2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished exterior and a sophisticated interior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and premium leather seating. Its design was conservative, with a tall and narrow appearance that was both elegant and understated. The XT6's exterior lighting and overall proportions aligned with Cadillac's brand image, though some elements, like the taillights, seemed too similar to other models in the GM lineup. Despite its luxurious materials and advanced technologies, the interior felt more akin to a standard GM crossover, lacking the distinctiveness expected in a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride boasted a muscular and balanced design, with trendy blacked-out wheels and trim that enhanced its appeal. Kia made minimal changes to the Telluride's already successful design, focusing on minor grille updates and new badges. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with logical control arrangements and high-quality materials, especially in the SX Prestige trim. Despite some glossy plastic elements, the Telluride's cabin felt upscale and well-organized, offering a sense of luxury without the high price tag.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. For those seeking more power, the Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While the V6 provided sufficient power and a pleasant sound, it lacked the turbocharged punch found in some competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and available Brembo brakes enhanced its driving dynamics, but the overall experience leaned more towards comfort than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 AWD model was rated at 21 mpg combined, with real-world testing returning 19.5 mpg.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for the Telluride, making it a satisfying drive despite the lack of alternative powertrains. The AWD system offered a Lock mode for better traction, and the Telluride's ride quality was smooth and compliant, with good handling capabilities. The SUV's brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and various driving modes contributed to its enjoyable driving experience. The Telluride achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, with testing results closely matching this figure.

Inside the 2022 Cadillac XT6, the cabin was comfortable but not as spacious as expected for a three-row SUV. The front seats offered power adjustments and were wrapped in premium leather, but lacked massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided decent legroom, but the third row was cramped for adults. Storage space was limited, with small compartments and a modest cargo area. The XT6 offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 78.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Kia Telluride excelled in balancing form and function, with an upscale interior that prioritized utility. The cabin featured thoughtful details like overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage, and USB ports in all rows. The SX Prestige trim added premium Nappa leather and a simulated suede headliner, enhancing the luxurious feel. All three rows were comfortable for adults, and the Telluride's one-touch sliding and folding second-row seats made accessing the third row easy. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it ideal for hauling large items.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured advanced technologies like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance. However, it lacked digital gauges, relying on analog instruments. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was user-friendly but smaller than competitors' offerings. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a WiFi hotspot and navigation. The Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality, but some controls were counterintuitive, and the head-up display was less impressive than expected.

For 2022, the Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition. While it lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system was intuitive and easy to use. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance and remote features. The Telluride also offered USB ports in all rows, a wireless charging pad, and a Quiet Mode for rear passengers. The SX trim featured a Harman Kardon audio system, a comprehensive head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving-assist system. While impressive, it had limitations in certain conditions. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Telluride prioritized safety with standard features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided lane-centering assistance, and Smart Cruise Control-Curve used GPS data for curve prediction. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.