2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward choice with a single engine and transmission combination, and the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, SL Premium Package, and additional accessories, was priced at $34,870, including a $1,095 destination charge. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells were a bit much for some tastes.

Inside, the Rogue’s age was more evident. The waterfall control panel and rounded interior forms felt dated compared to modern designs favoring wide, horizontal, angular motifs. The plastic surfaces were unimpressive, though the padded sides of the center console were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6 Sport featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and slim all-LED headlights, giving it a premium and distinctly Cadillac look. The XT6 came in seven paint colors, with most requiring an additional surcharge, and a sunroof was standard.

Inside, the XT6’s cabin mirrored the XT5’s design but was slightly larger. It offered three color options and the Platinum Package, which upgraded the seats to semi-aniline leather and added a microsuede headliner and premium floor mats. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements. However, the steering wheel and console surfaces felt good to the touch.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue’s powertrain was merely adequate. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD models, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg.

The Rogue’s ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, which helped with cornering and smoothing out road imperfections. However, the Rogue SL’s 19-inch wheels and tires didn’t make it particularly fun to drive. The steering was lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided ample power, and the transmission shifted smoothly. The XT6 offered standard FWD and available AWD, with the Sport model exclusively AWD. However, the XT6 Sport’s 4,690-pound weight made it feel heavy and less dynamic, especially in the mid-rear where the AWD mechanics were located.

The XT6’s fuel economy was on par with competitors. The base turbocharged four-cylinder engine achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined with AWD. The V6 engine with FWD earned 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, with slight decreases for AWD models. The Smart Towing package was available on midgrade and higher trims, adding useful towing features.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior was less accommodating for taller drivers, with seats that were somewhat undersized and difficult to adjust for optimal comfort. The rear seats, however, were more comfortable, offering high cushions, good thigh support, and a proper backrest angle. The panoramic glass sunroof and rear air conditioning vents added to the rear seat appeal. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area was spacious, with 39 cubic feet of space and underfloor storage compartments.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered comfortable seats with heating available in the first two rows. Seating for seven was standard, with optional captain’s chairs in the second row. Adults could fit in the third row, though the XT6 had less room than some competitors. Small-item storage in the front row was lacking, and the wireless phone charger was not user-friendly. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with a power liftgate, power-folding third-row seats, and optional remote-folding second-row seats. The cargo load floor was high, but typical for the class.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote access. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, slow to respond, and had subpar voice-recognition technology.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, a WiFi hot spot, six USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, and Teen Driver monitoring. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors and could appear crowded or lacking information.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. The Rogue received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, a high-definition rearview camera, Safety Alert Seat, and IntelliBeam headlights. Premium Luxury and Sport models added lane change alert and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assist Package and Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package offered additional safety features. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.