2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents, enhancing its premium appearance. The SUV rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its luxurious look. Inside, the XT6's cabin mirrored the XT5's design but offered more space. The seats, especially with the optional Platinum Package, were a highlight, providing semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microsuede headliner. However, some interior elements, like stitching and buttons, appeared less premium.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan boasted clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative yet timeless aesthetic. Its larger size for a compact crossover provided a roomy interior, nearly matching the space of larger SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tiguan's interior was practical, with a focus on comfort and functionality. It accommodated up to seven passengers with an optional third row, though best suited for children. The cabin featured modern geometric forms and a straightforward control layout, with shiny detailing and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. However, the use of hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from its premium feel.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was also standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model had a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 237 horsepower. The V6 provided ample power, but the XT6 Sport's weight of 4,690 pounds affected its driving dynamics, making it feel less agile compared to competitors. Fuel economy for the V6 with front-wheel drive was 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, with slight variations for all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels, with 4Motion AWD as an option. The engine experienced some turbo lag, and the Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to a perception of lethargy during acceleration. The EPA rated the Tiguan at 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with responsive steering and a compliant ride, though it struggled with suspension isolation over rough surfaces.

The Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less space compared to rivals like the Telluride and Palisade. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate, though the cargo load floor was high.

The Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort, with easy entry and exit, adjustable front seats, and ample back-seat space. The interior featured V-Tex leatherette upholstery and dual-zone climate control. Storage was limited, but the Tiguan's 40/20/40-split folding rear seat and well-shaped cargo area provided versatility. Cargo volume varied depending on the presence of a third row, ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The Cadillac XT6 came with standard features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system and navigation. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the interface could feel crowded.

The Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of connected services. The system improved processing times but had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass. Higher trims offered a nine-speaker Fender audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

The Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system was inconsistent. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a rear-camera mirror. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The Volkswagen Tiguan featured the IQ Drive suite, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Tiguan's safety systems were generally effective, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to react in some situations. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.