2025 Cadillac Optiq Sport 2 Review - Putting The Tesla Model Y On Notice

Cadillac's most affordable EV has landed. The 2025 Cadillac Optiq. Is this a game change in the EV segment? Let's find out!
Huge thank you to Cadillac of Norwood for providing this 2025 Cadillac Optiq for this review!
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[@moderaterebel]

The exterior might be the most attractive crossover EV I’ve seen. Great job Cadillac!

[@ArthurBenetton]

Seeing all 3 of the new Cadillac new EV's as you've presented - they all look like winners. Cadillac in general deserves more credit than it gets - always a little under the radar of people's minds and yet their Blackwings are right up there with M's and AMG's. Ironic Cadillac is crushing their rebirth in EV's - but also are the last players with V8's and manuals. Cool stuff. Nice review too!

[@G-Rated]

Not to mention, all the brands that are biting off of either their interior or iconic exterior design language and nobody ever gives them their props. Look at the redesigned Palisade. How many reviewers will pretend it's a original and unique design language to the rest of the auto industry instead of give Cadillac their due credit? Probably most of them.

[@MrUser999999]

​@G-Rated lol at where im leadjnt this conversation. What dont you like about the upcoming pallisade?. Imo the upcoming pallisade should be praised. I think GM as a whole and Hyundai/Kia motor group are the two legacy automakers leveling up in automotive design/performance. Keeping up with the startups suvh as tesla rivian, scout etc.

[@G-Rated]

@@MrUser999999 Tbh, nothing is wrong with Hyundai Motors Group mimicking the *gm* conglomerate, it just sucks that as Hyundai targets the N. American market they lean in on Cadillac’s design language for their success and reviewers refuse to draw that connection in Hyundai or Kia reviews. So now you’re actually more likely to see someone claim the Cadillac product “looks like a Kia” which is asinine. Nothing necessarily wrong with the new Palisade, I just think it’s another design that Cadillac should be proud of. The influence they and Range Rover have just can’t be denied. Everyone wants to look like their products on roads.

[@ericeinar]

They are rated the worst in quality…….

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

As a 2024 Lyriq Owner, I'm extremely impressed by Cadillac's new EV. These may be the best cars they've ever built. Chock full of road presence. I sat in the Optiq and was amazed that it doesn't lose much space compared to my Lyriq.

[@mikeisaacs2314]

I must say Cadillac really nailed the design with this one I like the proportions and the lines

[@ronniemullis8717]

The Optiq is a size smaller than the Lyriq, which is what I like.

[@Agent77X]

Nice to know Cadillac is number one EV in the U.S.😊

[@petes7401]

I have a 2024 Lyriq. I’d really like to see this optic in a V series like the Lyriq in 2026

[@stevesousa9059]

Great Review, my friend !!!! I will let you know when we get the Cadillac Vistiq in stock so you can head to Colonial Cadillac for your review ! Look forward to it and keep up the good work.

[@bradh6185]

Good looking car.

[@ateshhastam]

Seem to have forgotten one of my favorite features for this luxury model - V2H capable. I can’t wait to trade in my XT4 for an Optiq. Been waiting for something this size for a while.

[@GarrisIiari]

Terrific review. I have a Model Y Performance, but could never buy another new Tesla because of Musk. I look forward to comparing this next year to the Rivian R2 and upcoming Lucid mid-sized.

[@fbksakskier]

Good for you for rejecting Musk’s disgusting politics. I’m with you 100%. Love EVs but will never buy a Tesla.

[@ed8018]

This is exactly what i was thinking. I have my heart set on the R2 but this could be an alternative.

[@GarrisIiari]

@@ed8018 I hear you. Downside to the R2 is that, realistically, we're probably almost two years away.

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Terrific review as always bro and then I would love to buy this EV vehicle with this color now.

[@twosawyers]

If Hyundai, Ford and GM and can keep up with the demand I think they can get a ton of Tesla buyers now!

