Cadillac XT6 vs Genesis GV80

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished exterior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a sleek Stellar Black paint job. Inside, the Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior exuded a sense of understated luxury, reminiscent of a formal black-tie event. The XT6's design was conservative, with towering front running lights and taillights that echoed GMC's style, creating a tall and narrow appearance. Despite its elegant materials, the interior lacked the distinctive flair expected in a luxury SUV, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted a sophisticated exterior with quad-lamp headlights and a bold grille, complemented by 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an elegant touch, while the interior continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats and a split dash featuring metal and matte wood trim. The center console was highlighted by three large dials, and the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. Although the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place, the spacious and luxurious interior made the GV80 a pleasant environment.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 hp. The V6, available in Premium Luxury and Sport trims, provided sufficient power but lacked the turbocharged punch of its competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to its athletic handling, though it leaned more towards serenity than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 with AWD was rated at 21 mpg combined, with our test vehicle achieving 19.5 mpg.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with AWD and two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 hp and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 hp. Our test vehicle featured the larger engine, which provided smooth power delivery and shifts, though it was not particularly quick. The GV80 excelled in highway driving, with an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. Despite its slower acceleration, the GV80 offered a quiet and comfortable ride, making it ideal for long commutes.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior was narrower than expected, with comfortable power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs offered good legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 78.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Storage compartments were small and not easily accessible.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 prioritized luxury and comfort, with heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats and a tri-zone climate control system. The optional third row offered limited legroom, suitable only for children. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a digital key, and a 21-speaker stereo system. Cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GV80 also boasted a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered advanced features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but lacked digital gauges and had an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but usability issues persisted with touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive controls. The Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the head-up display was small and unimpressive.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, though the infotainment system had a steep learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wireless. The GV80 included remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside. The system was equipped with wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet, ensuring devices stayed charged.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came 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, though it had limitations in certain conditions. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a range of advanced driver aids, such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The blind-spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster was a standout feature. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled in direct sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.