2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 presented a clean and crisp exterior, embodying modern Cadillac design with its smooth body panels and limited creases. It avoided flashy chrome and oversized elements, opting instead for satin-painted silver accents and a medium-sized silver mesh grille. The XT6's thin LED headlights and vertical running lamps added a touch of flair, while the overall design maintained a sense of restraint and taste. Inside, however, the XT6 fell short of its competitors, with a lackluster interior that didn't match the lavish offerings from brands like Lincoln and BMW. Despite having soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats were thin and lacked support, and the use of cheap vinyl detracted from the luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, especially in its Heritage Edition, celebrated its 65th anniversary with a nostalgic design. The exterior, particularly in Midnight Black with bronze BBS wheels, exuded a rugged charm. However, the standard spec Land Cruiser, with its Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery, appeared more utilitarian. Inside, the Land Cruiser offered a mix of high-quality materials and dated design elements, reminiscent of a bygone era. The presence of a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player added to its retro appeal, while the plush leather seats and wood-and-leather steering wheel provided a touch of luxury.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While it was capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds, the engine's coarse sound and lack of responsiveness off the line were noticeable drawbacks. The 9-speed automatic transmission offered quick shifts, and the AWD system with adaptive dampers provided a balanced and controlled ride. The XT6's steering was direct and well-weighted, with a Sport mode enhancing the driving experience. Fuel efficiency was average, with AWD models achieving 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. The engine's roar was subdued, contributing to a quiet cabin, but fuel economy was poor, averaging 14.7 mpg. The 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, along with a Torsen limited-slip differential, ensured impressive off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's suspension system, including the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, provided excellent wheel articulation, while features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select enhanced its off-road prowess. On pavement, the Land Cruiser offered a refined ride, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected maneuverability.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third-row seat, with decent knee room and amenities like USB ports and air vents. The second-row was spacious, with optional heated seats and a 3-zone climate control system. Cargo space was flexible, with a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet available. Visibility was good, aided by a digital mirror and improved controls for the infotainment system.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was swanky, with premium leather upholstery and a commanding view from the front seats. The second-row offered heated seats and a four-zone climate control system, while the third-row could accommodate adults if the second-row passengers adjusted. Cargo space was accessible via a split clamshell liftgate, with a maximum of 82.8 cubic feet available. The lower tailgate provided a convenient seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured a fast and intuitive infotainment system with cloud-based voice commands and a built-in app store. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assists. However, the lack of semi-automated driving features and a mediocre Bose stereo were notable omissions.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was dated, with a 9-inch touchscreen that required tapping rather than swiping. The system lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice-recognition system was basic. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was also outdated, though a 14-speaker JBL audio system provided decent sound quality.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered safety features like rear pedestrian detection, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control. The Driver Assist Package added forward emergency braking and seat-belt tightening.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with 10 airbags and standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, which limited its competitiveness in the luxury SUV segment.