2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but the overall interior quality felt outdated.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented a more contemporary, albeit conservative, design. The exterior featured polished 20-inch alloy wheels and a sleek Stellar Black paint, while the interior boasted a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather finish. The XT6's proportions and details conveyed a tailored image, aligning with Cadillac's lineup. Despite its attractive appearance, the interior lacked the sophistication expected in a luxury SUV, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt dated compared to its competitors.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers and braking challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, but the GX excelled in off-road capabilities with features like a Torsen centre differential and Multi-Terrain Select. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, making it a robust choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower. The V6, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided sufficient power and a smooth driving experience. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to its athletic handling, although it leaned more towards comfort than excitement. The XT6's fuel economy was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle achieving 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX featured three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was cumbersome. Cargo space was also limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, while expected to be more spacious, offered a narrower interior. The front seats were comfortable, with optional semi-aniline leather and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided decent legroom, but the third row was cramped for adults. Storage space was adequate, with a small dashboard cubby and centre armrest bin. The XT6 offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded, and a maximum volume of 2,229 litres.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, the GX offered analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard, but the overall tech experience felt primitive for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, while offering advanced features like a digital rearview mirror and Super Cruise, fell short in some areas. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen felt dated, but the infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XT6's voice recognition technology was impressive, but some usability issues persisted, such as touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights. The available Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed for hands-free highway driving. However, it had limitations, such as inconsistent lane-keeping and abrupt braking. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring excellent crash protection.