2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6 Sport model stood out with its darkened accent pieces and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, giving it a premium and distinctly Cadillac appearance. The interior mirrored the XT5, offering three color options and a Platinum Package that elevated the cabin with semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microsuede headliner. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride boasted a muscular design with balanced proportions and trendy blacked-out wheels and trim. The Telluride's interior was upscale and organized, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents and USB ports embedded into the front seatbacks. The SX Prestige package added Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, creating an interior that felt more expensive than its price suggested. The Telluride's interior was both functional and appealing, with comfortable seating for adults in all three rows and ample storage space.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT6 offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the Sport model exclusively available with AWD. However, the XT6 struggled with driving dynamics due to its weight distribution, making it less dynamic compared to competitors. Fuel economy was on par with rivals, with the V6 engine achieving 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with FWD.

The 2022 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered AWD with a Lock mode for power distribution and performed well in various driving conditions. It provided a smooth ride with good handling, thanks to its Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system. The Telluride achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 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 competitors. The interior storage was not ideal for families, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a power liftgate.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale interior and thoughtful details. It offered comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, with a one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism for easy access to the third row. The Telluride provided ample storage space and a hands-free power liftgate, with 21 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row and a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a decent list of standard features. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system and navigation. However, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the tech was not cutting-edge.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition. While it lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered USB charging ports in all rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Kia Connect provided connected services, and the Telluride included features like Quiet Mode and Driver Talk for convenience. The SX model had a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system struggled to read lines accurately. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard safety features under Kia Drive Wise, such as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It also featured Highway Driving Assist and Safe Exit Assist. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.