2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a design that was more refined and athletic than its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and handsome appearance. The ST version, with its blacked-out trim and sporty features, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point, making it less appealing compared to more affordable competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its sharp lines and premium styling cues. The XT6 Sport model featured darkened accents and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, enhancing its premium look. Inside, the XT6 shared similarities with the XT5, offering a spacious cabin with four colour options. The seats, especially with the Platinum Package, were luxurious, featuring semi-aniline leather upholstery. While the dashboard was less premium, the overall interior was attractive and comfortable. The XT6's design and interior quality positioned it as a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. However, the hybrid's fuel efficiency did not justify its higher price. The Explorer's towing capacity varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,540 kilograms.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth acceleration. However, the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear, affecting its agility. The XT6's fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 consuming 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway. While the XT6's performance was adequate, it struggled to match the driving dynamics of some competitors.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row felt luxurious with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated adults for short trips, although the bench was flat for long journeys. The Explorer's cargo space was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's intuitive controls and physical knobs made driving stress-free, although visibility was hindered by thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 provided comfortable seating for seven, with the option for captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 offered less space than some competitors. The interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not user-friendly. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a high cargo load floor. The power liftgate and remote-folding second-row seats added convenience, although cargo space behind the third row was limited.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was well-organized, it lacked innovation, and system updates required an external Wi-Fi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but needed improvement in lane tracking.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, a WiFi hotspot, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. While the tech was not cutting-edge, it was suitable for the XT6's segment, offering a decent range of features.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control and reverse braking were also standard, although the latter occasionally activated falsely. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6's lane-keep assist system struggled with accuracy, but buyers could upgrade to the Driver Assist Package for additional features. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.