2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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 lightsaber-style running lamps and turn signals as its flashiest elements. The XT6's design was marked by restraint and taste, avoiding bright chrome and oversized jewelry, and even the standard 20-inch wheels didn’t look oversized. However, the interior didn’t match the exterior's elegance, with thin, unsupportive seats and a center console wrapped in cheap vinyl. The screens were small, and the color combos and trim patterns were ordinary, making the interior feel outdated compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV maintained a subtle exterior, with no gratuitous styling changes or aerodynamic trickery, and the charging port deftly integrated with the grille. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its inherent good looks. Inside, the cabin was filled with quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's high price tag. Front-seat comfort was excellent, with heated and ventilated chairs offering a wide range of adjustments. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a tall riding position with good thigh support, and the panoramic glass roof lightened the black-on-black interior.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds. While the engine was coarse-sounding and not as responsive as newer turbocharged V6 engines, it was peppy enough with the 9-speed automatic transmission’s quick shifts. The XT6 felt balanced and controlled over various surfaces, with direct and nicely weighted steering. The AWD and adaptive dampers contributed to a smooth ride, and the brakes had a firm feel. Over 400 miles of mixed driving, the XT6 matched the EPA's combined rating of 20 mpg, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 highway.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of up to 31 miles of all-electric driving range, the test vehicle struggled to stay in EV mode. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over 28.4 miles in EV mode and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop. The Range Rover Sport PHEV provided quick acceleration, and its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes made it feel athletic on mountain roads and comfortable on highways. The regenerative brakes worked well but were grabby, making smooth stops difficult. The SUV retained its off-roading capability, with multiple traction settings and the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water.

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 seats mechanically dropped down from an electric latch. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the second row was very 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 helped shrink blind spots. The XT6's controls were responsive, and the improved touchscreen infotainment system was easy to operate.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV had a compromised cargo area due to the battery beneath the raised cargo floor, reducing the space to 27.5 cubic feet. The SUV could comfortably transport five people, but practical storage was limited. Front-seat comfort was excellent, with heated and ventilated chairs offering a wide range of adjustments. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a tall riding position with good thigh support, and the panoramic glass roof lightened the interior. The optional refrigerated center console bin and dual-glove-box design provided some storage solutions.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an infotainment system that was a significant improvement over the old CUE system. It was fast, intuitive, and easy to operate, with cloud-based voice commands and a built-in app store. 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and could be frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting it up, the system sometimes behaved unexpectedly and lacked haptic feedback. The Range Rover Sport PHEV was a complex vehicle, and touchscreen technology was the best way to manage that complexity. However, it could still be confusing and frustrating for drivers, especially those not adept with technology.

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 while in reverse, adaptive cruise, and seat-belt tightening.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with advanced driver-assistance systems, but the new steering-assist system could be distracting. The lane-keeping assist system worked too abruptly, and the SUV suffered from head-toss due to its higher center of gravity. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Range Rover Sport's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided some reassurance in a collision.