2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those who valued capability over modern aesthetics. Its design, featuring the bold hourglass grille, was a late addition to the Lexus lineup, yet it suited the GX better than some of its siblings. The vehicle's interior, reminiscent of early 2010s styling, was straightforward and functional, with large buttons and a recessed infotainment screen. While it lacked the modern touch of newer models, the GX's cabin was practical, especially for those who appreciated the ability to operate controls with work gloves. The GX was available in three trims, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced navigation systems, making even the base model well-equipped.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its sharp lines and premium styling cues. The XT6 Sport trim, in particular, featured darkened accents and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. The interior, while similar to the XT5, offered a slightly larger space with three color options. The seats, especially with the Platinum Package, provided a luxurious feel, though the dashboard design was less impressive. The XT6's cabin was functional, with standard seating for seven and optional captain's chairs. Despite some shortcomings in small-item storage, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, offering a power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats for convenience.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4WD system. While these figures might not have been groundbreaking, the V8 provided a robust driving experience, especially in off-road conditions. The GX's steering, though initially light, proved to be direct and responsive, and the self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth ride. The GX excelled in off-road capabilities, with various 4WD modes and a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The XT6 offered both FWD and AWD options, with the Sport model exclusively available with AWD. Despite its power, the XT6 struggled with driving dynamics due to its weight distribution, particularly in the AWD Sport model. The XT6's fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in FWD models. The Smart Towing package added convenience for those needing towing capabilities.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats in higher trims, providing flexibility for families. However, accessing the third row was challenging for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with all seats folded. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a practical feature.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 provided standard seating for seven, with optional captain's chairs for added comfort. Adults could fit in the third row, a notable improvement over older midsize SUVs. However, the XT6 offered less space in all three rows compared to some competitors. The interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger design was not user-friendly. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with a power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats, though the load floor was high.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system was outdated, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its simplicity and true touchscreen interface were appreciated by those who preferred straightforward controls. The system's large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls were user-friendly, despite missing modern connectivity features.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a range of standard tech features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. While the screen size was smaller than some competitors, the XT6 provided a decent list of standard features. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. The infotainment system was functional, though not cutting-edge.

The 2020 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, offering forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX's excellent visibility, thanks to large windows and mirrors, added an extra layer of safety.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6's lane-keep assist system had some issues with accuracy, but additional safety packages were available for enhanced features. The XT6 received high safety ratings, including a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS.