Kia Telluride vs Cadillac XT6

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, reminiscent of a high-end chauffeur service. The XT6's design was conservative, with towering front running lights and taillights that echoed GMC's style, giving it a tall and narrow appearance. Despite its understated elegance, the XT6's interior, though lined with rich materials, lacked the digital sophistication 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 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased fresh styling with updated headlights, taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride's interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a sleek 24-inch glass panel. The SUV offered new interior colours and a more functional centre console, with trim names embossed on the front seatbacks. The Telluride's design updates gave it a modern and mildly aggressive off-road look, with raised suspension and unique grille designs enhancing its appeal.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in its base model, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided standard all-wheel drive in Canada. For those seeking more power, the Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The XT6's driving experience was characterized by its smooth steering and responsive brakes, though it leaned more towards serenity than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle returning 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The X-Line model averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised for improved off-road performance, and it featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, with its all-terrain tires and enhanced towing capacity, was particularly suited for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, despite its luxury branding, offered a surprisingly compact interior. The front seats were comfortable, with optional semi-aniline leather, but lacked advanced adjustments and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided decent legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,200 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,229 litres.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride provided ample interior space, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. The test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The second row offered comfort and convenience, with USB ports and storage pockets. The third-row seat was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a mix of advanced and outdated technology. It featured a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free driving-assistance system. However, it lacked digital gauges, relying on analog ones with a driver information display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while intuitive, was smaller than competitors'. The XT6's Bose Performance Series audio system and digital rear camera were highlights, but the head-up display was less impressive.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Telluride featured Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available. The head-up display offered a larger viewing area with additional information, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The highlight was the Super Cruise system, offering hands-free highway driving assistance. However, it had limitations, particularly in challenging conditions. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The Telluride's adaptive cruise control system could adjust speed based on navigation data, and the Highway Drive Assist 1.5 system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.