2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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 stood out with its darkened accent pieces and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, giving it a premium and distinctly Cadillac appearance. The interior mirrored the XT5, offering three color options and a Platinum Package that elevated the cabin with semi-aniline leather and a microsuede headliner. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area felt less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained traditional Jeep design elements while introducing a modern twist. The two-row version of the Grand Cherokee L, it offered a range of trims from Laredo to Summit Reserve, each catering to different needs. The styling paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with a focus on quality and comfort. The Summit Reserve trim offered a luxurious experience with quilted leather, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof, though some controls suffered from reflections.

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 with available all-wheel drive, though the Sport model was exclusively AWD. Despite its power, the XT6 struggled with driving dynamics due to its weight distribution, particularly in the AWD Sport model, which felt heavy and less dynamic in turns. Fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in FWD models.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 was standard across most trims, while the V8 was available with higher trims and exclusively with 4WD. The Grand Cherokee excelled in off-road capabilities, especially the Trailhawk trim, which featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. Fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg combined with the V8 to 21 mpg with the V6. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with or without the Quadra-Lift suspension, offering a nimble and athletic driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with an option for captain’s chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less space compared to competitors like the Telluride and Palisade. Interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row passengers. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate, though space behind the third row was limited.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. Rear-seat room was tight for adults, and the Grand Cherokee L offered more space. The two-row Grand Cherokee had 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose system, navigation, and heated/ventilated seats. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, sometimes appearing crowded or lacking information.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, with a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard, with upgrades including a McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured advanced driver assistance systems, with a structure composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. New for 2022, Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. Intersection Collision Assist and a hands-free version of Active Driving Assist were notable features, enhancing safety and driving convenience.