2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2023 Lexus GX

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, giving it a tall and narrow appearance. Despite its premium materials and sophisticated driving assistance technology, the XT6's interior felt more akin to a standard GM crossover, lacking the distinctiveness expected in a luxury SUV. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen were functional but outdated compared to competitors, and the overall interior space felt unexpectedly narrow.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and high ground clearance. The Black Line Special Edition added exclusivity with limited production and unique paint options. Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink along the sides, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The interior, however, was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, which detracted from its luxury status. While it offered some premium features like heated and cooled seats, the GX's design and technology felt dated, reflecting its long-standing model without significant updates.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower. The V6, while powerful, lacked the turbocharged punch of its competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and 20-inch wheels provided a smooth ride, but the driving experience leaned more towards comfort than excitement. Fuel economy was reasonable, with a combined rating of 11.5 L/100 km, though our test returned 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine with 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 delivered a satisfying linear power delivery. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 14.5 L/100 km. The GX's weight and design led to predictable but noticeable body roll in corners. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a Torsen limited-slip differential and a robust 4WD system, making it suitable for challenging terrains.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior space was somewhat limited, with comfortable front seats but a cramped third row. The second-row captain's chairs offered decent legroom, but accessing the third row required agility. Cargo space was modest, with 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,229 litres with seats folded. Storage compartments were adequate but not exceptional.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space and practical physical controls, though the third row was tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door was cumbersome, and cargo space was limited to 328 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,832 litres with seats folded. The GX's interior was functional but lacked the spaciousness of some competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured advanced technologies like Super Cruise and Night Vision but fell short in digital instrumentation and infotainment. The 8-inch touchscreen was intuitive but small, and the lack of digital gauges was noticeable. The Bose audio system and digital rear camera were highlights, but some controls were counterintuitive.

The 2023 Lexus GX's 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement but felt dated compared to newer Lexus models. It offered standard integrations like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind competitors. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with features like a multi-terrain monitor and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System enhancing its capabilities.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Super Cruise, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring robust protection for occupants.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while not crash-tested by major organizations, included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety technology was up-to-date, providing essential driver assistance systems.