2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. It was available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. The XT6 Sport, in particular, 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 mirrored the XT5 but was slightly larger, offering three color options and the possibility of upgrading to semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area was less premium, though still attractive.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the potential to exceed $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine and standard paint and leather. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless look with hallmark design cues and a luxurious interior. The cabin, with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, was a testament to luxury, though the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was less intuitive than newer models.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base XT6 Luxury model featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The XT6 offered standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, with the Sport model exclusively AWD. However, the XT6 Sport's weight of 4,690 pounds made it feel less dynamic, especially in turns. Fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with FWD.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered various powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities, though the test vehicle was not pushed to its limits. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, but the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling. The EPA estimated 20 mpg combined for the tested model, with an observed 18.5 mpg.

The Cadillac XT6 offered 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 had less space than some competitors. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a power liftgate.

The Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers struggled. The front seats were comfortable, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with small bins and a refrigerated compartment. Cargo space was also restricted, with a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. The suspension kneel function aided loading, and the rear-seat center section could accommodate longer items.

The Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard features like tri-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system and navigation. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, but the technology was suitable for its class.

The Range Rover's technology included three digital displays and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. While not entirely intuitive, it offered numerous features and functions. The head-up display was comprehensive but not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband and iGuide smartphone app were notable features, enhancing convenience and usability.

The Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system was not always reliable. The Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT6 received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.