2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 Premium Luxury model presented itself with polished 20-inch alloy wheels, a sleek Stellar Black exterior, and a Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior. It exuded a sense of understated elegance, reminiscent of a formal black-tie event. However, the XT6's design was somewhat conservative, with its towering front running lights and rear taillights that echoed GMC's styling, lacking a distinctive flair. Despite its polished appearance, the XT6's interior, though lined with quality materials, did not quite match the luxury expectations set by its price tag, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt more at home in a less premium vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and a restyled front end. While the new grille design drew mixed reactions, the overall update was successful. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with its high-quality materials and mid-century modern design, enhanced by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The introduction of a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen with the Sync 4 infotainment system brought the Navigator up to speed with its competitors, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower. The V6, available in Premium Luxury and Sport trims, provided sufficient power but lacked the turbocharged punch found in some competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and available all-wheel drive contributed to a smooth and composed ride, though it leaned more towards comfort than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 with AWD was rated at 21 mpg combined, with real-world testing returning slightly lower figures.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered impressive towing capabilities and a pleasing engine note. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, enhanced with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was rated at 18 mpg combined, with real-world testing slightly exceeding this figure.

Inside the 2022 Cadillac XT6, the front seats offered comfort with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, though they lacked massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided decent legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage solutions were adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also featured these amenities, and the third-row seat provided ample space for adults. Cargo capacity was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a mix of advanced and outdated technology. While it offered impressive features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, it lacked digital gauges and had a smaller 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system, though intuitive, had usability issues with touch-sensitive controls and counterintuitive indicators. The available Bose audio system and digital rear camera were highlights, but the head-up display was underwhelming.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's technology received a significant upgrade with the new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and offered extensive customization options. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The rear-seat entertainment system, now featuring Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, offering hands-free highway driving assistance. However, it had limitations and required driver attention. The XT6 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology. ActiveGlide performed well under specific conditions but required driver vigilance. The Navigator's safety features were comprehensive, and the SUV was equipped with a surround-view camera system for added convenience.