[@farisahmadrasyid8697]

I love new 2025 cadillac optiq ev

[@andreyradovski8514]

Gotta say in this metallic gray color it looks great - much better than the bright orange they've been using in all promos. However its max charging speed is not great for the segment at 150kw, thats why they're quoting "up to 80 miles in 10min" instead of industry standard 10-80% time.

[@bobb.5266]

The 2 tone paint you talk about is available on the Sport as well as the Luxury version and those wheels are 21, not 20 inch.

[@danallen1798]

This info is correct. Standard wheels on both Sport & Luxury trims of the Optiq are 20”, with an option to upgrade to 21” smoked wheels (as seen on the model).

[@bobb.5266]

@@danallen1798 That's right but in the video he says the wheels are 20 inch.

[@ModernQuietTX]

This is a looker.

[@waynedahms3885]

It is missing a rear hideaway wiper that might be a deal breaker for winter driving.Nice video and a beautiful vehicle worth considering for my next vehicle.Thanks.

[@grtelli]

@13:00 -> ”road trip with significant other can probably hold 8-9 bags of luggage” Are you dating my fiancee??? 😡 😂

[@tonepilot]

Next to my Ioniq 5, 😊this is probably the best looking EV on the market right now. Both inside and out.

[@rlsedition]

The Ioniq 5 is different looking for sure, but the side view proportions are better on this Optiq.

[@reidhester]

Thanks for the review.What color is that optiq? And might you know what the 0-60 time is? We've got an MME and an i4 and both are around 5.5" which is plenty for me. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@Nebula1701]

you can't have RWD with an Optiq there isn't enough space for a full motor. It can only fit GM's smaller assist motor.

[@ThePrideofgreed]

One thing I take away from this is that the Optiq comes with Surround Vision Recorder, which I hope means that my lyriq will be getting it soon.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

The real question is how many people will choose the Optiq over the XT4. Cadillac buyers tend to be older and they may not want to deal with the public charging - or Tesla supercharging networks. Many of them may not have a house and home charger. Cadillac should update the XT5 and XT6 the same way they did with the XT4. Give everything a Lyriq styled interior infotainment system.

[@cypher5084]

Xt4 will be discontinued this year...

[@cheapme1850]

I’d bet most Cadillac buyers have their own homes and would much prefer to plug in at their garage rather than fueling up an ICE at a sketchy gas station. I’d also bet those older buyers are low mileage drivers so a charge will last them quite a while.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

@@cheapme1850 You obviously haven’t been to a charging station talking to older Cadillac buyers. I do

[@durapoker]

3:00 so why is there 3 LED headlight modules lit on the left but 4 lit on the right?

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

I really wish Cadillac would: #1 Include optional rear seat headrest monitors. Your kids will need something to do when you're waiting at a charger. #2 Include google Chrome web browsing, KZbin and video apps for the front seat when the car's parked. #3 Move all the charge ports to the rear of the car to make charging on Tesla chargers easier.

[@tyalderdice4980]

I think most family’s have iPads or tablets for their kids. Rear screens are so yesterday imo. Also charge at home and your golden, using Tesla system is far too costly

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

@ So what happens when you go on a road trip and you need to charge the car? If your kids have iPads with LTE connections, maybe you’re OK but otherwise having headrest monitors with LTE connections would allow them to either use the web itself or watch KZbin.

[@onenickthomas]

Well to be clear the Escalade owns the segment it's in and has for a long time.

[@fp5495]

That charging port door looks comically large on this, strangely.

[@shenanigan3083]

Buick Electra 5 is probably going to be the 45 to 50gs luxury compact for gm... Above the equinox below this optic

[@Zneedsmore]

So yes… this is more attractive than a Mach-e… yes it’s an innovative design. Dual motors is valuable. But this isn’t luxurious as you claim. And it’s not a Cadillac in my eyes. This would have been more compelling if marketed as a Buick. Cadillac should be focused on a top tier customer to genuinely compete with BMW and Mercedes and instead it’s competing with Kia and Ford - right now, it’s neither designed nor priced far off from Chevrolet. That’s a big problem for General Motors for the long term; they’re returning to a look-alike car philosophy that has already failed for them once in its history. Some lessons are never learned.

