2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, featured a traditionally styled grille with darkened accents, enhancing its premium appearance. The SUV rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its upscale look. Inside, the XT6's cabin mirrored the XT5's design but offered more space. The seats, especially with the optional Platinum Package, were luxurious, though some dashboard elements appeared less premium.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyle, though it was less elegant than before. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a unique touch. The Navigator's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating across all rows, and the new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen enhanced the tech experience.

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. The V6 provided sufficient power, but the SUV's weight affected its driving dynamics, making it feel less agile. The XT6's fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 engine consuming 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator excelled in towing capacity, ranging from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, and its adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview improved ride quality. The SUV handled various road conditions with ease, and its fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain's chairs in the second row. 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 power liftgate.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator provided exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and available massaging second-row captain's chairs. The third row was spacious and comfortable, thanks to the independent rear suspension. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with up to 3,403 litres in the long-wheelbase version. The SUV's interior was well-suited for families and long journeys.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard features like tri-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the tech was adequate, the screen size was smaller than competitors, and the interface could feel crowded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with voice recognition and over-the-air updates. The Navigator also offered an upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the lane-keep assist system was not always reliable. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems like Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. The surround-view camera system was standard, enhancing safety. ActiveGlide performed well on highways, though drivers needed to remain attentive. These systems represented steps toward fully autonomous driving.