2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6 Sport model stood out with its darkened accent pieces and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, giving it a premium and distinctly Cadillac appearance. The interior mirrored the XT5's design, offering three color options and a Platinum Package that elevated the cabin's luxury with semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microsuede headliner. While the seats were a highlight, the dashboard area, though attractive, had some cheaper-looking elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator made subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. The Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display enhanced the tech experience, while the Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension and electronic brake booster improved ride comfort and braking response. The Navigator's spacious interior, with its comfortable third-row seat and generous cargo space, made it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT6 offered standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, with the Sport model exclusively featuring AWD. Despite its power, the XT6 struggled with driving dynamics due to its weight distribution, particularly in the AWD Sport model, which felt heavy and less dynamic in various driving conditions. Fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 engine achieving 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with FWD.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and the new electronic brake booster enhanced the driving experience, providing a smooth ride and improved braking. The Navigator's fuel economy was estimated at 18 mpg in combined driving, with the SUV averaging 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to second-row captain’s chairs. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less room compared to competitors like the Acura MDX. 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, although the cargo load floor was high.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator provided exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, and the Navigator's generous storage and cargo space were highlights. The long-wheelbase Navigator L configuration further increased cargo capacity, making it ideal for large families and heavy loads.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard features like tri-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. While the tech was suitable, the screen size was smaller compared to competitors, and the interface could appear crowded. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system and navigation.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and voice recognition. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system struggled with accuracy. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. 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 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed for automated parking, and a surround-view camera system became standard. While ActiveGlide performed well, it required driver attention, highlighting the need for human oversight in semi-autonomous systems.