2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Lexus NX

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, and its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its distinct Cadillac identity. Inside, the XT6's cabin mirrored the XT5's design, offering a slightly larger space with 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, lacked the premium touch found in the seating.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a redesigned look with a focus on simplicity and refinement. The NX's spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate were unmistakably Lexus. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, moving away from the button-heavy dashboard of its predecessor. The NX offered a more intimate and cozy feel, with thoughtful touches like padded door panels and centre console sides. The F Sport trim added sport-bolstered seats and unique interior elements. The NX's interior space was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the experience. The cargo space saw a 14% increase, providing ample room for storage.

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. The V6 provided sufficient power, but the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear where the AWD mechanics were located. This affected its agility, especially in tight turns and during acceleration. 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.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, with the NX 350 featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid provided electrified options, with the latter delivering 302 horsepower and an estimated 61 kilometres of electric range. The NX 350's turbocharged engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a rewarding driving experience. The F Sport trim added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its handling. The NX's fuel economy was impressive, with the NX 350 achieving 9.5 L/100 km in combined driving.

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. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room 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 standard power liftgate making it easy to utilize the area.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space.

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. While the tech was suitable, the screen size was smaller than competitors, and the interface could appear crowded. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and other features.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a significant leap forward with its new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system as an option. The NX also offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS. However, the lane-keep assist system struggled to read lines accurately.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced safety technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also offered Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety features were available in packages, enhancing the NX's safety credentials.