2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross presented a conservative design, pulling back from Toyota's recent daring styles. Its snub nose was reminiscent of the Toyota Tundra, and it featured the obligatory tall ride height and plastic fender flares typical of SUVs. However, the overall appearance was understated, seemingly to avoid overshadowing its larger sibling, the RAV4. The Corolla Cross was notably compact, being 5.3 inches shorter than the RAV4, yet larger than the Toyota C-HR, offering more interior space. Subtle styling details included scalloping around the rear door handles and hidden Corolla Cross logos throughout the vehicle. The interior closely resembled the Corolla sedan and hatchback, with oversized door handles akin to the RAV4. Material quality was perceived as below that of the Corolla sedan and hatch, with the base L model feeling basic, while the XLE trim offered SofTex leatherette upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, in contrast, exuded a blandly inoffensive attractiveness. Its towering front running lights and similar taillights to GMC models gave it a conservatively tailored image. The XT6 was available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, with prices starting just under $50,000. Our test vehicle, a Premium Luxury model, was equipped with polished 20-inch alloy wheels and a Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior. Despite its rich materials and sophisticated driving assistance technology, the interior didn't match the luxury expected at its price point. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen were less advanced compared to competitors, and the overall layout could have belonged to any GM crossover. The XT6's interior felt unexpectedly narrow, and its driving dynamics leaned towards serenity rather than excitement, with a creaking panoramic sunroof detracting from the experience.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT featured an actual first gear for improved acceleration, though it transitioned abruptly to normal CVT operation. At higher speeds, the powertrain exhibited typical CVT issues like engine droning and rubber-banding. While the Corolla Cross maintained highway pace, the engine worked hard, and handling was not its strong suit, with noticeable body roll. The optional AWD system, similar to that in the Toyota Camry, could send 10% to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, but the Corolla Cross was not designed for off-roading, with a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The V6, available in Premium Luxury and Sport trims, provided sufficient power, though it lacked turbocharging for extra low-end zing. AWD was available with both engines, and our test vehicle featured an adaptive-damping performance suspension. The XT6 demonstrated athleticism on twisty roads, aided by Brembo brakes and 20-inch wheels. However, the driving experience leaned towards serenity, with smooth steering and responsive brakes. The XT6 V6 with AWD had an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, but our test returned 19.5 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross offered more passenger and cargo space than the Corolla hatchback, with an extra 2.1 inches of rear legroom and 1.4 inches of rear headroom. It featured standard rear climate-control vents and dual-zone automatic climate control in XLE models. Cargo space was 26.5 cubic feet with FWD and 25.2 cubic feet with AWD, expanding to 66.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite its spaciousness, the interior was not particularly comfortable, with hard and unsupportive seats and a tall, upright driving position.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, expected to be larger inside, offered comfortable power-adjustable front seats with semi-aniline leather in the Platinum package. The second-row captain’s chairs provided good legroom, but the third-row seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was decent but unremarkable, with a small dashboard cubby and center armrest bin. Cargo space was 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen in base models, with an 8-inch touchscreen in LE and XLE models. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked sophistication, with plain graphics and slow boot-up. LE and XLE models offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system and wireless charging, though the charging pad was small.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered advanced features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but lacked digital gauges. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was smaller than competitors, but the software was excellent, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The intuitive voice recognition technology was a highlight, though some usability issues persisted, such as touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights. The available Bose Performance Series audio system sounded great, but the head-up display was less impressive.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. LE models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while XLE models included rear automatic braking and front and rear park assist. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, equipped with the Platinum Package, featured a comprehensive list of safety technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving-assist system. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.