2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Cadillac XT6

Back in 2020, the Cadillac XT6 featured a clean, crisp exterior that exemplified modern Cadillac design. It managed to hide its long, boxy shape beneath smooth body panels and limited creases, giving it a tailored appearance. Satin-painted silver surrounded the windows, and a medium-sized silver mesh grille replaced the usual oversized one, with the Sport models opting for a black-painted grille. Thin LED headlights and vertical LED running lamps gave the XT6 its flashiest features, all while maintaining a restrained and tasteful look. Even the 20-inch wheels looked proportional rather than oversized.

Inside, the Cadillac fell short of its competitors, such as Lincoln, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover. While the Premium Luxury test model boasted incredibly soft leather, microsuede on the roof, gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, and a well-stitched dash, the seats were disappointingly thin and plain, resembling those found in a Chevrolet Blazer. The lower center console used cheap vinyl instead of leather, and there was no contrast piping or interesting patterns on the seatbacks. The screens were small, and the ambient lighting was nonadjustable. Overall, the XT6’s interior felt outdated, lacking the luxurious pampering materials and vibrant colors its competitors offered.

In comparison, the 2021 Nissan Rogue debuted with a more rugged, SUV-like appearance. Its dark gray plastic cladding covered the lower perimeter while bold, simulated skid plates and lower door protection added a touch of ruggedness. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and well-proportioned design gave the Rogue a thoroughly modern look. Aluminum wheels, available in sizes up to 19 inches, added to the custom aesthetic, especially with optional two-tone paint and a black roof.

The Rogue offered versatile options across its four trims, from the base S to the luxury Platinum model. The interior of the tested Rogue SL with the Premium Package featured Almond-colored leather, a panoramic glass sunroof, and abundant soft-touch surfaces. Simulated wood trim and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars added a sense of quality, while controls were arranged cleanly and logically. The Platinum trim elevated the interior with semi-aniline quilted leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. However, the climate control panel's numbers looked dated, reminiscent of an old-school digital clock from the 1980s.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Although it was sufficient for towing up to 4,000 pounds, the engine felt coarse and lacked responsiveness compared to newer turbocharged V6 engines. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the XT6 was peppy enough due to the transmission’s quick shifts and well-spaced ratios. However, it lagged behind competitors like Lincoln, BMW, and Mercedes, which utilized rear-wheel-drive chassis for better weight distribution.

Despite this, the XT6 impressed with its balance and control, particularly with all-wheel drive (AWD) and adaptive dampers. The steering was direct and well-weighted, though it felt looser in the default Tour mode, gaining a more secure feel in the Sport mode. Cadillac’s steering and suspension tuning was commendable, even for a large crossover. The XT6 achieved a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg over 400 miles of mixed driving, matching the EPA’s combined rating. However, the introduction of a plug-in hybrid version was anticipated to significantly improve these figures.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This output was adequate for daily driving, but the Rogue lacked power, especially for adventuring. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) did a decent job, making the most of the available torque. With up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, the Rogue catered to light off-road adventures, although the engine felt sapped of energy in demanding terrains.

The Rogue’s new architecture, composed of 35% high-strength steel, improved ride and handling. The strut front and multi-link rear suspension, along with brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control systems, provided a smooth and athletic driving experience. The steering, enhanced by moving the electric assist to the steering rack and quickening the ratio, showed dramatic improvement in feel compared to the previous model. The tested Rogue SL with front-wheel drive managed a fuel economy of 27.5 mpg, slightly below the official EPA rating.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third-row seat, a rare feat for large SUVs. The seat cushion was well-placed, providing decent knee room behind the second-row seatback, and was equipped with USB ports, cupholders, and air vents. Although not ideal for long trips, it was accommodating for shorter journeys. The third row power-folded down and up, while the second-row seats could be electrically latched down. However, the rear-door openings were narrower compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot, making access a bit challenging.

With headroom being generous across all seating positions, the XT6 excelled in spaciousness. The second-row captain’s chairs or bench provided ample space, with optional heated cushions and backrests. A standard 3-zone climate control ensured comfort throughout. Total cargo volume measured 12.6 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row down, and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Visibility was excellent, aided by a digital mirror with a widescreen camera on the back glass, reducing blind spots. The streamlined controls for climate and stereo further enhanced usability.

Nissan’s 2021 Rogue focused on comfort with its Zero Gravity seat designs, which aimed to reduce fatigue and muscle strain. The 2021 model featured improved seats over its predecessor, with variations in fabric and leather depending on the trim level. The Rogue SV and higher trims offered power-adjustable, heated front seats, with the Platinum trim boasting premium leather. Climate controls also varied, with the SL and Platinum featuring a triple-zone system allowing rear-seat occupants to customize their temperature settings.

The Rogue’s rear seats provided generous headroom and legroom, and the new design allowed the rear doors to open nearly 90 degrees for easier access. The back seat offered comfort for both children and adults, and new LATCH anchors accommodated up to three child safety seats. A quieter cabin was achieved through improved aerodynamics and sound insulation.

Cargo capacity in the Rogue measured 31.6 cubic feet for the S and SV trims, while the SL and Platinum with the Divide-N-Hide system offered 36.5 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, the Rogue’s maximum volume of 74.1 cubic feet was competitive within the compact SUV segment. Storage solutions were practical, and the power rear liftgate with hands-free operation added convenience.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 came with an infotainment system that was a significant improvement over the old CUE system. This new system was fast, intuitive, and equipped with cloud-based voice commands and a built-in app store. Driver profiles could be stored and transferred across other General Motors vehicles, adding convenience for users. The e-commerce app, while unique, seemed out of place for Cadillac’s demographic, offering features like ordering from Domino’s and Dunkin' Donuts.

Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assists. Optional 360-degree cameras provided surveillance footage while parked, although semi-automated driving features were absent, with Super Cruise expected to be available later. Optional night vision and LED matrix headlights, though deactivated due to U.S. regulations, offered impressive lighting capabilities.

Nissan’s 2021 Rogue presented a competitive infotainment package, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto in the S trim. Higher trims added features like NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and voice integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trim included a larger 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, voice recognition, and a Bose premium audio system.

The Rogue Platinum further elevated technology with wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Bose audio system delivered quality sound, although the stubby knobs and shortcut buttons were noted as minor inconveniences.

By 2020, the Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, though expectations were high for top scores. The Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package included features like rear pedestrian detection, a digital rear-view mirror, and 360-degree cameras. The Driver Assist Package offered advanced safety features like forward emergency braking at high speeds, reverse emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and seat-belt tightening.

For the 2021 Nissan Rogue, safety was a key focus. Nissan equipped every Rogue with a comprehensive set of advanced driving assistance systems under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 umbrella, which included common safety features along with a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. This package provided significant safety advantages, especially at the base trim level.

The Rogue came with ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. The Platinum trim added a front-center airbag for additional protection. ProPilot Assist, starting with the SV trim, included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, with an upgraded version available in higher trims featuring Navi-link technology for smoother operation in various driving conditions.