Kia Sorento vs Cadillac XT6

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished exterior and a sophisticated interior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior. Its design was conservative, with towering front running lights and taillights reminiscent of GMC models, giving it a tall and narrow appearance. Despite its premium materials and advanced technologies like Super Cruise and Night Vision, the interior felt unexpectedly narrow and lacked the digital sophistication expected in a luxury SUV. The XT6's pricing was competitive with similar luxury models, but its interior design and technology did not stand out as much as its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially in the X-Line trim, exuded a rugged and stylish presence with its matte-finish wheels and robust roof rails. The interior was luxurious, with quality materials and thoughtful design details, even in the more affordable models. The Sorento's cabin was well-constructed, offering a sense of quality and practicality, with ample storage solutions and comfortable seating. While the third-row seating was cramped for adults, the overall interior space was versatile, making it a practical choice for families. The Sorento's pricing was more accessible, with options for hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, adding to its appeal.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard in the Luxury trim and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in Canada. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured 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 excitement found in some competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a smooth and composed ride, but the driving experience leaned more towards comfort than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle achieving 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower. However, the more appealing choice was the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, generating 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, providing a lively and engaging driving experience. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a balance of comfort and agility, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Fuel economy for the turbo engine was rated at 9.9 L/100 km, but our testing showed an average of 11.5 L/100 km, indicating a need for more frequent fuel stops.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior was comfortable but not as spacious as expected for a three-row SUV. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, but lacked advanced features like massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs offered good legroom, but the third-row seating was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,200 litres with the seats folded. The maximum cargo capacity was 2,229 litres, but storage solutions were unremarkable.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious and well-designed, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable and equipped with practical features for families. However, the third-row seating was tight for adults, making it more suitable for children. Cargo space was 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,274 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,139 litres with all seats down. The Sorento's smart power tailgate added convenience for loading cargo.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured advanced technologies like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but lacked digital instrumentation and a modern infotainment system. The 8-inch touchscreen offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the interface was dated. The Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality, but usability issues with touch-sensitive controls and small head-up display detracted from the experience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the larger display featuring navigation and Kia Connect services. The interface was intuitive, but the voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai's. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was available on higher trims, and a wireless phone charger was standard on most models. The infotainment system shared technology with Hyundai, but the graphics and colours were unique to Kia.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 was 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. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, demonstrating its strong safety credentials.

The 2022 Kia Sorento also offered a full range of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system provided live video feeds of blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The only downside was the poor rating for the standard LED headlights in Canada.