2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished exterior and a luxurious interior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior. Its design was conservative, with towering front running lights and taillights reminiscent of GMC models. Despite its premium materials and sophisticated driving assistance technology, the XT6's interior lacked the distinctiveness expected in a luxury SUV, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza boasted a modern exterior design with excellent proportions, fitting comfortably into a Lexus lineup. Its interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The Venza's cabin was spacious, offering good headroom and legroom, and featured a quiet, serene environment thanks to sound-blocking and absorbing insulation. The Venza's design and interior layout provided a Lexus-like experience at a more accessible price point.

The Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower for the Premium Luxury and Sport trims. The V6 provided sufficient power, but the lack of turbocharging limited its performance compared to competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and available Brembo brakes enhanced its driving dynamics, but the overall experience leaned towards comfort rather than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 with AWD was rated at 21 mpg combined, with real-world testing returning 19.5 mpg.

The Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system offered a balance of efficiency and performance, with options for electric-only operation and various drive modes. The Venza's handling was agile, and its ride was comfortable, making it a suitable choice for family travel. The hybrid setup provided excellent fuel efficiency, with a range of over 500 miles on a full tank.

Inside the Cadillac XT6, the three-row seating arrangement offered comfortable front seats with semi-aniline leather, but the third row was cramped for adults. Storage space was limited, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The XT6's interior felt narrow, and its storage solutions were unremarkable.

The Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second-row bench seat offered 45.2 inches of hip room, and the cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic roof. The Venza provided 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior was equipped with numerous convenience features, making it a practical choice for families.

The Cadillac XT6 featured advanced technologies like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but its analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen felt outdated. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but usability issues with touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive controls detracted from the experience. The available Bose audio system delivered excellent sound quality, but the head-up display was less impressive.

The Toyota Venza's hybrid system required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without charging concerns. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the Limited trim added a 12.3-inch display and JBL audio system. Toyota's Connected Services provided a range of features, and the Advanced Technology Package offered a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, enhancing the Venza's tech offerings.

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

The Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and pedestrian detection. The Venza also had eight airbags and a blind-spot monitor. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.