Cadillac XT6 vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

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 luxury, though it felt more akin to a well-dressed executive sedan than a spacious SUV. The XT6's design was conservative, with towering front running lights and taillights reminiscent of GMC's styling, which contributed to its tall and narrow appearance. Despite its premium 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interior lacked the distinctive flair expected in a luxury SUV, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to its competitors.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 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a more modern and stylish presence. Available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, it featured a massive grille, LED projector headlights, and distinctive LED daytime running lights. The interior was equally impressive, with organic shapes and thoughtful storage solutions. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was crafted with care, offering a richer feeling of craftsmanship than many non-luxury crossovers. The use of Nappa leather upholstery and advanced features like a built-in dashcam in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim added to its appeal.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came with two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims upgraded to a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While the V6 provided sufficient power, it lacked the turbocharged punch of its competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to its athletic handling, but it leaned more towards a serene driving experience rather than excitement. Fuel economy was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle achieving 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, on the other hand, boasted a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, coupled with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered impressive performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid's hybrid system optimized power distribution, resulting in a smooth and efficient ride. Inside, the cabin was remarkably quiet, thanks to noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp, though the pedal feel was a bit soft, creating a slight disconnect between steering and braking inputs.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior space was somewhat limited, with a narrow feel due to its design. The front seats were comfortable, especially with the optional semi-aniline leather, but lacked advanced adjustments and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided decent legroom, but the third row was cramped and challenging to access. Cargo space was modest, with 357 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,200 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,229 litres.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered a more spacious and comfortable cabin. While its total cargo capacity of 2,455 litres trailed some competitors, it still provided ample room for most needs. The second-row legroom was slightly compromised by the battery placement, but the third row remained usable. The Palisade Hybrid featured dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C outlets, and a variety of storage cubbies. The availability of captain's chairs and a bench seat added versatility to the seating arrangement.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a mix of advanced and outdated technology. While it offered impressive features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, it lacked digital gauges and had an 8-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to rivals. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but some usability issues persisted, such as touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights. The Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the head-up display was less impressive.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a matching digital instrument cluster. It supported wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with HD and Sirius XM satellite radio. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows, and a 14-speaker Bose stereo was available on higher trims. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a built-in dashcam, a valuable addition for safety-conscious drivers. The Palisade Hybrid also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed hands-free highway driving on approved roads. However, it had limitations, such as inconsistent lane-keeping and abrupt braking. The XT6 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring excellent crash protection.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was a notable addition, providing a camera feed of blind spots in the gauge cluster. While crash-test ratings for the 2026 model were not available at the time of writing, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.