2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

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. It exuded a sense of sophistication, making us feel like we should be dressed in formal attire, ready to chauffeur someone important. The XT6’s 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide special edition model was based on the four-door Sport S trim and featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The High Tide stood out with its Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires. The Wrangler’s rugged and adventurous look was complemented by its Hydro Blue paint, which sparkled brilliantly in direct sunlight. The interior was basic but durable, with cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials dominating the cabin.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 employed the same engines as the GMC Acadia. The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was less than the base versions of the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available with both engines, and our test vehicle had an adaptive-damping performance suspension upgrade. The XT6 was quick enough and isolated from unwanted noise, but it wasn’t particularly enjoyable to drive. The official EPA fuel economy rating for the XT6 V6 with AWD was 21 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle returned 19.5 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and our test vehicle also had the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA rated the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6 at 21 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 17.6 mpg on the evaluation route and 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler’s driving experience was unique and immersive, with a rough-and-tumble feel that appealed to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6’s interior was narrower than expected, with comfortable power-adjustable seats wrapped in semi-aniline leather. The second-row captain’s chairs offered good legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. 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 down and 78.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

Getting into and out of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was challenging, especially with its raised suspension. The seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was durable. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered impressive features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free highway driving-assistance system. However, it lacked digital gauges and had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that felt behind the times. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and an available embedded navigation system. The Bose Performance Series premium audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was small and unimpressive.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a relatively basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle had remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 test vehicle had every available driving-assistance and collision-avoidance system, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The star of the show was the Super Cruise system, which allowed hands-free highway driving on approved roads. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Wrangler’s crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS in several tests. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler required extra care when driving.