2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents, enhancing its premium appearance. The SUV rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, adding to its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights, which were distinctly Cadillac. The interior mirrored the XT5's design but was slightly larger, offering three color options and the possibility of upgrading to semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements, though the steering wheel and console surfaces felt pleasant to the touch.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing reputation for luxury SUVs. Its design was a scaled-down version of the big Range Rover, with a sporty package that maintained the brand's signature proportions. The Velar's exterior was both blocky and streamlined, featuring flush door handles and special details like taillight lenses with mirrors for depth. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The three screens offered sharp graphics, and upper trims boasted extra leather and richer textures, though the base trim still maintained a sense of luxury.

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. This engine was also standard in the XT6 Premium Luxury trim, while 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 with available all-wheel drive, though the Sport model was exclusively AWD. Despite its power, the XT6 Sport felt heavy, particularly in the mid-rear, affecting its driving dynamics. The SUV's fuel economy was on par with competitors, with the V6 engine achieving 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with FWD.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride, and the Terrain Response system offered six driving modes. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, enhancing the Velar's performance. The mild-hybrid system helped reduce fuel consumption, though the Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less room than some competitors. The interior storage was not ideal for families, 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, though the cargo load floor was relatively high.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet when folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the interface, and the steering wheel controls were more reliable than previous models.

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. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose system, navigation, and heated/ventilated seats. While the tech was not cutting-edge, it was suitable for the XT6's segment.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro system simplified the layout and offered features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could suggest traffic detours and identify frequent routes. The Velar also featured a 12-speaker Meridian stereo and optional adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. The Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. 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 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.