Cadillac XT4 vs Cadillac XT6

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 employed a “Y” trim level strategy, starting with the standard Luxury trim and offering upgrades to Premium Luxury or Sport trim. The test vehicle featured Premium Luxury trim, front-wheel drive, Silver Radiant metallic paint, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a navigation system, a Bose premium audio system, and several option packages, totaling $45,660. Visually, the XT4 was appealing with crisp, tailored styling, although it had an excessive front overhang. The interior was pleasant with competitive quality materials, though some elements like the plain black trim around the power window controls were less impressive.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 looked sophisticated, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5. The XT6 Sport model featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and slim all-LED headlights, giving it a premium look. The XT6 came in seven paint colors, with most requiring a surcharge. The interior, similar to the XT5 but larger, offered three color options and could be upgraded with the Platinum Package for semi-aniline leather upholstery and other premium features. The dashboard, while less premium than the seats, was still attractive, though some elements appeared cheaper.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine felt stronger than its ratings suggested, with a nine-speed automatic transmission powering the front or all four wheels. The EPA estimated a fuel economy of 26 mpg for the FWD model, but the test vehicle returned 24.8 mpg. The XT4's driving character was lively, thanks to the fat band of torque, but the FWD model experienced front-wheel slip and torque steer. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts but was hesitant to downshift in Tour mode. The XT4's interior needed better isolation from engine and road noise, and the suspension struggled with speed humps and smaller bumps. However, the oversized wheels offered impressive grip, and the brakes performed well.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission shifted smoothly. The XT6 came with standard FWD and available AWD, with the Sport model only available with AWD. The XT6 Sport felt heavy, especially in the mid-rear where the AWD mechanics were located, affecting its driving dynamics. The XT6's fuel economy was on par with competitors, with the V6 engine achieving 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined with FWD. The Smart Towing package was available on midgrade and higher trim levels.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with soft leather, padded armrests, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The rear seats were heated and had air conditioning vents, providing a roomy passenger compartment. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, quickly cooling the interior during a heatwave. The climate controls were elegantly arranged, and the cabin offered ample storage space. However, the cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. A hands-free power liftgate was available.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain’s chairs in the second row. The seats were comfortable, with heating available in the first two rows. Adults could fit in the third row, though the XT6 had less space than some competitors. The interior storage was not ideal for families, with limited space for small items in the front row. The wireless phone charger was deep-pocketed, making it difficult to access the phone while charging. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with a standard power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats. The cargo load floor was high, and there was limited space behind the third row.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured the latest version of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which was easier to use than previous versions. The test vehicle included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, Cadillac Connected Access services, and near-field communication pairing to Bluetooth. The 8-inch touchscreen was a bit small for a luxury vehicle, and the climate system was not integrated into the voice-recognition system. The optional 13-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround audio system provided a satisfying listening experience. The test car did not have a head-up display or a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a decent list of standard features, including tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, and Teen Driver monitoring. Upgrades included an air ionizer, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, heated/ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, navigation, and upgraded wireless charging capability. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors and could appear crowded or lacking information.

For the 2020 model year, the Cadillac XT4 added forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and the Safety Alert Seat system to its standard equipment list. The XT4 also included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and two years of automatic collision notification and emergency assistance service. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package included automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a following-distance indicator. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, a high-definition rearview camera, Safety Alert Seat, and IntelliBeam headlights. Premium Luxury and Sport models also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control, automatic seat belt tightening, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and reverse automatic braking. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating and a four-star rollover crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.