2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Subaru Outback had a familiar and comfortable interior, reminiscent of older Subaru models. Despite its analog gauges and similar steering wheel design, the Outback's interior felt fresher than the smaller Crosstrek, especially in trims above the base model. The Premium and higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, which added a touch of modernity. The Onyx Edition XT, with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green contrast stitching, offered a unique and durable interior. The exterior design remained smooth and plain, with high gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, and a few chrome flourishes. The 2021 model introduced a new brown paint option and standard adaptive LED headlights.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, particularly in the Premium Luxury trim, exuded a sense of understated elegance. The test vehicle featured polished 20-inch alloy wheels, Stellar Black paint, and a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior. The XT6's exterior design was conservatively tailored, with towering front running lights and simple vertical taillights. Inside, the XT6 offered rich materials and a sophisticated driving assistance technology suite. However, the interior design, with its analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen, felt less luxurious compared to its competitors. The XT6's interior space was also narrower, influenced by its relationship to the GMC Acadia.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. However, this engine struggled to move the vehicle, especially when fully loaded, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trim offered a significant improvement with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a quieter, smoother, and more powerful driving experience. The Outback's fuel economy was respectable, with the base engine achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT managed 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road. Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system and X-Mode driving modes further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, available in Premium Luxury and Sport trims, provided sufficient power and a pleasant engine sound. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to its athletic handling, while the available Brembo brakes added stopping power. The XT6's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined for the V6 with AWD, but real-world testing showed 19.5 mpg. The XT6's driving dynamics leaned towards serenity rather than excitement, with smooth steering and responsive brakes.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, surpassing even some trucks, allowing it to tackle rough terrains without being oversized. Inside, it provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The Outback's visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and lots of glass. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior space was narrower than expected, with comfortable front seats wrapped in semi-aniline leather. The second-row captain's chairs provided good legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped for adults. The XT6 offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet. Storage options were decent but unremarkable, with small cubbies and bins. The XT6's triple-zone automatic climate control system and power-adjustable steering wheel added to the comfort, but the interior space and storage were not as generous as some competitors.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Subaru EyeSight system, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system performed well on marked highways but relied solely on cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a mix of advanced and outdated technology. It offered impressive features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free highway driving-assistance system. However, the analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen felt dated compared to competitors. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and an available navigation system. The natural voice recognition technology was excellent, but some usability issues, like touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicators, detracted from the experience. The available Bose Performance Series premium audio system and digital rear camera were highlights, but the head-up display was less impressive.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and received top ratings in all crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, equipped with the optional Platinum Package, included a comprehensive suite of driving-assistance and collision-avoidance systems. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Super Cruise system allowed for hands-free highway driving but had limitations in certain conditions. The XT6 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash-test evaluations, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.