Cadillac Vistiq vs Subaru XV
What's the difference?

Cadillac Vistiq

$116,000 - $116,000

2026 price

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Subaru XV

$15,990 - $31,999

2021 price

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Summary

2026 Cadillac Vistiq

2021 Subaru XV

By Jack Quick

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Flat 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Appealing price tag
Fantastic access to third row
Ridiculously quick

Solid road feel
Relative value
Safety equipment

Dislikes

Over-sensitive driver attention monitor
Mediocre fast-charging rate
Limited dealer network

Thrashy 2.0L engine
Hybrid not super efficient
Small boot

2026 Cadillac Vistiq Summary

Cadillac launched in Australia last year as an all-electric brand and its first offering was the Lyriq large SUV. It now has a follow up in the form of the Vistiq which has a similarly confusing name but is even larger.

With three rows of seating and an electric powertrain, it’s a key rival to the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90.

We’ve already had a spin of the Vistiq over in the USA but this is our first time on Australia soil, so let’s see how it stacks up.

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2021 Subaru XV Summary

Subaru has always been a good fit for Australia.

Since the '90s, when the brand made a big splash with its rally derived Impreza and Liberty, Subaru’s rugged appeal has suited Australia’s tough conditions and recreationally adventurous buyers.

Cars like the Forester and Outback solidified the brand’s place amongst SUVs before SUVs were really a thing, and the XV is the logical progression of the Impreza range, slotting nicely into the brand's offerings of lifted all-wheel-drive wagons.

It’s been a few years since the XV launched, however, so can its latest 2021 update keep it in the fight in a quickly evolving and notoriously competitive segment against many newer rivals? We’ve taken a look at the whole range to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cadillac Vistiq 2021 Subaru XV

Verdict

The Vistiq is a properly luxurious car that cleverly undercuts all the premium players. It has a flashy exterior with a generously equipped and spacious interior. Plus, it’s got enough oomph to move a small mountain.

Cadillac seems to be onto a winner with this car, especially at this price point. However, it will be interesting to see whether buyers of big SUVs like this are willing to make the jump to electric. The upper large SUV segment has been dominated by the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol for decades now and I don’t see this changing anytime soon.

Verdict

Even years on from its initial launch and with only subtle changes to its main range, it’s really to Subaru’s credit that the XV feels just as capable and modern as any of its rivals.

This is not to say it’s perfect. We can’t recommend the base model, the maths don’t really work out on the hybrids, the only available engine is breathless, and it has a small boot.

But the XV’s excellent safety suite, driving dynamics, all-wheel-drive capability, quality finish and comfortable interior mean it’s hard not to be charmed by this little lifted hatch.

Our pick of the range? While the 2.0i-L is great value, we’d recommend you splurge to the 2.0i-Premium to get the full safety suite and extra garnish.

Cadillac Vistiq vs Subaru XV What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cadillac Vistiq vs Subaru XV
What's the difference?