2026 Cadillac OPTIQ: Pricing, Range, Interior, and Driving Impressions

Building on the renewed momentum from models like the LYRIQ, Escalade IQ, and VISTIQ, Cadillac introduces its latest Ultium-based vehicle: the compact OPTIQ. Positioned as a more luxurious counterpart to the Chevrolet Equinox EV, it incorporates the brand's distinctive premium elements. Our test model, priced at an MSRP of $65,023 and manufactured in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, proved to be an engaging drive. Let's take a closer look. NB: The 2026 OPTIQ sees a significant power increase, with AWD models producing 440 hp and 498 lb-ft of torque.

While Cadillacs are often seen in monochrome shades of grey, black, or white, the Monarch Orange paint on this vehicle makes a bold statement. It perfectly suits the OPTIQ, a compact and competitively priced electric crossover that blends hatchback agility with SUV presence, following the design lead of its larger sibling, the LYRIQ. The family resemblance is clear up front with the signature illuminated grille and choreographed LED lighting, a sleek party trick that wraps from front to back. The grille itself is split, with a lower section open for aerodynamics. Flush door handles, driver-side charging ports, and 20-inch alloy wheels accentuate the profile, while a black roof adds a sharper contrast. At the rear, an angular hatch, split taillights, and a subtle spoiler lend a sporty finish. In all, Cadillac has struck a successful balance: the OPTIQ feels modern and classy as a luxury urban vehicle, without overtly shouting its electric identity.

Stepping inside the OPTIQ, a sense of unmistakable luxury continues. The Sky Cool Grey interior with Santorini Blue accents complements the vibrant exterior, creating a refreshing and airy cabin atmosphere even on the hottest days. In practice, the upholstery on the seats and door panels presents as a clean white, with the grey tones reserved for elegant accents on the dashboard and center console. The cabin is consistently appointed with premium, soft-touch materials, ensuring a high-quality feel wherever you rest a hand. Ahead of the driver, a seamless 33-inch LED display, shared with models like the VISTIQ, stretches across the dashboard, combining the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. This commonality extends to other well-executed components, including the steering wheel, seat controls, and gear selector. We particularly appreciate the inclusion of physical climate controls beneath the central screen, along with a premium-feeling rotary knob on the console that allows for intuitive adjustments without reaching for the touchscreen. While the wide infotainment display once again omits Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its responsive performance and integrated Google system offer helpful features like displaying your estimated battery percentage upon reaching a destination in Google Maps. Completing the experience, the standard AKG studio sound system in our test vehicle delivered exceptional audio quality.

Shifting to practicality, the Cadillac Optiq accommodates five passengers, with the rear bench offering generous headroom and legroom for four adults. The flat floor, a benefit of its electric architecture, eliminates the typical center 'hump,' providing a more natural seating position for the middle passenger. Amenities include rear air vents, USB-C ports, and a household-style power outlet. One notable omission is the lack of power-folding rear seats, though the bench does recline and fold manually in a 60/40 split. For families, the ISOFIX anchors are both present and clearly visible, with the top tether anchors easily accessible. Cargo space is a particular strength, offering 26 cubic feet (736L) behind the rear seats and expanding to 57 cubic feet (1,615L) when folded. Overall, it delivers an impressive balance of passenger comfort and versatile utility.

Under the hood, the OPTIQ prioritizes its dual-motor powertrain over a front trunk, a configuration that delivers a combined 300 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Energy is supplied by an 85 kWh battery pack, providing an EPA-estimated range of 302 miles (486 km). In our real-world testing, efficiency averaged 5.9 km/kWh, yielding an actual range of approximately 311 miles (501 km). While a rear-wheel-drive configuration is available for greater range, our test model featured all-wheel drive. During a fast-charging session, we observed a peak rate just over 110 kW, enough to add nearly 370 miles of range in an hour, though charging speeds tapered as expected. A 30-minute charge restored about 50% of the battery, good for roughly 185 miles. Using a Level 2 charger, a full recharge from empty takes around 12 hours, making overnight charging a practical way to start each day with a full battery.

On the road, the electrified Cadillac Optiq feels planted, comfortable, and classy, with a welcome hint of sportiness when needed. While not the segment's most powerful contender, it provides more than enough power for daily use, achieving 0–100 km/h in a respectable 5.5 seconds. For true exhilaration, the high-performance OPTIQ-V (released this fall with up to 519 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque) would be the better choice. The Optiq is balanced and intelligent in its operation, primarily using its front wheels to move around town and seamlessly engaging the rear wheels only when switching drive modes or detecting a need for traction. The steering and handling are nice and weighted, delivering enough feedback to the driver. Body roll is kept to a minimum, and outside noise is effectively hushed, contributing to a refined cabin experience. The suspension is tuned on the firmer side to keep the car steady, which can feel stiff at times over rougher surfaces. We're far from the floaty Cadillacs of the '80s, but the ride is controlled and not uncomfortable nonetheless, striking a modern balance between comfort and composure.

Cadillac's expanding EV portfolio welcomes the new Optiq as its accessible entry point. Despite its competitive starting price, it comes generously equipped with standard features like hands-free Super Cruise, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic 33-inch display. A testament to General Motors' versatile EV platform, the compact yet spacious Optiq is an excellent electric vehicle, ideal for city living where easy parking meets practical luxury.

Disclaimer: Cadillac has lent us the vehicle as a press loan. We have no affiliation with Cadillac Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.