[@dane9193]

This is a beautiful car and I really wanted it, but didn't want to risk waiting after the election. With the new tarrifs going into effect, and the EV tax credit most likely going away, Optiq is coming to market at an awful time. I hope it sells decently, I just don't see how it could with all those blows against its pricing to take effect.

[@ronniemullis8717]

I am in the process of buying one right now, 2/8/25 and got the $7,500 tax credit.

[@leeedens9497]

For the first time in about 30 years, Cadillac owned a segment, Cadillac owns the full-size body-on-frame luxury SUV segment, and have for years, go that you talked about the Cadillac Optiq being closer in size to the XT5 and not the XT4, Cadillac will need a true subcompact EV SUV, here are the specs of the Optiq, XT5, and XT4 (all in inches): 2025 Cadillac Optiq: L - 189.8, WB - 116.3, W - 75.3, H - 64.7, F LR - 41.6 / R LR - 37.8 2024 Cadillac XT5: L - 189.6, WB - 112, W - 74.9, H - 66.1, F LR - 41.2 / R LR - 39 2024 Cadillac XT4: L - 181.1, WB - 109.4, W - 76.7, H - 64.1, F LR - 41.1 / R LR - 39.5

[@rlsedition]

Cadillac is already on the same level as the Euros in sport sedans - V series Blackwings.

[@lucassitanggang5154]

Škoda: Karoq, Kamiq, Enyaq Cadillac: Lyriq, Optiq Škoda: Do you want to be like me?

[@VirgoKing89]

There’s another one, it’s a Cadillac Vistiq

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

Even though I love my Lyriq, the reality is that there is no way the Optiq can compete against the new Model Y and Elon Musk's price crashing. The Optiq is a great car with a great interior, but the Tesla Model Y is less-expensive, FASTER and has the Supercharger network. GM makes use of EVgo and it's TERRIBLE. The new Model Y Juniper is a game changer and the only thing that'll draw in potential buyers is dislike of Musk.

[@jarekcarethers3461]

I actually don’t agree. Tesla is not a premium brand in the ev space. The materials, lack of physical buttons and one central screen does not work for a whole segment of drivers. The super charge network is superior but all the automakers including Cadillac have moved to that network and can take advantage of it now. Not sure why this vehicle doesn’t have it natively ( future cars will have it) but there is an adaptor you can use. Simple things like having a screen for the moonroof is not even an option in the model Y and I can tell you that interior gets super hot with no screen.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

@ I used to think that Tesla’s interiors were lackluster and that they should be more like Mercedes-Benz or BMW. But once you actually own an electric vehicle or you own a luxury electric vehicle then you understand the reason why they do things the way they do it. All of these vehicles are going to take a massive hit by depreciation, but what Tesla is doing is trying to make these vehicles as cheap as possible so that they don’t have unnecessary extra features and that the depreciation is not as dramatic as it normally would be. They are also trying to make them in a way that utilitarian as possible. Ultimately, they’re trying to cut out features that they feel aren’t needed and only keeping features by popular demand. Oh yeah, you can buy a Mercedes EQ product and spend way more money. You can buy a BMW and spend way more money. You can buy plenty of other electric vehicles and spend way more money. But at the end of the day, when you take that 30 to 50% haircut in one year of ownership, you may think differently.

[@jarekcarethers3461]

@@PassportBrosBusinessClass you are 100% right the lack of buttons and feature is a cost cutting objective and not a user experience objective. This is why I don’t consider Tesla a luxury car maker. Luxury by definition is things you don’t have to have but heighten the user experience. Cars, all cars depreciate and luxury cars since they are more expensive depreciate usually more, that is true.

[@tomc2737]

I do love the look of the Optiq, but I am surprised that it doesn't have a leather interior.

[@Nebula1701]

GM is using their new new Inteluxe branding on faux leather, it's brand new recycled material same as the Lyriq. Can't tell the difference. GM is offering two different colors as well a tan and blue.

[@bobb.5266]

@@Nebula1701 Hey, how about the brown or Autumn Canyon!

