2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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, reinforcing its luxurious Cadillac identity. The interior mirrored the XT5's design, offering slightly more space due to the XT6's larger size. The cabin was available in four colour options, with the Platinum Package elevating the interior with semi-aniline leather upholstery and premium finishes. While the seats were a highlight, the dashboard area, though attractive, had some elements that appeared less premium.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, maintained a mature design that balanced modesty and elegance. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's dimensions were impressive, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age showed, with a dated dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that felt out of place compared to modern SUVs. However, the interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and tight seams, ensuring durability for family use. The Nightshade Special Edition model demonstrated Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant, offering a stylish option based on the Limited trim.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with 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 and 258 lb-ft of torque. The V6 provided ample power, and the nine-speed transmission shifted smoothly. The XT6 came standard with all-wheel drive in Canada, but its driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear due to the AWD mechanics. This affected its agility compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Acura MDX. 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 Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain was known for its durability and reliability, making it a suitable match for the Sequoia. With a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms, the Sequoia was a capable workhorse. However, its weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms contributed to its high fuel consumption, rated at 18.5 L/100 km in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent suspension.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row for the 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 competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row passengers, and the wireless phone charger was not user-friendly. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with a power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats making it easy to utilize the area. The cargo load floor was high, but typical for the class.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious and comfortable seating across all three rows. Three-zone climate control and a standard power moonroof enhanced the cabin experience. The Sequoia's centre console and glove compartment provided ample storage, and rear passengers had access to cup holders and power outlets. The cargo compartment featured a 12-volt outlet, and with the third row folded, it offered 1,886 litres of cargo space, expanding to 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while smaller than some competitors, offered a decent array of standard features. These included tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. While the Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technology, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a robust set of standard safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P suite included pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.