2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with its XT4 and XT5 siblings. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, showcased a traditionally styled grille with darkened accents, complemented by 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its premium appearance. The interior, reminiscent of the XT5, offered a slightly larger space with four colour options. The seats, especially with the Platinum Package, were a highlight, featuring semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the dashboard area, while not unattractive, had some elements that appeared less premium.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a polished exterior with minimal character lines, embodying a futuristic Parametric Pixel design. This design was evident in its extensive use of LED pixels across all lighting elements. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic alloy wheels and unique exterior elements added to its distinct look. Inside, the cabin embraced a "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment. The interior featured sustainable materials, with options for stain-resistant cloth or leatherette upholstery. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for relaxation, with features like the "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, enhancing the overall comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was also standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The XT6's V6 engine provided sufficient power, but its driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear due to the AWD mechanics. This affected its agility, especially in tight spaces and on winding roads. Fuel economy for the V6 was 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered two drive configurations and three powertrains. The base model featured a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a 168-kW motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version boasted 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience.

The Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain's chairs in the second row on Sport and Premium Luxury trims. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less interior space compared to competitors. Small-item storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate, although the cargo load floor was relatively high.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the E-GMP platform, maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, surpassing competitors like the Mustang Mach-E and ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior featured soft touch points and a moveable centre console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, catering to various driver sizes. The flat floor and modern front bench seat design allowed for easy entry and exit from either front door.

The Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard features like tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the tech was suitable, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the interface could appear crowded. Optional upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system and enhanced wireless charging.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added lane change alert and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were expected.