2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Lexus GX

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 reminiscent of GMC's design, and the overall conservative styling fit well within Cadillac's lineup.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition we evaluated came in Black Onyx, with almost all chrome eradicated from its exterior. This gave the SUV a striking, all-black appearance that quickly gathered dust, making it look old and shabby. The GX's design felt dated, resembling the first-generation 2002 GX 470. However, the cabin's quality was undeniable, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet interior, save for the faint roar of the V8 engine. The GX's overall design and build quality were consistent with Lexus's reputation for craftsmanship.

The Cadillac XT6 employed the same engines as the GMC Acadia. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was less powerful than the base engines in the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims used a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, which lacked the turbocharged punch of its competitors. All-wheel drive was available, and our test vehicle had an adaptive-damping performance suspension upgrade, making it surprisingly athletic on twisty roads. However, the XT6 leaned more towards serenity than excitement, with a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, though our test returned 19.5 mpg.

The Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, provided a satisfying engine note and a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX's drag coefficient of 0.35 and its always-on 4WD system contributed to a combined fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg, though our test returned 16.8 mpg. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

Inside the Cadillac XT6, the power-adjustable seats were comfortable, especially with the Platinum option package's 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's interior storage was decent but unremarkable, with 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 78.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry tricky. The third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space when in use. With the third row stowed, the GX offered 46.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The Cadillac XT6 featured impressive technology like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free highway driving-assistance system. However, it lacked digital gauges, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and excellent voice recognition technology. The Bose Performance Series premium audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was small and unimpressive.

The Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the old Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also featured a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services. The voice recognition technology was excellent, and the dual-screen view was a highlight. However, the placement of stereo controls below the off-roading controls was awkward.

The Cadillac XT6 test vehicle, equipped with the Platinum Package, featured a comprehensive list of driving-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, including Super Cruise. This highway driving-assist system allowed 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.

The Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on the standard Lexus Safety System+ for safety. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in its competitors.