2022 Toyota Highlander 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, and its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights added to its luxurious feel. The interior mirrored the XT5's design, offering four colour options and the possibility of upgrading to semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were a highlight, the dashboard area, though less premium, was still attractive.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its spacious interior was cleverly designed to appear smaller from the outside. The XSE trim, with its bold red leather interior and navy blue exterior, stood out with unique styling elements and a sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander offered a range of trims, each adding more features, with the Limited and Platinum trims providing upscale options like genuine leather upholstery and a panoramic moonroof. The Highlander's interior was practical, with ample storage solutions and comfortable seating, although the third row was best suited for short trips.

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 Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The XT6's V6 engine provided smooth acceleration, but its driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the Sport model, which weighed 2,127 kilograms. 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 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander's V6 offered better pickup at higher speeds, and its sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim improved handling. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms. Its fuel efficiency was enhanced by the availability of a hybrid variant, although the standard V6 provided a satisfying driving experience.

The Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less interior space compared to competitors. Its small-item 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 high cargo load floor.

The Toyota Highlander provided up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. Its interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets and ample storage solutions. The XSE trim featured second-row captain's chairs, offering a centre aisle to the rear seats. While the third row was less spacious for adults, the Highlander excelled in overall interior functionality.

The Cadillac XT6 came with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. While the tech was suitable, the screen size was smaller compared to competitors. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system and additional features like navigation and enhanced wireless charging.

The Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supported by hard buttons for ease of use. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available on higher trims, enhancing the Highlander's tech offerings.

The Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. The Driver Assist Package added 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 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, offering features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. All trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.