2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

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, enhancing its premium appearance. The SUV rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, which complemented its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights, embodying Cadillac's luxury ethos. The interior mirrored the XT5's design, offering slightly more space and four colour options. The seats, especially with the Platinum Package, were a highlight, offering semi-aniline leather upholstery and a luxurious feel. However, the dashboard area, while not unattractive, had some elements that appeared less premium.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler presented a rugged and adventurous aesthetic. Buyers had to choose between a two-door or four-door body style and a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels, with numerous special editions offering different roof and top options. Our test vehicle, the High Tide model, was based on the Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim and featured LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a focus on practicality rather than luxury. Despite its high price, the Wrangler's charm lay in its unique driving experience and off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was also standard in the XT6 Premium Luxury trim, while the base XT6 Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The V6 provided ample power, and the nine-speed transmission shifted smoothly. However, the XT6 Sport's weight, particularly from the mid-rear AWD mechanics, affected its driving dynamics, making it feel less agile compared to competitors. Fuel economy for the V6 was 13.1 L/100 km in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.5 combined.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. Despite its power, the Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride. However, these traits were part of its charm, offering an immersive and adventurous experience that appealed to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain’s chairs in the second row on Sport and Premium Luxury trims. Adults could fit in the third row, a feature that older midsize SUVs struggled with. However, the XT6 had less headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room compared to competitors. Interior storage was limited, especially for front-row passengers. The rear cargo space was a highlight, with more overall space than many competitors and features like a power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, but the interior was dominated by plastic and rubber materials. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, a WiFi hotspot, and six USB ports. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and heated/ventilated seats. The infotainment screen, however, was smaller than competitors and could appear crowded.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Premium Luxury and Sport models added lane change alert with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assist Package offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler's design required extra care when driving.