2021 CADILLAC XT6 NEAR NEW ORLEANS LA COMPETES WITH THE LINCOLN AVIATOR

Now that the luxury market is finally embracing three-row family crossovers, it's time to compare. How does the 2021 Cadillac XT6 near New Orleans LA compare to the Lincoln Aviator?

If you're shopping for an American three-row luxury SUV, it would be a regrettable mistake to buy a Cadillac XT6 instead of the Lincoln Aviator.

From a monetary point of view, they're basically even. Both the 2021 Cadillac XT6 near New Orleans LA and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator begin pricing in the low $50,000 range. Both cars have their own highs and lows, but by almost every objective and subjective measure, the Lincoln Aviator provides a finer luxury three-row experience.

POWER

Both cars are powered by gas-fueled aluminum V-6 engines, one force-fed (by two turbochargers) and the other naturally aspirated. The Cadillac has the naturally aspirated motor, and it's the same 3.6-liter V-6 that GM uses in numerous Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac vehicles. In this use, it makes 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that delivers 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission takes care of gear-changing.

Since these are three-row family vehicles, does more power even matter? For most of us, yes it does! The Lincoln Aviator's engine has higher peak numbers than the XT6's, but because it's turbocharged, it produces more torque down low in the rev range. In a passing situation in the Cadillac, you'll use most of the throttle and hear the V-6 spin all the way to its 7,100-rpm redline, where that engine produces its power. The Lincoln Aviator's motor, doesn't have to work as hard, spin as fast, or generate as much noise and vibration to produce the same level of thrust. It just quietly works in the background and gets you up to speed.

It would seem that the car with the more powerful engine would use more fuel, but that's not the case here. Both cars earned the same fuel economy using regular gasoline, in AWD form. Without AWD, the Lincoln actually ekes out a 1 mpg advantage on the highway, according to EPA estimates.

2021 Cadillac CT6 near New Orleans LA vs Lincoln Aviator: INTERIOR

When you step into the 2021 Lincoln Aviator, you're greeted by soft leather, advanced technology features, and unbelievably comfortable 30-way adjustable massaging front seats. The fully digital gauge cluster is crisp and neat. The head-up display (HUD) is wider, brighter, more informative, and displayed closer to your line of sight (higher on the windshield) than the HUD in the 2021 Cadillac XT6 near New Orleans LA. 

There's plenty of legroom in the second row, and an attractive touchscreen positioned on the back of the front-row center console provides second-row inputs for the climate control, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and audio system.

The audio system is balanced and special, and it rocks!  It was developed by Revel and uses 28 speakers positioned around the interior, including four in the headliner, which makes a huge difference in the sound. And remember, the door chime and all auditory alerts for the 2021 Lincoln Aviator were recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. 

Cadillac has the equivalent hardware to match the Lincoln Aviator in this area (34-speaker Bose Panaray in the CT6-V) but it's not offered in the XT6. Like many elements of the Cadillac, it's fine by itself, but just can't compete with the Lincoln Aviator.

The infotainment screen in the XT6 is smaller. The gear selector is like a joystick that returns to a central position after each pull, so it's not immediately obvious whether you're in drive, reverse, or neutral. 

There's no argument that the Lincoln Aviator has the better interior of these two cars. Not only are the materials of a higher quality, but the thoughtful interior design also raises the Lincoln high above a nice version of a normal car-exactly the way a luxury interior should.

DRIVING

Both vehicles come with AWD systems, but there's a big difference between the frame of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator and the 2021 Cadillac XT6 near New Orleans LA. The XT6 is based on a front-drive platform and a version of the chassis made its debut back in the early 2000s.

With a new RWD platform, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator offers a bit better weight balance, and a huge advantage in towing. Although the XT6 is limited to a very crossover-like 4,000-pound towing capacity, the Lincoln Aviator is more likely to be able to replace the family tow rig. With an optional tow package, this three-row Lincoln can haul up to 6,700 pounds.

The Lincoln Aviator's suspension is better at absorbing small bumps or rough pavement, and it's noticeably more comfortable than the Cadillac's. The Lincoln is also much quieter inside, with less tire and wind noise inside the cabin.

It should be apparent why the Lincoln Aviator is a better three-row luxury SUV than the Cadillac XT6. Its powertrain is more capable, more refined, and just as efficient. Its interior is better designed, made with higher quality materials, and is remarkably more comfortable. Last but not least, it can tow with the big boys.

When you're ready to feel the difference for yourself, come drive a Lincoln Aviator at Baldwin Lincoln.