[@Nebula1701]

@@bobb.5266 tan/brown is a lighter brown.

[@ronniemullis8717]

I do believe that real leather over time cracks and changes color. These new materials seem to hold up very well.

[@G-Rated]

​@@Nebula1701 you mean two additional colors, black or "Noir" as they call it is also available.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

They don't give you the massage seats in the Optiq. The XT4 has them. Why take them out? This is my problem with Cadillac. They simply aren't serious. They took the XT4, upgraded it with the Lyriq infotainment system, but refused to do it for the XT5 and XT6. The Vistiq, Lyriq and Optiq need to be sold along side the XT6, XT5 and XT4. People need options. A lot of people are not ready for EV and won't be anytime soon. My Lyriq is a great car, but they omitted too many options from the CT6 (headrest monitors and rear heated/ventilated/massage seat option for example) as well as the not selling the upgraded CT6 and XT5 which China gets but we don't. I pray someday Cadillac will FIRE the bean counters so they'll be able to compete with Mercedes.

[@tagtheshooterphotography2540]

it has massage seats i saw the button in this review

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

@ The knob controls the lumbar. The center button does nothing.

[@tagtheshooterphotography2540]

@@PassportBrosBusinessClass well the massage is the Lyriq is pretty useless too, u can barely feel it

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

@ Not true. I like using it

[@tagtheshooterphotography2540]

@@PassportBrosBusinessClass very tru and u have very low standards then, cause the escalade and other cars u can actually feel its making a difference. but Lyriq is very minimum.. and alot time forgets its even.. but still like the lyriq alot..its need Head on display and little more intensity on massage. or i can do without it

[@johnnyv5995]

All that gloss black trim will be nightmare to maintain(angel hair scratches). Like the price, like the dual motors, a little more power & range would have been nice, and not sure about the interior materials quality.

[@mikecronis]

Just what we need... more SUVs.. forever.. and.. ever.. ugh.

[@RussellFineArt]

Beautiful car, love everything but the front "grill", which GM can get rid of, large HUD, which isn't needed anymore, and would like for GM to put a cover over the front motor stuff, with a small frunk. Everything else looks great!!

[@rlsedition]

Like it or not, that front "grille" gives the car some personality, unlike most Teslas, which look like generic transportation modules (no face).

[@tyalderdice4980]

@@rlseditionI like the welcome lighting Cadillac does

[@GUDDAisHere]

Ur nuts dude.

[@LRYoung.17]

The Lyriq replaced the XT5, the XT4 was kind of a subcompact/compact tweener, now this is solidly compact like Model Y, Audi Q6 etron, etc... there will be a smaller Cadillac SUV in the future.

[@cypher5084]

If you compare the interior sizes. Lyriq replace xt6 and optiq the xt5. It was a surprise for me too but the optiq interior size is really well made. You aren't losing too much space from an lyriq.

[@LRYoung.17]

@cypher5084 The Vistiq replaces XT6. The XT5 was a 2 row midsized SUV like Lyriq & XT4 was a subcompact/compact tweener that the Optiq will replace & a even smaller model will be available under Optiq

[@tyalderdice4980]

@@cypher5084100% agree Lyriq is xt6 size

[@cheapme1850]

Mary over Musk any day!

[@GUDDAisHere]

No sun roof, no buy.😢

[@DWK33]

If they just made the Buick Envista an EV I would rather just have that than spend so much on this

[@jaredp8169]

Beautiful car. I’m tired of these big rims though. 18” rim is plenty big.

[@paulm6481]

Leatherette seat , lol. Luxury and leatherette don’t mix. Shame.

[@lenimbery7038]

Can you turn off those fake motor noises when you accelerate?

[@sjlivson]

No, you cannot. It's a safety feature to make pedestrians aware that a vehicle is approaching.

[@lenimbery7038]

@@sjlivson I meant the fake acceleration noise at higher speeds as shown in the video

[@sjlivson]

@@lenimbery7038In my Lyriq, I can select the sound I like more but I cannot totally turn it off. I’ve selected the sound resembling a powerful V-8.

