2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

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 luxury touches. However, some dashboard elements appeared less premium, though the overall feel was still attractive.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, particularly the High Tide special edition, was based on the four-door Sport S trim and came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification. It featured a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch BF Goodrich tires, and a host of off-road enhancements. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials dominating. The driving experience was unique and immersive, with the Wrangler's open-top design allowing drivers to feel connected to their surroundings. However, it was noisy, had vague steering, and required frequent fuel stops, which are all part of its rugged charm.

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 had a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The XT6 offered standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, with the Sport model exclusively AWD. Despite its power, the XT6 Sport felt heavy and less dynamic, especially in tight turns and under harsh acceleration. Fuel economy for the V6 was 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with FWD, slightly lower with AWD.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD. The EPA estimated 21 mpg combined for the eTorque V6, but real-world driving averaged 16.8 mpg. The Wrangler's driving experience was rugged and engaging, with a unique connection to the environment. However, it was noisy, had vague steering, and required frequent fuel stops, which are all part of its off-road charm.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered comfortable seating for seven, with optional captain’s chairs in the second row. Adults could fit in the third row, but the XT6 had less space than competitors like the Telluride and Palisade. 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 high cargo load floor. The power liftgate and remote-folding second-row seats added convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, but the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring adjustments. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but had agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage was limited, with small compartments and a heavy tailgate. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose system, navigation, and heated/ventilated seats. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, but the tech was suitable for its class.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a premium sound system. Our test vehicle included remote engine start, satellite radio, and heated front seats. The tech was basic but functional, with streaming services compensating for the lack of advanced features.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive suite of standard 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 Driver Assist Package offered 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 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover rating from NHTSA and Marginal ratings from IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving due to its design.