Is the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq a Good Electric SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
Cadillac launched the all-electric Lyriq SUV for the 2023 model year, channeling more than a little of the driving feel of an old-school Caddy in a modern luxury mid-size SUV with seating for five and the angular styling of the brand’s newer offerings. That is to say, it is stylish, big and luxurious, delivering a very comfortable if not especially sporty driving experience.
Related: 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Review: Traditional Comfort, New Age Tech
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Shop the 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ near you
The Lyriq is the first of several planned Cadillac electric vehicles based on GM’s EV architecture, which can be scaled up or down to accommodate different body styles and sizes. Competitors include the Mercedes-EQ EQE SUV and Tesla Model S. Though we drove a 2024 model for our review, changes to the Lyriq for 2025 are limited to shuffling of some trims and feature availability.
Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman spent some quality time with a new Lyriq in the top Luxury trim, and he found it to be an accommodating and competent cruiser even if not all is perfect. Tap the link above for Bragman’s expert review, or read on to learn five things we like about the Cadillac Lyriq and two things we don’t.
What Do We Like About the Cadillac Lyriq?
1. Potent Powertrains
Powertrain choices include a single 340-horsepower electric motor driving the rear wheels or a dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive and 500 hp. Both are paired with a 102-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Either powertrain is more than up to the task of motivating this hefty 5,500-plus-pound SUV, with even the base motor getting the Lyriq up to speed smoothly and quickly.
2. Respectable Range
Single-motor rear-wheel-drive versions of the 2025 Lyriq have 326 miles of driving range, according to the EPA, while models with AWD can travel up to 319 miles between charges. Both are competitive if not class-leading figures. When connected to a 19.2-kilowatt Level 2 charger, the Lyriq can add up to 51 miles of range per hour; connecting to a DC fast charger could add up to 77 miles of range in about 10 minutes for the 2024 model.
3. Competent Cruiser
With its heavy battery mounted under the floor, the Lyriq feels substantial underway, but the low center of gravity helps deliver a planted and secure feel. The Lyriq is no sports sedan, but hefty steering feel and powerful brakes add confidence when hustling along curvy two lanes. The highway is where the Lyriq really shines, with a comfortable and quiet ride.
4. Progressive Regeneration
An unusual feature is a pressure-sensitive paddle on the back of the steering wheel that lets you choose the amount of regenerative braking by how hard you pull. The harder you pull, the more braking you get, to the point where you barely have to use the brake pedal if you don’t want to. There’s also an easy-to-find one-pedal driving mode button in the center touchscreen for those who prefer more aggressive regenerative brake function.
5. Easy Tech
A vivid 33-inch curved dash panel incorporates a reconfigurable instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen in the center. Like many other recent GM EV offerings, the system runs Google Built-In software. Unlike those others, the Lyriq also retains wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Cadillac also gets points for retaining physical controls for some climate and audio functions.
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What Do We Dislike About the Cadillac Lyriq?
1. Control Issues
As much as we’re happy to see Cadillac stick with physical controls, one that we could do without are the steering-wheel-mounted touch-sensitive buttons. They’re annoying and too easy to accidentally push when underway. And if you’re looking for different drive modes, you’ll have to make several taps on the touchscreen to find them.
2. Mixed Messages
At first glance, the Lyriq’s interior looks terrific, with thoughtful design details and a modern, clean look. A closer look reveals some cheaper-looking materials that don’t feel as substantial or up to the standards of some competing luxury EVs, likely a victim of trying to keep the Lyriq from being even heavier than it is.
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