2018 Cadillac XT7 or 2017 Chevy Traverse Spied Testing for the First Time
Cadillac is working on a new three-row crossover that will compete with the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90.
Spy photographers have caught the 2018 Cadillac XT7 testing, serving as a complement to the two-row XT5 model.
The prototype was spotted testing alongside the new Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, sporting front and rear ends inspired by the CT6 sedan, as well as other recent Cadillac models. Expect power to come from the new 3.6-liter V6 found in the XT5, although a turbocharged variant with more performance is likely. The American automaker is also planning to add a plug-in hybrid variant for the XT5, but it’s currently unknown if the seven-seater XT7 will benefit.
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The 2017 Cadillac XT5 made its North American debut at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show and given how popular crossovers and SUVs have become in the U.S., don’t be surprised if Cadillac debuts the XT7 before the year is over. Sales for the seven-seater should begin sometime next year. It will be produced at the Lansing Delta Township plant along with the Traverse and Enclave models.
Update: Our spy photographers are saying that this SUV could also be the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The fog lights and rear tail lights are not typical Cadillac parts, but because this is a prototype, they could be using other elements as part of a disguise.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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The fact that we're unsure which vehicle is which, even with camouflage, suggests that GM's badge engineering woes are far from over. Also, that front grille shouts "GMC" to me.
Owning a Cadillac already, I'd say it looks very similar to the grille on the Escalade. As for the upper grille, look closely and it appears to have a round badge, which is indicative of neither Chevy nor GMC, but rather the Cadillac crest. I too read that Cadillac had nixed the idea of a 7 passenger CUV, but it's becoming too large of a segment & I wouldn't be at all surprised if they release one soon as a 2017 model.