2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 showcased a clean, crisp exterior design that hid its long, boxy shape under a tailored suit. Smooth body panels and limited creases gave it a slimming effect, while satin-painted silver accents and a medium-sized silver mesh grille added a touch of elegance. Thin LED headlights and vertical lightsaber-style running lamps were the XT6's flashiest features, contributing to its restrained yet tasteful style. The standard 20-inch wheels didn't look oversized, maintaining the vehicle's balanced appearance. However, the interior didn't match the exterior's sophistication. Despite soft leather, microsuede, and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats were thin and lacked support. The lower center stack and console were wrapped in cheap vinyl, and the screens were small with nonadjustable ambient lighting. The overall interior felt outdated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, available in four trim levels with FWD or optional AWD, offered significant value, especially in the top-of-the-line SX trim with the Prestige package. This package transformed the Telluride into a luxury SUV with premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The new Nightfall Edition package added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a blacked-out look. The Telluride's styling, both inside and out, was impeccable, with a contemporary design and quality execution. The transmission shifter was placed to preserve storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation. The interior was mostly free of flaws, except for the limited color options and some glossy hard plastic. The Telluride's look and feel were top-notch, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. While it could tow up to 4,000 pounds, the engine was coarse-sounding and not as responsive as newer turbocharged V6 engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts and well-spaced ratios, making the XT6 peppy enough. FWD was standard, but AWD and adaptive dampers offered a balanced and controlled ride. The steering was direct and nicely weighted, with a more secure feel in Sport mode. The XT6's suspension tuning was commendable, though it lacked advanced features like height-adjustable air springs. The brakes had a firm feel, and over 400 miles of mixed driving, the XT6 matched the EPA's combined rating of 20 mpg. AWD models had a 17 mpg city, 24 highway rating, while FWD models managed just 1 mpg more. A planned plug-in hybrid XT6 was expected to improve these figures.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia's Drive Mode Select offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with eight inches of ground clearance. The Telluride excelled in various conditions, from muddy trails to snowstorms. Its ride and handling minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a compliant, smooth ride at higher speeds. The self-leveling rear suspension ensured proper ride and handling when loaded. The Telluride's suspension tuning resulted in greater body roll but commendable grip from the 20-inch wheels and tires. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with an average of 20.5 mpg on the testing loop.

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 mechanically dropped down. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the second row was spacious with optional heated cushions and backrests. The XT6 had a total cargo volume of 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 shrink blind spots. The instrument cluster, improved touchscreen infotainment system, and alternative rotary controller made the XT6 simple to operate at speed.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim’s driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustments, and both front seats had heating and ventilation. The Prestige package added distinctive leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain’s chairs had heating and ventilation, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was usable by adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. Storage was ample, with bins for smartphones, USB ports, and large cupholders. The smart hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when sensing the key fob, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Folding the third-row seats provided 46 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo volume was 87 cubic feet.

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 and Super Cruise. The Bose stereo and infotainment screen were mediocre, and the XT6 didn’t offer all the tech it should in its segment.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch screen, navigation, and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans available for a subscription. Features included Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim had a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, though the sound quality was not exceptional. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were standard with EX and SX trims, and the Prestige package added a head-up display.

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

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist was standard with EX and SX trims, providing Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid. Additional safety systems included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim had front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a 5-star rating from NHTSA, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.