2026 Cadillac Optiq Review, Pricing, and Specs

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.
View Photos
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.
View Photos
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

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Yahoo

11 minutes ago

• Yahoo

2 People Killed In 'Horrific' U.S. Highway Crash Sunday

2 People Killed In 'Horrific' U.S. Highway Crash Sunday originally appeared on The Spun. At least two people are dead and more are injured in a "horrific" U.S. highway crash on Sunday morning. There was a major crash on Interstate 55 in Illinois on Sunday morning. The crash happened just before 4 a.m. on I-55 in DuPage County. It was a multi-vehicle crash that took multiple lives and injured others. At least three cars were involved in the crash, according to reports. Two people were confirmed dead, while others were taken to the hospital. The identities of the victims have not yet been released. All lanes were shut down for a period of time. From the report: Illinois State Police said troopers responded to a three-car crash, where two people were confirmed dead at the scene. Their identities were not released. A third person was taken to an area hospital with unknown injuries. All I-55 northbound lanes are closed with traffic diverted off at I-355. The ramps from I-355 to I-55 northbound are also closed. No further information was immediately available. Our thoughts are with the friends and family members of the victims. May they rest in peace. 2 People Killed In 'Horrific' U.S. Highway Crash Sunday first appeared on The Spun on Jun 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.

Wall Street Journal

14 minutes ago

• Wall Street Journal

Trump's ‘Big, Beautiful' Bill Gets Slimmed Down in Senate

WASHINGTON—President Trump's 'big, beautiful' bill is getting smaller just as Republicans head into a crucial week, after the Senate's rules arbiter decided several controversial provisions don't qualify for the special procedure the GOP is using to bypass Democratic opposition. The tax-and-spending megabill centers on extending Trump's 2017 tax cuts, delivering on the spirit of his campaign promises to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, and providing big lump sums of money for border security and defense. Those new costs are partially offset by spending cuts, in particular to Medicaid.

Yahoo

16 minutes ago

• Yahoo

There Are 6 Tiers Of Wealth For Retirees — Are In The Top 1% Or Just Upper Middle Class?

How much money does it take to retire comfortably? Using the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, retirees' net worth has been split into six tiers, offering a sharp snapshot of financial health for those aged 65 and up. The Fed doesn't list these tiers outright, but the data—based on percentiles—is rich enough to draw a clear picture. Net worth is calculated by adding up everything someone owns—homes, retirement accounts, investments—and subtracting debts like mortgages or credit cards. This survey is done every three years, and since the last update was in 2022, the insights here will remain the benchmark until new data arrives, most likely in late 2026. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can About one in four retirees falls here, with net worth under $50,000. Many rely primarily on Social Security, including the average $1,900 monthly benefit. There is often little in savings, and emergency needs—like medical bills—can quickly drain limited resources. Next up, retirees with net worth between $50,000 and the median $410,000. Homeowners in this group may be debt-free or carry manageable mortgages. With cautious planning, they often stretch Social Security and modest savings to make ends meet, though luxury remains out of reach. Between the median and the 80th percentile, retirees in this bracket likely hold paid-off homes and healthy investments. They have enough flexibility for travel, health surprises, and occasional extras without jeopardizing their budget. Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . Here, retirees enjoy real financial comfort. Investments are diversified and managed. Philanthropy, home upgrades, and travel are doable. They sleep better knowing unexpected costs are unlikely to derail their plans. These retirees sit in the 90th to 99th percentile. Their wealth allows for complex financial strategies—multi-generational planning, private wealth advisors, long-term care budgets. They've often built this through long-term investing or real estate gains. At the pinnacle, just 1% of retiree households exceed $13.7 million in net worth. This group enjoys complete financial choice—most continue working by choice, not necessity—and can focus on legacy, impact, or passion projects. Americans often underestimate the challenge. The Northwestern Mutual 2025 Planning & Progress Study found the average person believes they need $1.26 million to retire well. Yet data shows most households age 65 to 74 hold under $410,000. Only about one in ten have saved more than ten times their depends on more than just a number. Are you planning to renovate your home—or downsize? Do you see yourself spending retirement traveling the country, or helping raise grandkids? Will you pay off a mortgage, start a small business, or take on part-time work for fun and flexibility? Your lifestyle matters just as much as your balance sheet. Two retirees with the same net worth might live very different lives depending on how they spend, where they live, and how much support they have. One might be sipping coffee in a paid-off condo while the other is juggling property taxes, adult children, and a second car payment. The six wealth tiers can give a sense of where you stand—but the real question is how you'll use what you have. The number alone won't define your retirement. What you do with it will. Read Next: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? . Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article There Are 6 Tiers Of Wealth For Retirees — Are In The Top 1% Or Just Upper Middle Class? originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.