2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but boring, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a statement, while the character line along the side echoed the sporty profile of the Supra. The rear taillights, reminiscent of a Lexus, added to its upscale appearance. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier look with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels, though it was more about appearance than performance. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, tan leather seats, and wood details, emphasizing comfort and convenience over sportiness.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented a more conservative and tailored image, with polished 20-inch alloy wheels and a sleek Stellar Black paint job. Its vertical exterior lighting gave it a tall and narrow appearance, which was reflected in its interior space. The XT6's cabin, while lined with rich materials, lacked the sophistication expected in a luxury SUV of its price range. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to its competitors. Despite its impressive features like Super Cruise and Night Vision, the XT6's interior design and technology did not match the expectations set by its luxury branding.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-speed thrills, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained focused on comfort and practicality.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower. The V6, available in Premium Luxury and Sport trims, provided sufficient power but lacked the turbocharged punch of some rivals. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a comfortable ride, but the driving experience leaned more towards serenity than excitement. Fuel economy was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres, with our test vehicle achieving 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and practicality. It featured large shelves for storage, a wireless charging pad, and ample legroom for second-row passengers. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted forward. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,245 litres with both rows down.

In comparison, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered comfortable front seats with optional semi-aniline leather, but the third row was cramped for adults. Storage space was limited, with a small cubby on the dashboard and a bin under the centre armrest. Cargo capacity was 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 2,229 litres.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the navigation struggled with points of interest. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered advanced features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but its analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen felt outdated. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but lacked climate control voice commands. The Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality, but the dashboard controls were not user-friendly.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

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. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.