Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, part of a comprehensive redesign for that model year. It was notably longer, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height of 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space. The wheelbase was also extended to 134.1 inches, improving road stability and design proportions, giving the ESV a more balanced appearance. The vehicle featured chrome styling on Luxury trims and blacked-out accents on Sport trims, all riding on 22-inch wheels with varying finishes. The grille design varied across trim levels, adding to its luxurious appeal. Standard features included LED headlights, a power-extending assist step, and a deep-tinted, solar-absorbing glass, with options for a panoramic moonroof and heated mirrors. Despite its luxurious exterior, the interior was less impressive, with hard plastics and a lack of unique dashboard trimmings, which was disappointing for a vehicle priced near or above $90,000.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, presented a more conservative design. Its Premium Luxury model came with polished 20-inch alloy wheels and a Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior. The XT6's exterior was attractive yet bland, with tall and narrow proportions. It was available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, with prices starting just under $50,000. The XT6 was priced competitively against rivals like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60, though it quickly became expensive with options. Our test vehicle, equipped with Super Cruise and Night Vision technologies, reached an MSRP of $73,565. While the interior materials were rich, the design was not particularly special, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt outdated. The XT6's interior felt narrow, and its relationship to the GMC Acadia was evident. Despite its luxurious trimmings, the XT6's interior did not stand out in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered a choice between a 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, which could challenge the engine when towing. Fuel economy was estimated at 17 to 23 mpg combined, with RWD versions being more efficient. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available with both engines, and our test vehicle had AWD with Tour and Sport driving modes. The V6 engine was sufficiently powerful, and the XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension provided a smooth ride. The XT6 was agile on twisty roads, and Brembo brakes were available for Sport models. Fuel economy for the V6 AWD was rated at 21 mpg combined, with our test vehicle achieving 19.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, with leatherette seating surfaces standard and leather upholstery available. It featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Upgrades included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and a panoramic sunroof. The ESV offered 126.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area. The hands-free power liftgate worked intermittently, and the rear window could open for additional storage options. An adaptive air suspension made entry and exit easier.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior was less spacious than expected, with power-adjustable seats wrapped in semi-aniline leather. The seats were comfortable but lacked massage functionality. The XT6's triple-zone climate control system provided ample cooling. The second-row captain's chairs offered good legroom, but the third row was cramped for adults. The XT6's interior storage was limited, with small cubbies and bins. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.6 cubic feet, expandable to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV boasted advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's 38-inch OLED screen housed three displays for driver information and infotainment. Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on approved highways. However, Super Cruise occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention in certain situations.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a mix of impressive and outdated technology. It featured a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise. However, it lacked digital gauges, and the 8-inch touchscreen felt small. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with intuitive voice recognition. The XT6's dashboard controls were touch-sensitive, reminiscent of Cadillac's earlier systems. The available Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the head-up display was less impressive.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Additional safety features included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, night vision, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rollover test result.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, equipped with the Platinum Package, offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Super Cruise was a standout feature, allowing hands-free highway driving. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.