2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. Despite its third-generation design dating back to 2011, the Durango's exterior updates for 2021, particularly on the SRT Hellcat model, included a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and a rear spoiler, enhancing its aggressive look. The SUV offered a variety of wheel options and a choice of 11 exterior colours, while the interior featured a modernized dashboard with a new instrument panel and an advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Durango's interior was customizable with various upholstery options, including leather and suede, and offered a range of trim levels catering to different preferences, from track-ready equipment to luxurious appointments.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented a more conservative and tailored image, with its vertical front running lights and simple rear taillights. The XT6's design was in line with Cadillac's lineup, offering a polished yet somewhat bland appearance. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6's pricing positioned it competitively within the luxury SUV market. The test vehicle featured advanced technologies like Super Cruise and Night Vision, but the interior, despite its premium materials, lacked the distinctive luxury feel expected at its price point. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen, while functional, did not match the sophistication of its competitors, and the interior space felt narrower due to its design lineage with the GMC Acadia.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of four engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the SRT 392 boasted a 392 HEMI V8 delivering 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of performance was the supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, generating an impressive 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Durango's eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and its AWD system ensured stability. However, the chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted road imperfections to the cabin. The Durango's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with the Tow N Go Package, and the SRT models offered configurable drive modes and performance pages for track enthusiasts.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, featured a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims upgraded to a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The XT6's driving dynamics were enhanced by an adaptive-damping performance suspension and Brembo brakes, providing a comfortable and composed ride. However, the XT6's performance leaned towards serenity rather than excitement, with smooth steering and responsive brakes. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.5 L/100 km combined, with our test vehicle achieving 12.0 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats provided ample space for taller passengers, while the third row was more spacious than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, and its fit and finish had improved significantly over the years, contributing to its reputation for quality.

In comparison, the 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior felt narrower, with comfortable front seats wrapped in optional semi-aniline leather. The second-row captain's chairs offered good legroom, but the third row was cramped for adults. The XT6's storage space was limited, with small cubbies and bins. Cargo capacity behind the third row was 357 litres, expanding to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 2,229 litres with all seats down.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch screen on higher trims, both running the Uconnect 5 system. This system was faster and more customizable than its predecessor, offering connected services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and TomTom navigation. The Durango also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD players.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, while equipped with advanced features like a digital rearview mirror and Super Cruise, lagged in terms of instrumentation and infotainment. The 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors, but the software was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, usability issues arose with touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive controls. The available Bose audio system and digital rear camera were highlights, but the head-up display was less impressive.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with a standard back-up camera and optional active safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated it as Marginal for small overlap frontal impact, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star side crash rating and a four-star front crash and rollover rating.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving-assist system. However, it had limitations in certain conditions. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.