2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator had evolved significantly from its predecessors, which were essentially dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a bespoke turn signal stalk. The Navigator Reserve, priced at $92,000, exuded luxury and sophistication, convincing even those accustomed to high-end brands like Mercedes and Range Rover of its worth. Its elegant design, characterized by simple rectilinear shapes and subtle chrome accents, was both classy and imposing. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and attention to finer details. The Slate Gray interior of the test vehicle showcased layered wood trim, a floating center console, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the panel gaps were tight. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided exceptional comfort. Fully loaded, the Navigator's interior rivaled that of much smaller, more expensive luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, presented a more conservative and understated design. The Premium Luxury test vehicle featured polished 20-inch alloy wheels, Stellar Black paint, and a Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior. The XT6's exterior design, with its towering front running lights and simple vertical taillights, conveyed a conservatively tailored image. While it was attractive, it lacked the boldness of some of its competitors. The XT6's proportions and details aligned with Cadillac's overall design language, but it didn't stand out in a crowd.

Inside, the XT6 offered a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, especially with the Platinum option package. The power-adjustable seats were heated and ventilated, and the triple-zone automatic climate control system was effective. However, the interior didn't feel as spacious as expected, and the third-row seat was cramped for adults. The XT6's storage space was decent but unremarkable, with 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum volume of 78.7 cubic feet. Overall, the XT6's interior was functional but lacked the wow factor of some of its rivals.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with sprightly performance and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and its towing capacity was substantial, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, which was in line with its EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks and air springs. The steering and brakes were less precise than those of the Escalade, but the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a comfortable highway cruiser.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The V6, available in Premium Luxury and Sport trims, provided sufficient power and a pleasant engine note. The XT6's AWD system allowed for FWD or AWD driving modes, and the adaptive-damping performance suspension provided a comfortable ride. The XT6 was agile on twisty roads and handled speed bumps with ease. However, it wasn't particularly enjoyable to drive, with smooth steering and responsive brakes that leaned toward serenity rather than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 AWD model was 21 mpg combined, with the test vehicle achieving 19.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with the capacity to comfortably seat six adults. The third-row middle seat was best suited for children, and the second-row captain's chairs provided excellent comfort. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 103 cubic feet. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage space. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate control system. However, the second-row seats lacked power reclining and other advanced features found in some competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with a range of features including massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking the large vehicle was challenging.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior was less spacious than expected, with a narrow and vertical design. The power-adjustable front seats were comfortable, but lacked the range of adjustments and massage functions found in some rivals. The second-row captain's chairs provided good legroom when slid to their rearmost position, but the third-row seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was decent, with 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum volume of 78.7 cubic feet. The XT6's interior storage compartments were functional but unremarkable. Overall, the XT6's interior was comfortable but lacked the spaciousness and versatility of some competitors.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt small compared to the advanced displays in some competitors. The system was intuitive and easy to use, but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. While the technology was functional, it felt dated compared to the latest offerings from competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a mix of advanced and outdated technology. It featured a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free highway driving-assistance system. However, the XT6 lacked digital gauges, instead offering analog gauges with a driver information display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was small but featured excellent software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and intuitive voice recognition. The XT6's dashboard controls included touch-sensing buttons, which were not user-friendly. The available Bose Performance Series premium audio system sounded great, and the digital rear camera improved rear visibility. However, the head-up display was small and less impressive than those in some other GM vehicles.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five-star overall ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance (four stars for 4WD models, three stars for RWD models). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as those of some competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, equipped with the Platinum Package, offered a comprehensive suite of driving-assistance and collision-avoidance systems. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The XT6 also offered advanced features like Teen Driver, Night Vision, and Super Cruise. The Super Cruise system allowed for hands-free highway driving but had limitations in certain conditions. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA in every crash-test evaluation, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.