2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback, and was introduced to North America due to the region's preference for crossovers. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4's appearance was more akin to a hatchback, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, presented a more traditional luxury SUV appearance, albeit with a somewhat conservative design. Its exterior featured polished 20-inch alloy wheels and a sleek Stellar Black paint job, complemented by a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior. The XT6's proportions and details aligned with Cadillac's lineup, though its towering front lights and narrow stance gave it a unique look. Inside, the XT6 offered a comfortable experience with power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. However, the interior design and materials, while rich, did not stand out as particularly luxurious compared to other vehicles in its class, and the third-row seating was cramped for adults.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, though it was tuned more for comfort than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners. The electric motor delivered ample power, and the instantaneous torque made acceleration enjoyable. However, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came with two engine options. The standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The V6 provided sufficient power, and the XT6 offered a choice between FWD and AWD modes, along with Tour and Sport driving modes. The adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a smooth ride, though the XT6 prioritized comfort over sporty handling. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle achieving 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a spacious interior compared to other EVs, with more front and rear headroom, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV competitors but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, opting for more cabin space, and featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard. The interior felt roomy, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, despite its three-row configuration, did not offer as much interior space as expected. The front seats were comfortable, with optional semi-aniline leather, but lacked advanced adjustments and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided decent legroom, but the third-row was cramped for adults. Storage space was limited, with small compartments and difficult-to-access areas. The XT6 offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,200 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum volume of 2,229 litres.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. The infotainment system was well-designed, with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered advanced features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but fell short in terms of instrumentation and infotainment. It lacked digital gauges, instead featuring analog gauges with a driver information display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was smaller than competitors, but the software was intuitive and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XT6's voice recognition technology was effective, though it couldn't control climate settings. Usability issues included touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights. The available Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving-assist system. While impressive, Super Cruise had limitations, particularly in challenging conditions. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.