2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 GMC Acadia

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, making it stylish without being boring. However, the interior did not match the exterior's elegance. Despite having soft leather, microsuede, and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats were thin and lacked support, and the lower center stack was wrapped in cheap vinyl. The interior felt outdated compared to competitors, with small screens and ordinary color combos.

The 2020 GMC Acadia, positioned as a premium brand, came in various trims, including the luxurious Denali. The Acadia Denali featured a flat, blunt face with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille, conveying its upscale aspirations. Inside, changes were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches and a redesigned center console. The cabin had a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels, with logical control layouts. However, aside from leather upholstery and wood trim, the Acadia Denali lacked distinctive premium features, relying on contrast stitching and bronze-tinted plastic metallic accents to establish its premium status.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While it could tow up to 4,000 pounds, the engine was coarse-sounding and less responsive off the line 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 GMC Acadia offered three engine options: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive available. The Acadia AT4 featured an exclusive dual-clutch AWD system and all-terrain tires. The V6 engine provided smooth, refined power and a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia Denali AWD could run in FWD mode to conserve fuel, but torque steer was a frequent issue. The test vehicle achieved an EPA combined rating of 21 mpg, with an average of 20.1 mpg in FWD mode. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a pleasant driving experience without being memorable.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered 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 captain’s chairs or bench seat mechanically dropped down. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the second row was spacious with optional heated cushions and backrests. Total cargo volume measured 12.6 cubic feet with all seats raised, 43.1 with the third row down, and 78.7 with both the second and third rows down. Visibility was good, and the digital mirror with a widescreen camera helped reduce blind spots. The XT6's controls were responsive and easy to operate.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, with the Denali trim providing 6-passenger seating with standard second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were wide and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet. The third-row seat was roomier than expected, though the distance between the seat and the back of the SUV was limited. Cargo volume measured 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 79 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The Acadia's new electronic transmission controls and reconfigured center console improved interior storage space.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an infotainment system that was a significant improvement over the old CUE system. It included 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, Super Cruise, massaging seats, and a reconfigurable digital instrument panel. The Bose stereo and infotainment screen were also underwhelming.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen had a higher resolution display and improved voice recognition. The infotainment system was simple to use, with navigation and a Bose premium sound system available. New technology upgrades included USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror. The rear camera mirror provided an unobstructed wide-angle view, especially helpful when the cargo area was packed.

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

The 2020 GMC Acadia came standard with a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. However, advanced driving assistance systems were limited. Forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking were available only on higher trims. The Driver Alert Package included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, pedestrian braking, parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, and a head-up display. The enhanced automatic emergency braking system was exclusive to the Denali trim. The NHTSA gave the Acadia 5-star ratings in most assessments, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in other tests.