2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, mirroring the styling cues of the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport trim, in particular, featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and slim all-LED headlights, giving it a definitively premium and Cadillac look. 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 premium touches. However, some elements of the dashboard and console appeared less premium.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, presented a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler, wheels stretched to the chassis corners, and voluptuous curves for style and stability. The headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile with a matte silver paint added to its sharp look. Inside, the EV6 boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting and futuristic design elements like the hockey-puck shifter enhanced its modern appeal.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. 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, 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 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, tested with two electric motors, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and handled corners impressively. The top-power GT trim promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of under 3.5 seconds. The EV6 offered various drive modes and regenerative braking settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, cold weather significantly reduced its driving range, with real-world efficiency falling short of Kia's EPA estimates. Charging was efficient, though not always meeting Kia's claims, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW.

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 compared to competitors like the Telluride and Palisade. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was inconveniently deep-pocketed. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats making it practical for larger loads.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative functions like pop-out door handles and a dual-function touchscreen for climate and stereo controls. It provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, its cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The high load floor and low roof height further restricted space. Towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator added utility.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with standard features like tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, 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 and sometimes crowded.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, wireless charger, and navigation. It lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but offered advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, and a head-up display with augmented reality. Higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

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 XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS.

The 2022 Kia EV6, though lacking published test results, offered impressive standard safety tech, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking and evasive steering assist. The EV6's safety tech was comprehensive and advanced.