Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized appearance with its new generation, fitting seamlessly into the Mercedes lineup as the smallest SUV. Its proportions and styling were distinct, placing it below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB models. The GLA's wheelbase and exterior dimensions positioned it on the larger side of the subcompact class, comparable to the BMW X1. The new GLA was three inches taller and slightly shorter in length than its predecessor, featuring short overhangs and cladding that contributed to its robust dimensions. Despite the small appearance of its windows, the seating positions and greenhouse provided ample visibility. Standard LED headlights and optional adaptive LED headlights were available. Inside, the GLA 250's interior was filled with less-than-premium surfaces, though the seats were well-appointed. However, the overall interior quality did not measure up to other luxury crossovers, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors for a similar price.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, in contrast, arrived with polished 20-inch alloy wheels and a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior, exuding a sense of understated luxury. Its exterior design was attractive yet blandly inoffensive, with towering front running lights and simple vertical taillights. The XT6's proportions conveyed a conservatively tailored image, fitting well within Cadillac's lineup. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6's pricing started just under $50,000, with options quickly raising the cost. Despite its rich interior materials and sophisticated driving assistance technology, the XT6's interior did not look as luxurious as expected for its price. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen display were less advanced compared to competitors, though the tech was intuitive and offered excellent voice recognition. The XT6's interior felt unexpectedly narrow, reminiscent of its GMC Acadia roots, and lacked the spaciousness of a Buick Enclave.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered three variants, with a high-performance AMG GLA 45 on the way. The GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The GLA 250 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The AMG GLA 35 variant featured an enhanced turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, achieving 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 further increased power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The GLA's AWD system, known as 4MATIC, offered various drive modes, including Eco/Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road, with hill-descent control standard on 4MATIC models. Despite its performance capabilities, the GLA 250 experienced turbo lag and low-end gearing confusion during daily driving, with road noise permeating the cabin at high speeds.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 employed engines similar to the GMC Acadia, with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. AWD was available with both engines, and the XT6 offered Tour and Sport driving modes. The V6 provided sufficient power, with the XT6 demonstrating athleticism on twisty roads, aided by an adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels. However, the XT6's driving experience leaned towards serenity rather than excitement, with smooth steering and responsive brakes. The XT6's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined for the V6 with AWD, though real-world testing returned 19.5 mpg. Despite its capabilities, the XT6's driving dynamics were not particularly enjoyable, with some issues in handling and noise isolation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's added height provided a more SUV-like seating position, with easy ingress and egress. Front passengers enjoyed fantastic headroom and legroom, while the redesigned rear seats offered more legroom than before. The GLA's five-seat configuration came standard with synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats. The seats were firm-bottomed but relatively comfortable. Cargo space was practical, with 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, providing ample storage for a family road trip.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, expected to be larger inside, offered comfortable power-adjustable front seats with semi-aniline leather, though lacking massage functions. The XT6's triple-zone climate control system was effective, and the power-adjustable steering wheel was heated. The test vehicle featured sliding second-row captain's chairs, providing good legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was decent but unremarkable, with a small dashboard cubby and center armrest bin. Cargo space measured 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens, touchpad controller, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker Burmester audio system, wireless charging, WiFi hotspot, head-up display, and navigation. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with intuitive scrolling and selection functionality, though lacking quick radio station scrolling. Voice-activated controls responded promptly to commands, and the GLA introduced a car-wash function for convenience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered impressive features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free driving-assistance system. However, it lacked digital gauges, featuring analog gauges with a driver information display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was smaller than competitors, but the software was excellent, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and an available navigation system. The intuitive voice recognition technology was effective, though climate and seat controls were not voice-activated. Usability issues included gloss-black touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights. The available Bose Performance Series audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was less impressive than other GM vehicles.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a reasonable amount of active safety features, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, vehicle-exit warning, automatic emergency braking, driver-drowsiness monitoring, and crosswind assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, active lane change assist, and evasive steering assist. The Parking Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system and parking assist technology. However, the GLA's safety features were not as comprehensive as some less expensive SUVs.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, equipped with the optional Platinum Package, featured a comprehensive list of driving-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, including Teen Driver and Night Vision. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, allowing hands-free highway driving on approved roads. Despite its capabilities, Super Cruise had limitations, such as inconsistent lane-keeping and braking. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.