2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite its age, the Durango's design updates for 2021, particularly on the SRT Hellcat model, included a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, giving it a fresh and aggressive look. The interior was modernized with a new instrument panel and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Durango's cabin was versatile, with options ranging from cloth to premium leather upholstery, and a variety of color schemes, making it appealing to a wide range of buyers.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented a more conservative and tailored exterior, with vertical lighting elements that made it appear tall and narrow. The XT6's design was in line with Cadillac's lineup, but it lacked the distinctive flair of its competitors. Inside, the XT6 offered a premium feel with semi-aniline leather and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the interior space was somewhat limited, especially in the third row, which was challenging for adults to access. The XT6's cabin, while comfortable, did not stand out in terms of luxury or spaciousness compared to other vehicles in its class.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 295 horsepower, and moving up to the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, delivering an impressive 710 horsepower. The Durango's performance was robust, with smooth acceleration and precise steering, although its aging chassis showed limitations on rough roads and tracks. The Durango also excelled in towing capacity, with the R/T model capable of towing up to 8,700 pounds, thanks to its Tow N Go Package.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, offered a more modest performance with its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower, and an optional 3.6-liter V6 delivering 310 horsepower. While the V6 provided sufficient power, it lacked the turbocharged boost found in some competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and available Brembo brakes enhanced its handling, but the driving experience leaned more towards comfort than excitement. Fuel economy was reasonable, with the V6 AWD model achieving 19.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The spacious front and second-row seats provided ample room for taller occupants, while the third row was more accommodating than many rivals. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its versatile seating configurations and improved fit and finish made it a practical choice for families.

In comparison, the 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior felt narrower, with limited third-row space that was difficult for adults to access. The front seats were comfortable, especially with the Platinum package's leather, but lacked some of the advanced adjustments and features found in competitors. Storage space was decent but unremarkable, with a maximum cargo volume of 78.7 cubic feet when the third row was folded down.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was significantly faster and more customizable than its predecessor. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a host of connected services and a family entertainment system with dual 9-inch screens. However, the analog speedometer's design made it difficult to read at a glance, and the lack of a head-up display was a notable omission.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a mix of advanced technology and outdated elements. While it boasted features like a digital rearview mirror and Super Cruise hands-free driving, it lacked digital gauges and had an 8-inch touchscreen that felt small for the segment. The infotainment system was intuitive, with excellent voice recognition, but some controls were counterintuitive, and the head-up display was less impressive than those in other GM vehicles.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its competitors in terms of standard safety features, offering only a rearview camera as standard. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but many rivals offered these as standard. The Durango received a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, but IIHS ratings were not available.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. The XT6 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, demonstrating its strong safety credentials.