Audi Q7 vs Cadillac XT6

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refined and modern aesthetic, with its design updates aligning it closely with the flagship Q8 model. The Q7 55 TFSI variant, priced at $86,100, featured the Technik trim, which included 21-inch wheels and a high-tech interior. The cabin was adorned with Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuding an upscale and sophisticated vibe. The dashboard and instrumentation borrowed from the Q8, with three digital displays replacing most physical controls, creating a futuristic and tech-savvy environment. The multi-colour ambient lighting in the Technik trim added a soothing ambiance, enhancing the overall luxurious feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model, tested with darkened accent pieces and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, showcased a premium and distinctly Cadillac appearance. The interior, reminiscent of the XT5, offered four colour options and featured semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area appeared less premium, with some elements looking cheaper. Despite this, the XT6 maintained a comfortable and spacious cabin, suitable for its target audience.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was equipped with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system, delivered impressive performance. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of just under 3,500 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was notable, with an average of 11.2 L/100 km during a road trip. The adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select system allowed for customizable driving modes, enhancing the driving experience. The Q7 excelled in agility, athleticism, and cabin quietness, making it a well-rounded luxury SUV.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine, generating 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the engine provided sufficient power, the XT6 struggled with driving dynamics due to its weight distribution. The SUV felt heavy, affecting its agility and responsiveness. Despite this, the XT6 offered competitive fuel economy, with the V6 engine achieving 11.5 L/100 km combined. The XT6's performance was adequate but fell short compared to some competitors in terms of handling and weight distribution.

The 2020 Audi Q7, with its three rows of seats, was best suited as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was cramped and suitable only for young children, with limited cargo space when in use. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 1,010 litres, and folding both rows provided a maximum of 1,970 litres. The Q7 offered comfortable seating for a family of four, with heated and ventilated front seats and ample legroom in the second row. However, interior storage was limited, with minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain's chairs in the second row. Adults could fit in the third row, although the XT6 had less headroom and legroom compared to some competitors. Interior storage was not ideal, with limited space for small items in the front row. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a high cargo load floor. The SUV's rear cargo area was spacious, making it practical for families.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response technology, featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsiveness. The Technik trim included a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a range of standard features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment screen, while functional, appeared smaller compared to competitors. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system and additional tech features. The XT6's technology was suitable for its class, providing essential features for a comfortable driving experience.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition technology and Active Lane Assist proved problematic, leading to disengagement during the trip. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for its "poor" headlight assessment.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. The XT6's lane-keep assist system struggled with accuracy, particularly at night. Buyers could opt for additional safety packages, enhancing the SUV's safety capabilities. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS.