2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling was a testament to its longevity in the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years, including the addition of Lexus’ trademark spindle grille in 2014, which was further refined in 2020 with a new textured insert and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn’t introduce any new styling changes, but it did make silver 18-inch wheels standard on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX’s tough, aggressive look remained distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior didn’t quite match up to modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic, though it did offer standard leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury test vehicle exuded a polished, sophisticated vibe with its 20-inch alloy wheels, Stellar Black paint, and Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior. The XT6’s exterior was attractive but somewhat bland, with towering front running lights that made it appear too tall and narrow. The rear taillights were reminiscent of GMC’s design, lacking uniqueness. Despite these design quirks, the XT6’s proportions and details conveyed a conservatively tailored image. Inside, the XT6 offered a rich array of materials and a sophisticated driving assistance technology suite, though it fell short in terms of visual appeal and differentiation from other GM crossovers.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept things straightforward with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460’s performance was a throwback to an earlier era of SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers and stopping a challenge. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, lacking the refinement of modern unibody SUVs. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package further enhanced its ruggedness, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque for the Premium Luxury and Sport trims. The V6 provided sufficient power, and the XT6’s adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a remarkably athletic driving experience. However, the XT6’s driving dynamics leaned more towards serenity than excitement, with smooth steering and responsive brakes. Fuel economy for the V6 with AWD was rated at 21 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 19.5 mpg. The XT6’s driving experience was competent but not particularly engaging, with some issues like a creaking panoramic sunroof detracting from the overall experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel’s odd angle and the tall seating position made it feel like driving a bus. However, the GX offered excellent outward visibility thanks to its boxy profile and low side glass. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, and virtually no space with the third row up.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6’s interior was comfortable but not as spacious as expected. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, but lacked the range of adjustment and massage functions found in some rivals. The second-row captain’s chairs offered good legroom when slid back, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Storage space was decent but unremarkable, with small bins and cubbies. The XT6 provided 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s and limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a mix of advanced and outdated technology. It featured impressive options like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance. However, it lacked digital gauges, instead using analog gauges with a driver information display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was small but functional, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and excellent voice recognition. Usability issues included touch-sensing buttons, counterintuitive seat ventilation indicators, and hard-to-read steering wheel buttons. The available Bose Performance Series audio system and digital rear camera were highlights, but the head-up display was underwhelming.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some advanced features like traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. However, Super Cruise had limitations, such as inconsistent braking and difficulty detecting vehicles in certain situations. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.