and trucks for the past 10 years in suburban Vancouver. You can watch all of her videos on her YouTube channel or find here on social media: Instagram.com/xoconniepeters , TikTok.com/@xoconniepeters, Facebook.com/xoconniepeters, Threads.net/@xoconniepeters
The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.
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Connie Peters is an automotive video creator and journalist covering all types of cars and trucks for the past ten years in suburban Vancouver.
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Some expensive tastes up there in Canada.
The Cadillac lineup is fantastic. I have the Lyriq and love it. The vistiq basically takes all the features of my Lyriq and adds on them with 2 more displays and standard features the Lyriq only gets in the 2 and 3 level trims.
Unfortunately there are problems. Unlike the Escalade and the Lincoln Nautilus, you don't get the widescreen display. You get the same Lyriq display. Nothing extra for the passenger. The other issue is there's no optional rear seat entertainment displays (like in the escalade). What exactly do you offer the kids when you're sitting at a charging station. Tesla solved this by offering front and rear displays with USBC connections for controllers and video streaming.
The price is right. The leases are right. While I might consider the Escalade iq as my next car, I'm loving my Lyriq and Cadillac's EV future.