2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by narrow, angled LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the Rogue's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few core colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim level, with the Platinum model offering the most luxurious interior.

The Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model featured a traditionally styled grille with darkened accents, complemented by 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The XT6 was available in eight paint colours, with most requiring a surcharge. Inside, the XT6's cabin mirrored the XT5 but was slightly larger, offering four colour options. The Platinum Package elevated the interior with semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microsuede headliner. While the dashboard was less premium than the seats, it remained attractive, with some elements appearing less refined.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kg for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kg for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. Despite the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Rogue's handling was significantly improved, with better torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension system. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version used slightly more fuel.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT6 Premium Luxury trim also featured this engine, while the base Luxury model had a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The XT6's all-wheel-drive system was standard in Canada, but its driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear section. The XT6's fuel economy was on par with competitors, with the V6 engine consuming 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The Cadillac XT6 provided seating for seven, with the option for captain’s chairs in the second row on higher trims. Adults could fit in the third row, but the XT6 offered less space than some competitors. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate. However, the cargo load floor was high, and space behind the third row was limited.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade upgraded to a 9-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Bose 10-speaker audio system was a notable upgrade, but the digital instrument cluster had readability issues.

The Cadillac XT6's tech was adequate, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and six USB ports. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the interface could be crowded or lacking information.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements in frontal crash testing for later models.

The Cadillac XT6 featured standard safety equipment, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6's lane-keep assist struggled with accuracy, but the Driver Assist Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.