I recently had the chance to test drive the all-new 2025 Cadillac Optiq AWD, thanks to a LeaseBusters Cadillac dealer partner — and from the moment I laid eyes on it, I knew Cadillac had nailed the design. The exterior is sleek, modern, and unmistakably upscale, while the interior is equally impressive with high-end materials and thoughtful layout choices. But what truly surprised me was the vehicle’s size.
At first glance, I thought the Optiq would be significantly smaller than its big sibling, the Cadillac Lyriq. But after a quick search on my iPhone, I discovered the Optiq measures 189.9 inches in length (let’s call it 190 inches), only about 7 inches shorter than the Lyriq’s 196.7 inches. That’s a meaningful difference, sure, but the Optiq still holds its own in the midsize SUV category. For context, it’s longer than a Honda CR-V (184.8 inches) and Mazda CX-50 (185.8 inches) and nearly identical to the Hyundai Santa Fe (190.2 inches) and Chevrolet Equinox EV (190.55 inches) — the latter being the Optiq’s platform mate.
Size aside, the Optiq impresses with its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which means every model comes equipped with dual motors. The result? Plenty of horsepower and torque for a lively, engaging drive. Plus, the vehicle offers four distinct driving modes: Tour, Snow/Ice, Sport, and My Mode. I cycled through all of them and genuinely felt a difference — Sport mode, in particular, added an extra spark to the driving experience.
The Optiq’s dashboard and infotainment setup are equally compelling. Cadillac clearly put extra effort into crafting a user-friendly, visually appealing interface, in line with what we’re seeing from other EV manufacturers. And the 19-speaker AKG studio surround sound system with Dolby ATMOS is an absolute treat. My alternative rock and indie playlists never sounded better.
Wheel options include 20- or 21-inch alloys, depending on the trim, and the Optiq website does a great job of showcasing these and other features. Another big win for Canadian buyers: the Optiq can access Tesla’s Supercharger network, provided you pick up the necessary adapter (which is easy to find).
Speaking of trims, this is where things get a bit strange. Cadillac offers just two model styles: AWD Luxury and AWD Sport — both starting at $59,999. On paper, that sounds like a competitive price point for a premium electric SUV, but things can get pricey quickly. The Sport model I tested came with the 1SH package for an extra $4,000, though it wasn’t immediately clear what that added beyond some styling tweaks. Throw in $840 for the 21-inch wheels, $1,315 for Radiant Red Tricoat paint, $1,320 for Autumn Canyon seat trim, $1,675 for the trailer hitch package, $210 for a hitch ball cover, and a hefty $2,500 freight charge, and the as-tested price ballooned to $70,754.
Now, whether those extras are worth it depends on personal preference. Personally, I’d probably skip most of the add-ons and stick closer to the base price. But even with the inflated sticker, the Optiq delivers a lot of value. It handles beautifully at highway speeds, offers plenty of leg and shoulder room, and benefits from EV-specific perks like regenerative braking that slows the vehicle as soon as you lift off the accelerator.
Overall, I came away thoroughly impressed with the Optiq. It’s a stylish, well-sized, and engaging electric SUV that feels genuinely competitive in the growing EV landscape. The dealership staff mentioned they’ve had plenty of customer interest and have been closing lots of deals — and I’m not surprised. As long as Cadillac markets and merchandises the Optiq properly, I believe they have a hit on their hands. It’s a vehicle that deserves attention, and I suspect it’ll turn a lot of heads on Canadian roads.
James Matthews is the President, General Manager and Co-Founder of LeaseBusters. James launched LeaseBusters in 1990 and is considered one of Canada’s leading experts on new vehicle leases, lease-take-overs and vehicle lease (re)marketing. James can be reached directly at jmatthews at leasebusters.com
