2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 showcased a clean and crisp exterior, embodying modern Cadillac design. Its long, boxy shape was cleverly disguised with smooth body panels and minimal creases, avoiding flashy chrome and oversized elements. The XT6 featured satin-painted silver accents and a medium-sized silver mesh grille, with thin LED headlights and vertical running lamps adding a touch of flair. The overall design was tasteful and restrained, creating a lasting style without being dull. Inside, however, the XT6 fell short compared to its competitors. While it boasted soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats lacked support and appeared plain. The interior materials and design seemed outdated, lacking the luxurious feel expected from a new luxury vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had a sharp-edged, streamlined profile that was both different and familiar. Despite its aggressive F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid's design had not evolved much over the years. The interior, once radical, now felt familiar due to its lack of updates. The F Sport Black Line model featured unique elements like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery with blue contrast stitching. However, the material quality was more akin to a mainstream brand, with plastic switchgear and trim. While some design aspects were appreciated, the overall interior quality did not match the luxury brand's reputation.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. It could tow up to 4,000 pounds but was criticized for its coarse sound and lack of responsiveness compared to newer turbocharged engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts, and the AWD with adaptive dampers offered a balanced and controlled ride. The steering was direct, though a bit loose in Tour mode, but improved in Sport mode. Despite its size, the XT6 handled well, with firm brakes and a decent fuel economy of 20 mpg combined. Cadillac planned a plug-in hybrid version to enhance efficiency and torque.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with AWD but was not a performance vehicle, taking 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. The hybrid system focused on fuel efficiency, though it struggled with a heavy foot, leading to a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, maintaining agility and comfort. However, the steering was numb, and the NX felt less refined than newer models based on the TNGA platform. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further dulling acceleration.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third row, with decent knee room and amenities like USB ports and air vents. The second row was spacious, with optional heated seats and 3-zone climate control. Cargo space was generous, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 78.7 cubic feet with seats folded. Visibility was good, aided by a digital mirror and improved controls for climate and infotainment systems.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with cramped rear seats due to thick pillars. Front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline hindered rear visibility, though large mirrors helped. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear bench and 53.7 cubic feet with it folded. The NX offered a power-folding second row and power liftgate, but these were not standard.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an improved infotainment system with cloud-based voice commands and an app store. It offered driver profiles transferable across GM vehicles and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and night vision, but it lacked semi-automated driving features like Super Cruise. The lighting system was praised, but the tech offerings were not as comprehensive as expected.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt dated, with poor graphics and text-heavy menus. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims. The base audio system was underwhelming, lacking the quality expected from a luxury brand.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores. It offered safety features like rear pedestrian detection, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control through optional packages.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a “Top Safety Pick+” award from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, though a 360-degree camera system was missing.