2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 presented a clean and crisp exterior, embodying modern Cadillac design with 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, while the overall design showed restraint and taste. However, the interior did not match the exterior's elegance, as it lacked the lavishness found in competitors like Lincoln and BMW. Despite having soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats were thin and plain, and the use of cheap vinyl detracted from the luxury feel. The interior seemed outdated, with small screens and ordinary color combinations.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with brand styling cues. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a massive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh, complemented by the signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlights. The GV80's design was elegant, with big wheel arches and Quad Lamp taillights echoing the front. Inside, the GV80 was a showcase of technology and luxury, with a sleek dashboard, real wood and metal finishes, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The interior was spacious and beautifully crafted, offering a truly luxurious experience.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While it was capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds, the engine was coarse-sounding and less responsive 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 steering was direct, though it felt loose in Tour mode, but switching to Sport mode improved the feel. The XT6 achieved an EPA combined rating of 20 mpg, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The GV80 featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD on V6 models. The 3.5T models came with electronically-controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. The 2.5T was lively but could feel thrashy when pushed, while the 3.5T was smoother and quieter, thanks to active noise cancellation. The GV80's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the 2.5T RWD and 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the 3.5T AWD.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third row, with decent knee room and features like USB ports and air vents. The second row was spacious, with optional heated seats and 3-zone climate control. 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 folded. Visibility was good, aided by a digital mirror and improved controls for the infotainment system.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a concave design. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. The third row was standard on certain models, increasing capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with features like power rear-door closure and three-row climate control.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6's infotainment system was a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering cloud-based voice commands and an app store. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with driver assists like forward emergency braking and lane-keep assist. However, it lacked semi-automated driving features and had a mediocre Bose stereo.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was advanced, with a 14.5-inch HD screen and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud profiles and NFC digital key functionality for Android users. The GV80 included Genesis Connected Services, a head-up display, and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster. The Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers was a highlight.

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

The 2021 Genesis GV80 also awaited crash-test ratings but aimed for top scores. It came with 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and a suite of collision-avoidance assists. The GV80's Highway-driving assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist added to its safety credentials.