2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 presented a clean and crisp exterior, embodying modern Cadillac design with smooth body panels and limited creases. It avoided flashy chrome and oversized elements, opting instead for satin-painted silver accents and a medium-sized silver mesh grille. The XT6's thin LED headlights and vertical running lamps added a touch of flair, while maintaining a sense of restraint and taste. However, the interior did not match the exterior's sophistication. Despite having soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats lacked support and appeared plain. The use of cheap vinyl in certain areas and the absence of contrast piping or stitching made the interior feel outdated compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its traditional chrome and brightwork, differentiating itself from mainstream models. It featured unique front and rear styling, a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, and full-width taillights. The Navigator's design was further enhanced by the Reserve Monochromatic Package, offering a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator exuded luxury with its 30-way Perfect Position front seats, mid-century modern styling cues, and high-quality materials. The panoramic glass roof and digital instrumentation added to its luxurious feel, making it a convincing flagship SUV.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. While it was capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds, the engine was noted for its coarse sound and lack of responsiveness compared to newer turbocharged engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts, and the AWD with adaptive dampers offered a balanced and controlled ride. The XT6 achieved an EPA combined rating of 20 mpg, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Cadillac planned a plug-in hybrid version to improve these figures.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic transmission offered smooth power delivery. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Despite its power, the Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, slightly below the EPA's 18 mpg combined rating. The SUV's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though impact harshness was noted with the 22-inch wheels.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third-row seat, with decent knee room and amenities like USB ports and air vents. The second-row captain’s chairs or bench seat provided spacious accommodations, and the panoramic moonroof added to the sense of space. Cargo volume measured 12.6 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 78.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Visibility was good, aided by a digital mirror and improved controls for climate and infotainment systems.

In the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort, especially with the optional 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain’s chairs, with a large center console available. The third row provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were impressive, with the standard model offering up to 103.3 cubic feet and the longer Navigator L providing up to 120.2 cubic feet. The Navigator's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an improved infotainment system with cloud-based voice commands and a built-in app store. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assists, but lacked semi-automated driving features like Super Cruise. Optional night vision and LED matrix headlights enhanced safety, though the latter was deactivated due to U.S. regulations. The XT6's technology was functional but not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow loading times. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lincoln Connect services. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided excellent sound quality, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and head-up display. The Navigator's technology offerings were comprehensive, though the infotainment system lagged behind newer platforms.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered safety features like rear pedestrian detection, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control. The Driver Assist Package included forward emergency braking and seat-belt tightening for added safety.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard on Reserve trim. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though its RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating.