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

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Connie Peters, TTAC Creator
Connie Peters, TTAC Creator

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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  • ToolGuy™ ToolGuy™ on Oct 09, 2025

    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.

  • Bookish So some lawyer comes up with a scam to shake down the auto industry and the NYT makes it an ethical crusade against Ford. And you repeat it moralistically and uncritically.
  • Normie "Big Oil"From OZ?
  • AZFelix This generation of Cadillac articles also shows consistent placement of photos relative to the corresponding text.
  • Biff Finally the chickens have come home to roost. I have been saying this for three years: just wait until the EV’ers have to pay the road tax. Lets not forget that it’s California we are talking about and they have never met a tax they didn’t like. Plus it’s “the rich” buying new cars so its a double “lets tax’em!” The solution is simple enough. Have EV’s go into emissions stations as part of license plate renewal. Except here record the milage and get a bill for the cost. The rate should be around 1.5X the comparable gas size vehicle due to added weight. Lets watch the progessive politics swallow this one!
  • Big Oil You could of had a V8.
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