Porsche Cayenne vs Cadillac XT6

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished exterior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a Stellar Black paint job, complemented by a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior. It exuded an aura of understated elegance, reminiscent of a formal black-tie event. The XT6's design was conservative, with towering front running lights and taillights that echoed GMC's styling, creating a tall and narrow appearance. Despite its blandly inoffensive look, the XT6 maintained a conservatively tailored image that aligned with Cadillac's lineup.

In contrast, the 2025 Porsche Cayenne, particularly in the GTS trim, showcased a sportier and more aggressive design. It featured high gloss black trim, larger air intakes, and tinted headlights, with red brake calipers visible through 21-inch anthracite grey wheels. The Cayenne Coupe variant added an adaptive rear spoiler for a dynamic touch. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, allowing buyers to personalize everything from the interior colour to the seat belts. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features, and the shifter toggle mounted on the dashboard provided additional storage space.

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 horsepower. The V6, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided sufficient power, though it lacked the turbocharged punch found in some 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 vehicle achieving 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, on the other hand, offered a range of powerful engines. The base 3.0-litre V6 delivered 348 horsepower, while the GTS trim boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with 493 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. The Cayenne's eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive system ensured quick acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds. The GTS trim featured precise steering, stiffer roll bars, and an active suspension, making it agile and athletic despite its weight. The Cayenne's performance was complemented by optional carbon ceramic brakes, providing ample stopping power.

Inside the 2022 Cadillac XT6, the power-adjustable front seats offered comfort, but lacked the range of adjustments and massage functions found in some rivals. The second-row captain's chairs provided good 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. The maximum cargo volume was 2,229 litres.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, while lacking a third-row option, offered a comfortable second row with ample headroom. The Cayenne's cargo space was slightly smaller than some competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with the seats folded. The coupe version offered 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching that of a mid-size pickup truck.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a mix of advanced and outdated technology. It offered a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free driving-assistance system. However, it lacked digital gauges, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt dated. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but some controls were counterintuitive. The available Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne excelled in technology, with a standard 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The Porsche Communication Management system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for additional control and entertainment. The Cayenne also featured a head-up display and night-vision assist, with multiple USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, offering hands-free highway driving assistance. However, it had limitations in certain conditions. The XT6 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard safety features like parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. The Cayenne's advanced adaptive cruise control system, InnoDrive, was not tested. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.