2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. The interior featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland and dated. Lexus offered the RX in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different needs, from performance to extended seating capacity. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added unique styling elements and performance dampers.

Inside, even the base RX 350 model was well-appointed with features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats, power-adjustable front seats, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Higher trims offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a power-folding third row. However, the center console's dated appearance and the infotainment system's functionality were points of contention, with Lexus sticking to traditional buttons and a less modern look compared to competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, arrived with polished 20-inch alloy wheels, Stellar Black paint, and a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior, exuding a sense of understated luxury. The XT6's design was attractive but conservative, with towering front running lights and simple vertical taillights. Cadillac offered the XT6 in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, with prices starting just under $50,000. Our test vehicle, loaded with options like Super Cruise and Night Vision, had an MSRP of $73,565, positioning it competitively against similarly equipped rivals.

Inside, the XT6's materials were rich, but the overall design felt more akin to other GM crossovers. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen were functional but lacked the sophistication of competitors' digital displays. The V6 engine provided sufficient power, and the adaptive-damping suspension offered a comfortable ride. However, the XT6's driving dynamics leaned towards serenity rather than excitement, and the interior space felt unexpectedly narrow due to its relationship with the GMC Acadia.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 hp managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The RX achieved 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined in its most fuel-efficient FWD configuration, while the hybrids managed up to 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX's suspension and handling were tuned for a more dynamic feel, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive variable suspension and sportier features. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. AWD was available with both engines, and our test vehicle included an adaptive-damping performance suspension. The XT6's V6 provided sufficient power, but the driving experience leaned towards comfort rather than excitement. The XT6 achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined with the V6 and AWD, though our test vehicle returned 19.5 mpg. The XT6's driving dynamics were competent but not particularly engaging, with smooth steering and responsive brakes.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered a functional interior with seating for five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL variants. Front and second-row seats provided ample space, but the third row was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior felt narrower than expected, with comfortable power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs offered good legroom, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 78.7 cubic feet with both rows down. Storage compartments were decent but unremarkable, with some areas difficult to access.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system's touchpad controller was functional but took up valuable console space, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free highway driving-assistance system. However, it lacked digital gauges, instead offering analog gauges with a driver information display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and an available navigation system. The natural voice recognition technology was excellent, but some usability issues persisted, such as touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights. The available Bose Performance Series audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was less impressive than in other GM vehicles.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and scored well in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. However, the RX lacked the hands-off piloting features found in some competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, equipped with the Platinum Package, included a comprehensive list of safety features, such as 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. The XT6 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all crash-test evaluations. However, Super Cruise had limitations, such as inconsistent braking and difficulty detecting certain road conditions.