2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Lexus RX

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, featuring styling cues similar to the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, showcased 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, nearly identical to the XT5 but slightly 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 of the dashboard and console appeared less premium, though the steering wheel and console surfaces felt good to the touch.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX embodied the modern design aesthetic of Lexus with its large grille, angular headlamps, and floating roof. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL with a third row. The interior was nicely appointed, even in the base model, with standard features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The F Sport Appearance package added sporty elements like aluminum trim and unique fascia. However, the center console design was criticized for its dated appearance, despite the functional infotainment system.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 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 and 258 pound-feet of torque. The XT6 offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and available all-wheel drive (AWD), with the Sport model exclusively AWD. Despite its power, the XT6 Sport felt heavy, particularly in the mid-rear due to the AWD mechanics, affecting its driving dynamics. 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 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower and achieving up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX offered a comfortable and dynamic driving experience, especially with the F Sport Handling package, which added adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements. The RX's fuel economy was competitive, with the FWD model achieving 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with an option to upgrade to captain’s chairs in the second row. Adults could fit in the third row, but the XT6 had less head-, leg-, shoulder-, and hip room compared to 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 standard power liftgate, making it practical for larger loads.

The 2021 Lexus RX provided seating for five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL variants. Front and second-row seats were spacious, but the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with the two-row RX offering 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The three-row RXL had just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with standard features like tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hot spot. 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 2021 Lexus RX featured standard technology such as dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a nine-speaker sound system. Available upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system, and wireless charging. The infotainment system was functional but not the most user-friendly, and the Remote Touch controller took up valuable console space.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including 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 XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus RX earned a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a range of driver-assist technologies. However, the RX lacked the advanced hands-off piloting features found in some competitors.