2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished and sophisticated exterior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a Stellar Black paint job. Inside, the Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior exuded a sense of luxury, reminiscent of a high-end chauffeur service. However, the XT6's design was somewhat conservative, with its towering front running lights and vertical taillights, which seemed to lack the distinctiveness expected from a luxury SUV. Despite its elegant materials and sophisticated driving assistance technology, the interior felt more akin to a standard GM crossover, lacking the digital instrumentation and modern flair found in its competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler embraced a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. The Wrangler offered versatility with options to remove doors and fold down the windshield for an open-air experience. The interior was practical, with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout, though it lacked the luxury features of more upscale SUVs. The Wrangler's design was functional, with a focus on off-road capability, and it introduced new colour options like the limited-edition "Reign" purple, adding a touch of flair to its utilitarian aesthetic.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a choice of engines, starting with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. For those seeking more power, the Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While the V6 provided sufficient power, it lacked the turbocharged punch found in some competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a smooth and composed ride, though it leaned more towards comfort than excitement. 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 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options to suit various off-road needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder provided 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 offered 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-litre V8 engine, boasted 470 horsepower and an equal amount of torque, making it a powerhouse for off-road adventures. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid added an electrified option with a 17.3-kWh battery pack. Our test vehicle, the Rubicon 392, showcased impressive off-road capabilities, but its on-road performance was hampered by inadequate brakes and vague steering. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was further enhanced by the Xtreme Recon package, offering a crawl ratio of 58:1.

Inside the 2022 Cadillac XT6, the front seats provided comfort with power-adjustable features and optional semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the lack of massage functions and limited adjustment range fell short compared to rivals. The second-row captain's chairs offered decent legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped and challenging to access. Storage space was average, with a small dashboard cubby and limited centre console storage. Cargo capacity measured 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 2,229 litres.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior focused on practicality, with comfortable front seats available with heating in select trims. The rear seat was tight, especially in the two-door models, and accessing the rear was challenging due to small doors. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. Cargo space was 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The Wrangler offered various top options, including a removable hard top and the Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick open-air access. Charging points were plentiful, with USB-A and USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a mix of advanced technology and outdated elements. While it offered a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free driving-assistance system, it lacked digital gauges and a modern head-up display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though small, provided excellent software with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, usability issues arose with touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive controls. The available Bose Performance Series audio system delivered impressive sound quality, but the head-up display was less impressive compared to other GM vehicles.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen in our test vehicle. The system initially appeared complex but proved intuitive with features like off-road pages displaying power distribution and GPS coordinates. Connectivity options included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler focused on practical tech, with a forward-facing camera for off-road trails and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. However, it lacked advanced features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, offering hands-free highway driving assistance. However, it had limitations, particularly in challenging conditions. The XT6 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring excellent crash protection.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were less comprehensive, with standard components like a rearview camera and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were only available on higher trims or as part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims earning Poor ratings for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance.