Rear-wheel-drive joins the 2026 Cadillac Optiq lineup

Cadillac’s entry-level electric SUV is getting a strategic update for the 2026 model year. The Optiq, which launched as an all-wheel-drive-only vehicle, will soon offer a new rear-wheel-drive configuration designed to increase driving range and broaden its appeal in global markets.

The 2026 Optiq RWD uses a single rear-mounted permanent-magnet motor rated at 315 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Cadillac estimates the setup will deliver up to 317 miles of range on a full charge, compared with 303 miles for the dual-motor AWD version. Both models use an 85-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack with 10 modules and an 800-volt electrical architecture for fast charging.

Charging performance remains competitive in the segment. Using a DC fast charger, the RWD Optiq can add roughly 81 miles of range in 10 minutes, while the AWD model gains about 78 miles in the same time. Home charging via Level 2 equipment delivers approximately 24 miles of range per hour for RWD and 23 miles per hour for AWD. Buyers opting for the higher-capacity 19.2-kW onboard charger can expect up to 36 miles of range per hour on compatible equipment.

The new model year also marks Cadillac’s adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS), replacing the previous CCS inlet. This change grants direct access to a growing network of Tesla Supercharger stations without the need for an adapter. The move aligns with General Motors’ broader transition to NACS across its electric portfolio.

Inside, the Optiq retains its 33-inch diagonal LED display with Google built in, as well as available Super Cruise driver assistance. The hands-free system gains improved integration with Google Maps for more precise lane guidance and can now automatically adjust speeds to posted limits when adaptive cruise control is active.

Dimensionally, the Optiq remains unchanged. It rides on a 116-inch wheelbase and measures 190 inches long, with a maximum cargo capacity of 57 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. Trailering capacity is rated at 1,500 pounds. Cadillac says the RWD model weighs approximately 5,121 pounds, about 220 pounds less than the AWD variant.

Pricing for the 2026 Cadillac Optiq has not yet been announced, but the current 2025 AWD model starts at $54,000, including destination. The rear-wheel-drive variant is expected to undercut that price slightly when it arrives at dealerships in 2025.