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 and sophisticated driving assistance technology, the interior lacked the distinctiveness expected in a luxury SUV, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt more at home in a less premium vehicle.

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 theme with quilted leather seats and a split dash featuring metal and matte wood trim. The centre console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, and the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique flair. 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 a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 hp. The V6, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided sufficient power, though it lacked the turbocharged punch of its competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a smooth ride, but the driving experience leaned more towards serenity than excitement. Fuel economy was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test returning 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with AWD and offered a choice between a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 375 hp. The V6, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth power delivery and excelled at highway driving. While not the quickest in its class, the GV80's electronically controlled suspension and active noise cancellation ensured a quiet and comfortable ride. The GV80's performance was more about refinement than agility, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior was narrower than expected, with comfortable power-adjustable front seats and sliding second-row captain's chairs. However, the third-row seat was cramped and challenging to access. Cargo space was limited, with 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded. The maximum cargo volume was 2,229 litres, but storage compartments were small and difficult to access.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Ergo driver's seat provided fatigue-reducing adjustments, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. While the optional third row had limited legroom, the GV80 excelled in cargo space, offering 988 litres behind the second row and expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded. The GV80 also boasted a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured impressive technology like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but fell short with its analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but usability issues persisted with touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive controls. The Bose Performance Series audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was less impressive.

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

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Super Cruise. The Super Cruise system impressed with its highway driving assistance but 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, including Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Drive Assist. The system provided hands-on/eyes-up driving assistance on approved highways, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.