Nissan Rogue vs 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 one feel as if they 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 appear too tall and narrow. The rear taillights were reminiscent of GMC's design, and while the overall look was conservatively tailored, it didn't stand out in the luxury SUV market.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured proper proportions and chiseled styling, giving it a rugged yet appealing look. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Platinum trim with the Premium option package, had an MSRP of $43,100. The Rogue's design was handsome and practical, making it a popular choice among consumers who value aesthetics and functionality.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options. The base model came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was less powerful than the base versions of the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While the V6 provided sufficient power, it lacked the turbocharged zing of its competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels offered a smooth ride, but the driving experience leaned more towards serenity than excitement. The V6 with AWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle returned 19.5 mpg.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression technology, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The new powertrain felt responsive in urban and suburban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue's EPA fuel economy rating was 31 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride quality was generally good, with a balance of compliance and body control, though the steering felt lifeless.

Inside, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 felt 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, expandable to 43.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum volume of 78.7 cubic feet. Storage space was decent but unremarkable, with small cubbies and bins.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, designed as a family car replacement, offered ample space for four adults and could accommodate a fifth person if needed. The Platinum trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easy to load and unload passengers. The rear seat, however, was less comfortable than the front, with a low-mounted cushion and diamond-shaped pleats. The Rogue provided 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Storage space was plentiful but unlined, potentially causing unwanted noise.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a mix of advanced and outdated technology. It featured a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free driving-assistance system. However, it lacked digital gauges, instead using 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 natural voice recognition. The Bose Performance Series premium audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was small and unimpressive.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the 9-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, and a navigation system. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition technology struggled with accuracy, and the system's overall functionality was less impressive than expected.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The highlight was the Super Cruise system, which allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. The XT6 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue also offered a robust set of safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. Higher trim levels included ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating.