2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

In 2021, the Toyota Highlander stood out in the crowded midsize SUV market for its distinct and somewhat assertive design. Unlike many of its rivals that blended into the background, the Highlander’s design made a memorable statement. The front end, while not as dramatic as the Sienna minivan's, featured wide headlights, a long hood, and a bold trapezoidal grille. Along the sides, Toyota incorporated a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, adding a sporty edge to its profile. The rear taillights, akin to those on a Lexus model, contributed to its overall upscale look, though they lacked the vertical element.

New for 2021, the XSE trim level introduced a sportier aesthetic with a more aggressive front end, 20-inch wheels with black accents, and a higher-rated suspension. Though it hinted at sportiness, it was truly the Limited trim that shined. The Limited featured upscale chrome accents and roof rails, giving it a luxurious appearance. Inside, this trim truly excelled with impeccable fit and finish, and high-quality materials such as tan leather seats complemented by dark brown trim and classy wood details.

Conversely, the 2022 Cadillac XT6, although exuding a sense of luxury with its 20-inch alloy wheels and Stellar Black paint, presented a more conservative and less striking design. Its towering front running lights and vertical taillights gave it a slightly narrow, tall appearance. While not offensive, it didn’t stand out as much in terms of visual appeal. Its conservatively tailored proportions and details were in line with Cadillac's current lineup, offering a more restrained image.

Inside, the XT6's Platinum option package elevated its luxury appeal with semi-aniline leather and abundant comfort features like heated and ventilated seats. However, the overall design did not convey the opulence expected at its price point, having similar elements to less expensive GM models. It was attractive yet clearly rooted in its more mainstream GMC Acadia platform.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was powered by a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options. This powertrain was smooth and predictable, aligning well with Toyota’s reputation for reliability. While it wasn’t built for drag races, it confidently merged onto highways and held its own against competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power output. The Highlander’s suspension was designed for comfort, though the XSE trim added sportier handling with retuned shock absorbers and higher-rated springs.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came standard with a less powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which fell short compared to base versions of the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a more potent 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Despite this, the engine lacked the turbocharging power found in its competitors' upgrade versions. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the XT6 boasted various drive modes including Tour and Sport. Its V6 provided sufficient power and the FWD setup could occasionally lead to torque steer. With an adaptive-damping performance suspension, it handled twisty roads competently, though it leaned more towards a serene driving experience rather than sportiness. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the AWD V6 variant achieving around 19.5 mpg during testing.

Three-row crossovers like the 2021 Toyota Highlander are often judged by their ability to keep passengers comfortable and store cargo efficiently. The Highlander impressed with its interior layout, featuring useful shelves in the front for large cell phones and a well-placed wireless charging pad. Second-row legroom was generous, with seats that could slide to balance space between the middle and third rows. However, the third row was just bearable for adults. Cargo capacity behind the third row was 16 cubic feet, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and maxing out at 84.3 cubic feet with both the second- and third-row seats down.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, despite its premium positioning, did not offer as much interior space as anticipated. Its front seats were comfortable with power adjustments and a pleasing leather wrap, but lacked the high-end adjustments and massage functions found in rivals. Second-row captain’s chairs provided good legroom, though the third row was cramped and difficult to access, making it less suitable for adults. Storage space was less than impressive with small bins and tricky-to-reach areas. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, though an underfloor compartment added utility. Folding the third row offered 43.1 cubic feet, expanding to a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet, all figures notably less than the Highlander’s.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an upgraded suite of safety features with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. It earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 with its Platinum Package boasted comprehensive safety and driver-assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a semi-autonomous park assist system. Super Cruise was the standout feature, offering hands-free highway driving with precise performance, though it had limitations and necessitated readiness for sudden deactivation. The XT6 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.