2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

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, while the overall design showed restraint and taste, avoiding the use of bright chrome and oversized elements. Inside, however, the XT6 fell short of expectations for a luxury vehicle. Despite having soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the interior lacked the lavishness found in competitors like Lincoln and BMW. The seats were thin and plain, and the use of cheap vinyl in certain areas detracted from the overall luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to become a symbol of luxury. The exterior design, with hallmark cues like blacked-out pillars and clean styling, gave it a timeless look. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. The cabin was equipped with Land Rover’s InControl Touch Pro Duo dual-screen infotainment system, though it wasn't as advanced as newer systems. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a sense of elegance and sophistication, drawing on its rich heritage much like a Porsche 911.

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 V6 engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts, and the AWD with adaptive dampers offered a balanced and controlled ride. The XT6's steering was direct and nicely weighted, with a Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. However, the lack of advanced suspension options like MagneRide dampers was a missed opportunity. Fuel economy was average, with AWD models achieving 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured the Range Rover's off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the SUV's power delivery was smooth and rapid. However, the steering was slow in response, and the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity led to some side-to-side wallow. Fuel economy was slightly lower than expected, with an average of 18.5 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third row, with decent knee room and amenities like USB ports and air vents. The second row was spacious, with optional heated cushions and 3-zone climate control. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet available. Visibility was good, aided by a digital mirror and improved controls for the infotainment system.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were comfortable and wrapped in quality leather, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but overall space was less than expected for a vehicle of its size.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6's infotainment system was a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a fast and intuitive interface with cloud-based voice commands and a built-in app store. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assists. However, the lack of semi-automated driving features and a mediocre Bose stereo were drawbacks.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's technology was centered around three digital displays, offering numerous features and functions. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, and using the touchscreens while driving was distracting. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app, but the technology required careful setup to avoid frustration.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a range of safety features, including rear pedestrian detection, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control. The Driver Assist Package added further safety enhancements.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous parking capabilities. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.