2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6 Sport model stood out with its darkened accent pieces and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its premium appearance. Inside, the XT6's cabin mirrored the XT5's design but offered more space. It featured three color options and the option for 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 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant exterior styling revisions, including a new grille, headlights, and bumper. It offered a range of trims, including the off-road-focused Timberline. The Expedition's interior boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The test vehicle featured leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a spacious cabin. The Expedition's design emphasized comfort and practicality, making it a favorite for those seeking a full-size SUV experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear shifts. The XT6 offered standard front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive, while the Sport model was exclusively AWD. However, the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear, affecting its agility. Fuel economy for the V6 engine was competitive, with 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for FWD models.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering rear-wheel drive with optional 4WD. The Expedition's powertrain allowed for impressive towing capabilities, ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. While the Expedition excelled in power and comfort, its fuel economy was less efficient, with observed figures of 16.2 mpg. The Expedition's driving dynamics were generally smooth, though the sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition contributed to a harsher ride.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for second-row captain's chairs. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less interior space compared to competitors. The SUV excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a power liftgate. However, small-item storage in the front row was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible.

The 2022 Ford Expedition provided ample interior space, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered comfort and climate control, while the third row provided good leg support. Cargo space behind the third row measured 19.3 cubic feet, with the option to expand to 104.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity. The Expedition's design prioritized passenger comfort and practicality, making it ideal for families and long trips.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, a WiFi hotspot, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose system and additional features like navigation and heated seats. While the tech was suitable, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced the Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with a 12-inch or optional 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a WiFi hotspot and voice recognition. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM radio and Bang & Olufsen sound systems. The Sync 4A system was sophisticated but had some quirks, such as accidental activation of the defroster function. The Expedition also offered advanced trailer backup assist and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system.

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

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 safety systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Expedition also offered Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. While the adaptive cruise control performed well, the lane-centering assist had some issues, particularly in heavy traffic.