Cadillac XT6 vs Toyota Grand Highlander

Raise your hand if you remember the Cadillac Cimarron. A quick-and-dirty response to the surging popularity of small European luxury vehicles like the BMW 3 Series, the Cimarron was based on the Chevy Cavalier, a fact apparently lost on only the poor saps who bought one.

Forty years later, the model year 2022 Cadillac XT6 reminds us of that fiasco. A midsize, three-row crossover plugged into the gap between the smaller XT5 and the hulking Escalade, the XT6 is built in Spring Hill, Tennessee, where General Motors also churns out GMC Acadias. The differentiation and execution are much better this time around, but the XT6 still strikes us as a hasty rush job to capitalize on a popular segment.

Toyota offers a total of four SUVs with three rows of seats, so it might be tough to decide which one is right for you and your family. While the adventurous will likely gravitate to the 4Runner or Sequoia, those who frequent hockey games and the school pick-up line should stick to the Highlander or Grand Highlander. Both are excellent choices, but if you’ve got bigger kids with more gear, then the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander belongs on your shortlist.

The Grand Highlander was introduced for the 2024 model year and enters 2026 unchanged. In addition to good fuel economy and lots of power, it provides plenty of space for cargo and people — even in the third row. However, the exterior styling feels stale and some of the infotainment features require a subscription.

Verdict: Despite a few small foibles, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is perfect for active families who need a bit of extra space and comfort.