2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 showcased a clean and crisp exterior design, hiding its long, boxy shape under smooth body panels and limited creases. It featured satin-painted silver surrounding the windows and a medium-sized silver mesh grille, with thin LED headlights and vertical running lamps adding a touch of flair. The XT6's design was marked by restraint and taste, avoiding bright chrome and oversized elements. Inside, the XT6's interior, while equipped with soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, fell short compared to competitors. The seats lacked support and the lower center console was wrapped in cheap vinyl. The screens were small, and the overall interior design felt dated, reminiscent of 2013 models.

The 2020 Dodge Durango carried over its styling from a 2014 update, with its third generation dating back to 2011. The Durango's cabin design was straightforward but felt dated, especially compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which shared its platform but received more significant updates. The Durango was in need of a refresh, which was expected for the 2021 model year. The 2020 Durango offered various trims, each adding different features, from the basic SXT with 18-inch wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen to the range-topping SRT with a unique aggressive look, ventilated front seats, and optional red leather performance seats.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While this engine was sufficient for moving the vehicle and towing up to 4,000 pounds, it was coarse-sounding and less responsive compared to newer turbocharged V6 engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts and well-spaced ratios. The XT6 offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive and adaptive dampers available. The steering was direct and nicely weighted, with a switch to Sport mode providing a more secure feel. The XT6 achieved an EPA combined rating of 20 mpg, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 highway.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines across its trims. The SXT, GT, and Citadel came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, also available on the Citadel. The SRT trim boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, producing 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The SRT trim offered a performance-tuned suspension and Brembo performance brakes, with the Dodge SRT performance pages providing detailed engine status updates and drive mode customization. The SRT's acceleration and car-like handling were impressive for a vehicle of its size.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 provided a livable third-row seat, with decent knee room, USB ports, cupholders, and air vents. The third row power-folded down and up, while the second-row seats mechanically dropped down from an electric latch. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the second row was spacious with optional heated cushions and backrests. The XT6 offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats raised, 43.1 cubic feet with the third row down, and 78.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. Visibility was good, and the digital mirror using a widescreen camera helped shrink blind spots. The XT6's controls were responsive, and the improved touchscreen infotainment system was easy to operate.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds to 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The cabin offered plenty of space, with comfortable front seats and a second row available with either a bench or captain's chairs. The third row was more cramped for adults but suitable for kids. The driver and front passenger had access to multiple cargo bins, bottle- and cupholders, and various trays. The second row of the SRT model included its own center console with cup holders.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an infotainment system that was a significant improvement over the old CUE system. It offered cloud-based voice commands, a built-in app store, and driver profiles that could migrate to other GM vehicles. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a suite of driver assists. Optional features included 360-degree cameras, night vision, and LED matrix headlights. However, the XT6 lacked semi-automated driving features and Super Cruise, which were expected to be added later. The Bose stereo and infotainment screen were mediocre for a luxury vehicle.

The 2020 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system. Uconnect was praised for its straightforward menu layout and simple navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and higher trims included navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link. The semi-digital instrument panel was easy to navigate using the steering wheel's directional pad. Higher trims also offered an Alpine premium audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available as an option.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but top scores were expected. The XT6 offered rear pedestrian detection, a digital rear-view mirror, and 360-degree cameras with the Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package. The Driver Assist Package included forward emergency braking, reverse emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and seat-belt tightening.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors were available on the SXT and standard on higher trims. The Technology Group package added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection were also available. The Durango earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a Moderate score in driver’s side small-front overlap testing from the IIHS.