2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, mirroring the styling cues of 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 appearance. The interior, similar to the XT5 but larger, offered three color options and could be upgraded with the Platinum Package for semi-aniline leather upholstery and other premium touches. However, some elements like the dashboard stitching and buttons appeared less premium.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trims: LX, S, EX, and SX, with the SX trim offering a Prestige package that transformed it into a luxury SUV. The Nightfall Edition package added a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch wheels and a unique grille. The Telluride's interior was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with features like a solid and smooth transmission shifter and a well-thought-out storage space. The SX trim's Prestige package included premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, and heated and ventilated second-row seats, enhancing the luxury feel.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The base XT6 Luxury model had a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine provided sufficient power, and the nine-speed transmission shifted smoothly. The XT6 offered standard FWD and optional AWD, with the Sport model exclusively available with AWD. However, the XT6 Sport's weight distribution affected its driving dynamics, making it feel less dynamic compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. Fuel economy for the V6 engine was 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with FWD, slightly lower with AWD.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia's Drive Mode Select offered various driving modes, and AWD was optional, including a low-speed Lock function for better traction. The Telluride excelled in ride and handling, nearly eliminating the "head-toss" phenomenon thanks to its suspension tuning. The EX and SX trims included a self-leveling rear suspension for improved ride quality. Fuel economy for the AWD Telluride was 21 mpg combined, with our test averaging 20.5 mpg.

The Cadillac XT6 offered comfortable seats with optional heating in the first two rows, but competitors like the Acura MDX had more plush seating. Standard seating for seven could be upgraded to captain’s chairs for $800. Adults could fit in the third row, but the XT6 had less room in all three rows compared to rivals. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. The XT6 excelled in cargo space with power-folding third-row seats and an optional hands-free power liftgate, though the cargo load floor was high.

The Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with the SX trim offering a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated/ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs in the Prestige package also had heating and ventilation. The third-row seat was usable by adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage, including smartphone bins and USB ports. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate was convenient, and cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rows down.

The Cadillac XT6 came with standard features like tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. However, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors and could appear crowded.

The Kia Telluride offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard. The EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia’s UVO Link connected services included features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The SX trim had a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The Cadillac XT6 came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assist Package included adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS.

The Kia Telluride included standard safety features like blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The EX and SX trims had Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.