2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport trim 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 premium touches. However, some dashboard elements appeared less premium, though the overall feel was still attractive.

The redesigned 2022 Lexus NX, available in four model series, showcased a refined design with a signature spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior featured NuLuxe simulated leather or real leather in the Luxury trim, with a minimalist dashboard design. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with sport-bolstered seats, a unique steering wheel, and dark interior trim. Despite the decluttered design, some controls integrated into the touchscreen were challenging to use quickly.

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, 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 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350h hybrid offered 239 horsepower and an impressive 39 mpg combined, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower and 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 F Sport provided a dynamic driving experience with adaptive variable sports suspension and multiple driving modes. Lexus estimated 25 mpg combined for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy slightly lower during spirited driving.

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 room than some competitors. Small-item storage in the front row was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and an available hands-free power liftgate. However, cargo space behind the third row was limited.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, rear air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The NX’s panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo space increased by 14% to 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. Standard features included an eight-speaker Bose audio system, six USB ports, and remote start. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. The infotainment screen, however, was smaller than competitors and could appear crowded.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 14-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant responded to natural commands, and the NX offered a digital key, wireless smartphone charging, and a comprehensive head-up display. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and there was no tuning knob.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a robust suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added lane change alert with 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 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. Standard features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The Vision Package offered a panoramic view monitoring system and front cross-traffic alert.