Subaru Crosstrek vs Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting its Impreza hatchback into a crossover, appealing to those who desired rugged aesthetics and a higher driving position. With standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a taller ride height, the Crosstrek offered 22 centimetres of ground clearance, making it visually distinct from the Impreza. The addition of vibrant colours like Plasma Yellow Pearl added character, while the Subaru Global Platform ensured a refined driving experience. Inside, the Crosstrek maintained the Impreza's functional but plain interior, with some unique touches like water-repellant upholstery and simulated carbon-fibre trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 exuded a sense of understated luxury with its polished 20-inch alloy wheels and premium leather interior. The exterior design, while attractive, was somewhat conservative, with vertical lighting elements that made the vehicle appear tall and narrow. Inside, the XT6 offered a comfortable driving experience with power-adjustable seats and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the interior space was not as generous as expected, especially in the third row, which was cramped for adults. Storage space was also limited, with small compartments and a modest cargo area.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-litre boxer-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The latter was standard on the Outdoor and Limited trims. The Crosstrek's boxer engine design provided a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling, although the raised ride height somewhat negated this benefit. The vehicle came with a six-speed manual transmission for the 2.0-litre engine, while the 2.5-litre engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All trim levels featured standard AWD, with X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the Luxury trim. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The XT6's V6 engine provided sufficient power, and the vehicle offered both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and AWD modes. The adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a comfortable ride, although the driving experience leaned more towards serenity than excitement. The XT6's fuel economy was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity. With 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded, the Crosstrek was behind some competitors in terms of storage. The vehicle featured a rear-seat reminder system and a practical cubby hole for phones, but rear-seat passengers had limited access to USB ports. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good outward visibility.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, despite its three-row configuration, offered less interior space than expected. 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 was cramped for adults. The XT6's cargo space was limited, with 357 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,229 litres with all seats folded. Storage compartments were small and difficult to access, further limiting practicality.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, ensuring ease of use.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a mix of advanced and outdated technology. While it boasted features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, it lacked digital gauges and had an 8-inch touchscreen that felt small for the segment. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with intuitive voice recognition. However, the use of touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive controls detracted from the overall experience. The available Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. It featured standard EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The system's cameras were well-protected but had limitations in certain conditions.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed for hands-free highway driving. However, it had limitations in certain situations and required driver attention. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.