2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, featured a traditionally styled grille with darkened accents, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and slim all-LED headlights, giving it a premium and distinctly Cadillac appearance. The interior, reminiscent of the XT5, offered four colour options and could be upgraded with the Platinum Package for semi-aniline leather upholstery and other premium touches. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator presented an elegant and understated design, despite its massive size. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and a few chrome accents, creating a classy look. The interior impressed with seven colour palettes and high-quality materials. The Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing exceptional comfort. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and modern, with a floating centre console and minimalist digital instrument panel, making it feel refined and luxurious.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was also standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The XT6's V6 engine provided sufficient power, but its 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 engine consuming 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, boasted a powerful twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and a smooth driving experience. Its towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 L/100 km combined. The Navigator's suspension and steering were not as refined as some competitors, but its overall power and refinement made it a compelling choice for highway driving.

The Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less interior space compared to some competitors. The interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a power liftgate, making it practical for hauling larger items.

The Lincoln Navigator provided ample space for six adults, with the option for a bench seat in the second row to accommodate up to eight passengers. Its boxy shape contributed to generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator's rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage functions. Visibility was excellent, but parking could be challenging due to its size.

The Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard features like tri-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the tech was adequate, the screen size was smaller than some competitors, and the interface could feel crowded. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system and navigation.

The Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt dated compared to newer models, lacking wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming. While the technology wasn't cutting-edge, it was functional and user-friendly.

The Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its lane-keep assist system struggled to read lines accurately. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. While adaptive cruise control was optional, the Navigator's safety features were generally effective, though not as advanced as some competitors.