2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

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 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 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to impress with its mature and sophisticated look. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage options. The Rogue’s Zero Gravity front seats and roomy second row provided comfort, while the fit and finish, especially in the Platinum model, were exemplary. The cargo space was generous, making it a practical choice for families.

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 both FWD and AWD options, with the Sport model exclusively AWD. However, the XT6 Sport’s 4,690-pound weight made it feel less dynamic, especially in tight turns and under harsh acceleration. Fuel economy for the V6 engine was 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with FWD, slightly lower with AWD. The Smart Towing package was available on midgrade and higher trims.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, a significant improvement over the previous model. The engine’s variable compression technology allowed for better performance and fuel efficiency, achieving 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The Rogue’s new CVT transmission provided a smoother and more responsive driving experience. The chassis and suspension delivered a controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

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 head, leg, shoulder, and hip room compared to competitors. 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 standard power liftgate. The cargo load floor was high, but typical for the class.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue provided ample storage options throughout the cabin, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies. Rear-seat passengers had storage in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue’s cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with standard features like tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. However, the infotainment screen was smaller and could appear crowded or lacking information.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue’s technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating with the navigation system for predictive speed control. Nissan’s Intelligent Key allowed for convenient access to all doors.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured standard safety equipment like 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 and Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package offered additional safety features. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating and a four-star rollover crash test rating from NHTSA, and the 2020 model was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, and the enhanced ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link added navigation integration. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, and the 2021 model was a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.