2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

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 conservatively tailored, fitting well within Cadillac's lineup, though it lacked distinctive flair. The XT6's towering front lights and vertical taillights gave it a tall and narrow appearance, which translated into a somewhat cramped interior feel. Despite its premium materials and sophisticated driving assistance technology, the XT6's interior design and technology felt outdated compared to its competitors, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that mirrored those found in less expensive GM models.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including new wheel designs and a light-up rear VW logo. While it didn't embody the traditional SUV look, it offered a minimalist and quality interior, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres. The ID.4's design was more in line with current EV trends, lacking the upright profile of traditional SUVs. It was based on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and offered a spacious interior with more legroom and headroom than many of its EV competitors. The ID.4's interior changes for 2023 improved functionality, with a conventional lid for the centre console and better phone storage.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque for the Premium Luxury and Sport trims. The V6 provided sufficient power, but lacked the turbocharged excitement found in some competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a smooth ride, though it wasn't particularly engaging to drive. Fuel economy was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle returning 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a 62-kWh pack for the base model with RWD, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model with RWD or AWD. The single motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's smaller battery reduced curb weight, improving acceleration and handling. While the ID.4's acceleration rivalled hot hatchbacks, it allowed too much body roll for truly engaging handling. The regenerative braking system offered a familiar driving experience, though it lacked one-pedal driving capability.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior was less spacious than expected for a three-row SUV, with a narrow feel due to its design. The front seats were comfortable and offered heating and ventilation, but lacked advanced adjustments and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided decent legroom, but the third-row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with 357 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,229 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than many affordable EVs. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior changes for 2023 improved functionality, with a conventional lid for the centre console and better phone storage.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured impressive technology like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance. However, it fell short with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but had usability issues with touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive controls. The available Bose audio system and digital rear camera were highlights, but the head-up display was underwhelming.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen and updated infotainment software. It offered sharp graphics, natural-language voice recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, but the voice recognition system mitigated this issue. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving-assist system. However, it had limitations in certain situations, requiring driver intervention. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model. It offered standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2023 were cyclist detection, Park Assist Plus, and a 360-degree camera system.