2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD): EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered luxury features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition introduced a blacked-out aesthetic with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The Telluride's styling was praised for its exterior and interior design, with only minor criticisms regarding the interior's glossy hard plastic and limited colour options.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury test vehicle featured polished 20-inch alloy wheels, Stellar Black paint, and a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior. The XT6 was described as attractive but somewhat bland, with proportions and details that conveyed a conservative image. Cadillac offered the XT6 in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, with Canadian prices starting just under $60,000 before destination charges. The XT6's price could rise quickly with options, reaching $84,747 with features like Super Cruise and Night Vision. While the interior materials and driving assistance technology were praised, the XT6's interior design was criticized for lacking the luxury feel expected at its price point, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen display that felt outdated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia's Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and the Telluride's 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance helped it handle low-grip terrain effectively. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds while softening at higher velocities. The SUV's 20-inch wheels and tires offered commendable grip, and its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its composed handling. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a test average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in the Luxury trim, while the Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the test vehicle allowed for FWD or AWD mode selection, along with Tour and Sport driving modes. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels provided a comfortable ride, but the driving experience leaned towards serenity rather than excitement. Fuel economy was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a test result of 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a power-adjustable thigh support extension. The front seats offered heating and ventilation, and the SX Limited trim added heating and ventilation to the second-row captain's chairs. The Telluride's third-row seat was usable for adults, and the SUV provided ample storage solutions, including a smart hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space measured 601 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior was less spacious than expected, with comfortable front seats but limited adjustment options. The second-row captain's chairs offered good legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was decent but unremarkable, with a small cubby on the dashboard and a bin under the centre armrest. Cargo space measured 357 litres behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 2,229 litres.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. A 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was standard with SX trim, and the Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered advanced features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but lacked digital gauges and had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available navigation system. The voice recognition technology was praised, but some usability issues were noted, such as touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights. The available Bose Performance Series premium audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star frontal-impact rating.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a wide range of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed for hands-free highway driving. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.