2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup. Slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, the GLB measured 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Despite its distinct dimensions, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB's attractive, athletic stance was enhanced by its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more forgiving on soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, featuring round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin's fit and finish were excellent, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the overall appeal.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury test vehicle arrived with polished 20-inch alloy wheels, Stellar Black paint, and a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior. The XT6's exterior design was attractive but somewhat bland, with towering front running lights that made it look too tall and narrow. The rear taillights were similar to those on GMC models, and the overall design conveyed a conservatively tailored image. Inside, the XT6 offered comfortable power-adjustable seats wrapped in premium leather, a heated steering wheel, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. However, the interior didn't feel as luxurious as its price tag suggested, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that felt outdated compared to its rivals.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, making it a wise choice for drivers who planned to venture off paved roads.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came with two engine options. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive was available with both engines, and the XT6 offered Tour and Sport driving modes. The V6 engine provided sufficient power, but the XT6's driving experience leaned towards serenity rather than excitement. The adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels offered a comfortable ride, but the XT6's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined for the V6 with AWD, with our test vehicle achieving 19.5 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a choice between a two-row and a three-row configuration. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with each section adjustable for recline and slide. The third row, available as an option, was retractable and suitable for children or short trips for smaller adults. Cargo space in the two-row GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the three-row GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior felt narrower than expected, with power-adjustable front seats that were comfortable 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 seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.6 cubic feet, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 78.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. Storage space in the cabin was decent but unremarkable, with small bins and cubbies.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and keyword activation. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, smartphone integration, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package added larger 10.25-inch displays, keyless go, and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality, traffic-sign assist, and a head-up display. Other available features included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless device charging, and parking assistance with surround view.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a mix of impressive and outdated technology. It 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 was smaller than those of its rivals but offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and an available navigation system. The intuitive voice recognition technology was a highlight, but the touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive seat ventilation indicators were usability issues. The available Bose Performance Series audio system and digital rear camera were notable features, but the head-up display was less impressive than those in other GM vehicles.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a range of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated for safety by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, equipped with the optional 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 adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous park assist, and the Super Cruise system. Super Cruise allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways 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 crash-test evaluations.