[@reycarlosantos5055]

The seats look like baymax

[@Angelboy99]

Too much fake chrome for my taste. What will replace Super Cruise?

[@kentpass]

That cloth on top of the door where you put your elbow is horrible. Doesn’t seem comfortable and just think how dirty it’ll get. Horrible idea that all of the car companies are using now. Just horrible

[@Noonelson]

WTF is it with leatherette seats these days?

[@stevenwhitman9870]

nice NO APPLE CAR PLAY.... so nope

[@screenPhiles]

Kind of odd that the narrator says, Escalade IQ, Vistiq, Optiq - yet the Vistiq is never pictured and we're just given an image of the Escalade IQ. Strange.

[@JDDevice]

Did they put a frunk? GM is notorious for ignoring what consumers want.

[@ericasuzy]

Nope only the Escalade has one.

[@mikemcclure3376]

I think when they avoid the frunk its because the wheels get pushed as far forward as possible for better ride quality and it creates much more cabin space without a transmission tunnel running down the middle of the floor. A similar sized gas vehicle would generally be tighter for rear passengers .

[@lenimbery7038]

@@mikemcclure3376 No, that mess under the hood with no frunk just means lazy and bad engineering

[@mikemcclure3376]

@lenimbery7038 have you ever sat in a new equinox it's the exact same size as my blazer EV even though the body size is smaller the interior room is about equal .

[@G-Rated]

Who said Cadillac's consumers wanted a frunk? Stop trying to speak for the masses and pretend successful Cadillac is somehow out of touch with what their customers want.

[@MikhailMamontov-c6h]

GM vs Toyota? I would always choose Toyota for reliability and resale value. Also, I don't need overpriced cars. And Tesla is an established maker of EVs, because they have an advantage in computerization.

[@RenlangRen]

If you are shopping for an ev Toyota and Lexus are both sub par.

[@MikhailMamontov-c6h]

@RenlangRen at this time yes! Because Toyota, at this time, is relying on hybrids that are pretty good. Toyota makes EVs just to comply with government regulations.

[@RenlangRen]

@ Toyota has repeatedly said that hydrogen power was the way forward, and that ev's were not. They have underfunded and not developed evs. They are not going to leap from ahead of the market.

[@bhmbill]

Doesn't have Apple Carplay or Android Auto, HUD and Supercruise are a plus.

[@tagtheshooterphotography2540]

the Optiq had HUD, which upsets me that the higher price Lyriq does not.. i miss the HUD in my Lyriq and might stop me from buying another Lyriq next year

[@joesinkovits6591]

Is anybody even buying EVs any more?

[@derrekb4501]

Caddy dealers are absolutely terrible. No thanks.

[@tonepilot]

Still no CarPlay though, right?

[@G-Rated]

It was intentionally left out. There's no need for it in these vehicles, Apple is a competitor now.

[@tonepilot]

@ Apple doesn’t make a car, how is it a competitor when they’re using Android software anyway?

[@G-Rated]

@ *gm* is a tech company as well and they partnered with Google to develop their own UX. Google owns Android, Apple competes with Android. That’s how.

[@jcabral6231]

where is apple car play

[@jayoge1495]

With only 300 hp. Why can't it match the way more powerful Tesla's range . It's close but with 1/2 the hp. The Range should be higher. At least 400

[@G-Rated]

Stop comparing Cadillac's first generation of EVs to that of Tesla who has had 15 years to perfect their EVs and still can't bests an entry level Optiq.

[@SkyRL25]

Tesla you never get the range announced, while with GM you do.......... so stop crying

[@lenimbery7038]

It's got a way larger battery than Tesla but can't match the range because of the added weight and it's a brick aerodynamically

[@SkyRL25]

@@lenimbery7038 not really......85 kw for the Optic vs about the same for TESLA.......... so you're wrong

[@dstylez1171]

Save your money buy an equinox ev or a used Tesla...heck a used mustang ev... Cadillac is for boomers...so not a long shelf life

[@RenlangRen]

You only live once. If you can afford it why not get the better one?

[@dstylez1171]

@RenlangRen boomers are the reason for the future