2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic. Its exterior featured clean lines and a horizontal grille adorned with Volkswagen's new flat logo, connecting the headlights. While the exterior maintained a contemporary appeal, the interior was less impressive, with plain design elements and hard black plastic surfaces. Despite this, the Tiguan offered advanced electronics, including an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system, which were highlights in an otherwise simple cockpit.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its sharp lines and premium design elements. The XT6 Sport model featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, enhancing its premium look. The interior, similar to the XT5, offered three color options and could be upgraded with the Platinum Package for semi-aniline leather upholstery and other luxury touches. While the dashboard was less premium than the seats, the overall feel was comfortable and upscale, aligning with Cadillac's luxury SUV playbook.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag. However, the Tiguan's larger size and weight, ranging from 3,757 to 3,847 pounds, impacted its agility and required patience during highway passing. Despite this, the Tiguan provided a quiet and comfortable ride, with a well-insulated cabin and a soft suspension that handled rough roads with ease.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivered 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for the SUV. However, the XT6's weight, particularly in the AWD Sport model at 4,690 pounds, affected its driving dynamics, making it less nimble compared to competitors. The XT6 offered competitive fuel economy, with the V6 engine achieving 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with FWD. The Smart Towing package was available for enhanced towing capabilities.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior with a sliding second row and an optional third row. While the third row was not spacious, it provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 73.5 cubic feet available in two-row models. The driver's seat offered a roomy feel, comparable to midsize SUVs, thanks to its wide beam and abundant glass, making it a comfortable choice for those transitioning from larger vehicles.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 provided seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain’s chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 offered less space compared to some competitors. The interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row passengers. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate. Despite a high cargo load floor, the XT6 offered ample space for larger items, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which, despite being due for an upgrade, was one of the best in its class. The system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base trim, with an 8-inch upgrade available in higher trims. The Tiguan offered a digital cockpit, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. USB ports and a wireless charging pad were available in higher trims, providing ample connectivity options.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a range of standard tech features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The SUV supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with six USB ports distributed across the three rows. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. While the infotainment screen was smaller than some competitors, the XT6 provided a comprehensive suite of tech features suitable for its class.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a robust safety package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for higher trims. The Tiguan was equipped with Car-Net, offering remote access and monitoring features. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for models with LED headlights, though most models had halogen headlights rated poorly.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6 struggled with lane-keeping systems, but buyers could upgrade to the Driver Assist Package for additional safety features. The NHTSA awarded the XT6 a five-star frontal crash test rating, and the IIHS named it a "Top Safety Pick+."