2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, thanks to its distinctive design elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. The Navigator featured unique front and rear styling, including a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star logo, fender vents, and full-width taillights. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a welcoming touch, while the Reserve Monochromatic Package offered a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator exuded luxury with its Dark Slate leather interior, 30-way Perfect Position front seats, and a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues. High-quality materials and a panoramic glass roof further enhanced the luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 presented a sophisticated appearance, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport trim featured darkened accents on the grille and bumper, along with 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. While the XT6's interior was comfortable, it lacked the plushness of some competitors. The cabin offered three color options and a Platinum Package for premium leather upholstery. Despite its stylish design, the XT6's dashboard and storage solutions were less impressive, with limited small-item storage and a deep-pocket wireless charger that hindered phone access. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, offering more room than many rivals.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, though it lacked the signature V8 rumble. The Navigator's 10-speed automatic transmission and multiple drive modes tailored the powertrain to various driving conditions. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds (RWD) and 8,300 pounds (4WD), the Navigator was a capable hauler, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. However, its fuel economy was a downside, averaging 16.4 mpg. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension offered excellent body motion control, but impact harshness was noticeable on rough roads. Maneuverability was aided by a tight turning radius and parking assist features.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 provided adequate power, the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the AWD Sport model. The XT6's fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in FWD models. The Smart Towing package added convenience for towing, but the XT6's weight distribution affected its handling compared to rivals. Despite these challenges, the XT6 offered a smooth ride and decent fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with optional 30-way Perfect Position front seats and power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row provided ample legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was class-leading, with up to 103.3 cubic feet in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the Navigator L. The Navigator's interior was designed for passenger comfort and practicality, making it a top choice for families.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 accommodated seven passengers, with optional captain's chairs in the second row. While the third row was suitable for adults, the XT6 offered less space than some competitors. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was inconveniently deep-pocketed. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a power liftgate. Despite its high cargo load floor, the XT6 provided ample storage for larger items, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was a weak point, with slow loading times. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lincoln Connect services. The "Phone As A Key" feature allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera and head-up display. The Navigator lacked the optional rear-seat entertainment system, but its technology suite was comprehensive.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, a WiFi hotspot, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. While the XT6's tech offerings were adequate, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the interface could be crowded or sparse depending on usage.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping assistance was effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its RWD rollover resistance was rated at three stars.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6's lane-keep assist struggled with accuracy, but the Driver Assist Package enhanced safety with adaptive cruise control and reverse automatic braking. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.