2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 presented a clean and crisp exterior, embodying modern Cadillac design with its smooth body panels and limited creases. It managed to hide its long, boxy shape under a tailored suit, featuring 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 without overwhelming the design. Inside, however, the XT6 fell short of expectations for a luxury vehicle. While it boasted soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats lacked support and the interior materials did not match the lavish offerings of competitors like Lincoln and BMW. The XT6's interior felt dated, with small screens and ordinary color combinations, failing to deliver the first-class experience expected from a new luxury car.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue maintained an attractive appearance despite its age, with a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The Rogue SL's 19-inch aluminum wheels added to its appeal. However, the interior revealed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The waterfall control panel and rounded forms were out of step with modern design trends. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue offered thoughtful touches like padded center console sides for driver comfort. Overall, the Rogue's design was more about practicality than luxury, with a focus on functionality over style.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While this was sufficient to move the large vehicle and tow up to 4,000 pounds, the engine was coarse-sounding and less responsive compared to newer turbocharged V6 engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts and well-spaced ratios, contributing to a peppy driving experience. The XT6's all-wheel drive and adaptive dampers offered a balanced and controlled ride, with direct and nicely weighted steering. However, the absence of advanced suspension options like MagneRide dampers was noted. Fuel economy was average, with AWD models achieving 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain was adequate for the Rogue's weight but lacked the responsiveness needed for quick acceleration or passing. The CVT managed to make the most of the available power, but the Rogue's performance was more about noise than action. Fuel economy was disappointing, with the Rogue achieving only 24.9 mpg in testing, despite an EPA rating of 29 mpg combined. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the overall driving experience was not particularly engaging.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third-row seat, with decent knee room and amenities like USB ports and air vents. The third row power-folded, and the second-row seats could be mechanically dropped for added convenience. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the standard panoramic moonroof extended into the second row. The XT6 provided 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 78.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows down. Visibility was excellent, aided by a digital mirror and improved controls for climate and stereo systems.

In the 2020 Nissan Rogue, front-seat comfort was compromised for taller drivers, with limited adjustability for seat height and legroom. However, the back seat offered excellent thigh support and a proper backrest angle, with a stadium-style seating arrangement providing a good view. The Rogue's rear passengers benefited from air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. Cargo space was a strong point, with 39 cubic feet available behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage. The Rogue's Divide-n-Hide cargo management system added to its practicality.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an improved infotainment system with cloud-based voice commands and a built-in app store. It allowed for driver profile storage across GM vehicles, though the e-commerce app was of limited use. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assists. Optional features like 360-degree cameras and night vision enhanced safety, but the absence of Super Cruise and other advanced tech was a drawback. The XT6's Bose stereo and infotainment screen were underwhelming for a luxury vehicle.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with upgrades available for satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose sound system. NissanConnect Services offered features like remote access and emergency SOS calling, but the interface was dated and slow to respond. The 7-inch touchscreen and voice-recognition technology were not up to modern standards, detracting from the Rogue's tech appeal.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores. Safety features included rear pedestrian detection, a digital rear-view mirror, and 360-degree cameras. The Driver Assist Package added forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and seat-belt tightening.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert system. Optional ProPilot Assist provided adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, though it felt dated compared to newer systems. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for driver protection in frontal impacts. IIHS ratings were affected by headlight and front-passenger protection issues.