Cadillac XT6 Vs. Lincoln Aviator: A Journey Through Luxury SUVs

I’ve always had a soft spot for American luxury SUVs—they’re bold, brash, and built to make a statement. When I set out to compare the 2025 Cadillac XT6 and the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, I was excited to see how these midsize, three-row contenders stack up for a family driver like me who wants comfort, tech, and a touch of swagger. In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience, weighing their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which SUV fits your lifestyle. From power to practicality, let’s hit the road and find out which one’s your match.

Comparison Table: Cadillac XT6 vs. Lincoln Aviator

Feature	Cadillac XT6	Lincoln Aviator
Starting MSRP	$48,795	$57,095
Engine Options	2.0L Turbo I4 (235 hp), 3.6L V6 (310 hp)	3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (400 hp)
Fuel Economy (MPG)	21 city / 27 highway (FWD, 2.0L)	18 city / 26 highway (RWD)
Towing Capacity	Up to 4,000 lbs	Up to 5,000 lbs (RWD)
Cargo Space	78.7 cu. ft. (max), 12.6 cu. ft. (behind 3rd row)	77.7 cu. ft. (max), 18.3 cu. ft. (behind 3rd row)
Passenger Volume	149.9 cu. ft.	144.7 cu. ft.
Seating Capacity	6 or 7	6 or 7
Infotainment	8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto	10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Safety Features	Super Cruise, Night Vision (available)	Adaptive Cruise Control, Evasive Steering Assist
Audio System	14-speaker Bose	28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D

My Experience With the Cadillac XT6

The first time I slid behind the wheel of the 2025 Cadillac XT6, I felt like I was stepping into a world of sharp edges and bold confidence. Its exterior, with that iconic Cadillac grille and sleek, sculpted lines, had a futuristic vibe—like something Tony Stark might drive. I took it for a spin through bustling city streets and winding highways, and its handling caught me off guard in the best way.

For a three-row SUV, the XT6 felt surprisingly agile, especially in the Sport trim with its 3.6L V6 engine pumping out 310 horsepower. It wasn’t a racecar, but it had enough kick to make merging onto the freeway a breeze.

Inside, the XT6 was a family-friendly haven. With 149.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, it felt spacious enough for my crew of five, including two teenagers who always seem to need more legroom.

The second row was a crowd-pleaser, offering ample space for sprawling out, though the third row was better suited for kids or short trips—my 5’10” frame felt a bit squeezed back there.

The cargo area, maxing out at 78.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, swallowed up everything from soccer gear to weekend luggage. Behind the third row, though, the 12.6 cubic feet of space was a bit tight for larger items like strollers.

Tech was a highlight. The 8-inch touchscreen was crisp and intuitive, seamlessly integrating with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. My kids loved streaming their playlists, and I appreciated the embedded navigation for those off-the-grid adventures.

The real star, though, was the available Super Cruise hands-free driving system. On a long highway stretch, it handled steering, acceleration, and braking with eerie precision, letting me relax without taking my eyes off the road. The Night Vision system, which uses infrared to spot pedestrians or animals in the dark, was a lifesaver on rural roads.

But the XT6 wasn’t flawless. The base 2.0L turbo engine, with just 235 horsepower, felt underpowered for a luxury SUV, especially when I needed quick acceleration. The interior, while comfortable, didn’t quite live up to the “luxury” label—some plastic trim and buttons felt more mainstream than premium.

At a starting price of $48,795, though, the XT6 delivers a lot for the money, especially compared to pricier rivals. It’s a practical choice for families who want a taste of Cadillac’s bold style without breaking the bank.

Pros Of the Cadillac XT6

Budget-Friendly Price: Starting at $48,795, the XT6 is a steal in the luxury SUV segment, undercutting the Aviator by over $8,000. I was impressed by how many features you get for the price—perfect for those who want premium vibes without a premium budget.
Impressive Fuel Economy: The 2.0L turbo engine sips fuel at 21 city and 27 highway MPG, outpacing the Aviator’s 18/26. As someone who juggles daily commutes and weekend road trips, I appreciated the savings at the pump, especially with gas prices always creeping up.
Roomy Interior: With 149.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, the XT6 feels like a living room on wheels. My family had plenty of space to stretch out, and the 78.7 cubic feet of max cargo space handled everything from camping gear to grocery hauls with ease.
Cutting-Edge Safety Tech: The available Super Cruise system is a game-changer, making highway drives feel almost autonomous. I loved how it kept me in my lane and adjusted speed smoothly. The Night Vision system added extra confidence on dark, winding roads.
Responsive Handling: The XT6’s 112.7-inch wheelbase makes it surprisingly nimble. I zipped through tight parking lots and city streets with ease, and the Sport trim’s tuned suspension gave it a sporty edge that made driving fun.
User-Friendly Infotainment: The 8-inch touchscreen was a breeze to use, with quick responses and a clean layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kept my phone connected, and the available navigation was a lifesaver when cell service dropped.
Versatile Seating Options: The choice of six or seven seats let me tailor the XT6 to my needs. I opted for captain’s chairs in the second row, which made accessing the third row easier and gave my kids a touch of luxury.

Cons Of the Cadillac XT6

Lackluster Base Engine: The 2.0L turbo’s 235 horsepower felt underwhelming for a luxury SUV. I found myself wishing for more power during highway merges or when climbing steep hills, especially with a full load of passengers.
Interior Misses the Mark: While the cabin is comfy, some materials—like the plastic trim around the center console—felt more budget than boutique. I expected a bit more refinement from Cadillac, especially compared to pricier rivals.
Cramped Third Row: The third row is fine for kids, but adults will feel squeezed. I tried sitting back there for a 20-minute ride and felt claustrophobic—definitely not ideal for long trips with taller passengers.
Limited Cargo Behind Third Row: With just 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, I struggled to fit larger items like a double stroller without folding seats. It’s less practical than some competitors for daily family use.
Audio System Lags Behind: The 14-speaker Bose system sounds good, but it can’t match the Aviator’s 28-speaker Revel setup. As a music buff, I noticed the difference in depth and clarity, especially with complex tracks.
Missing Premium Features: The XT6 skips some high-end touches, like massaging seats or a fully digital gauge cluster, that the Aviator offers. I felt like I was compromising on luxury in higher trims.
Slower Acceleration: Even with the 3.6L V6, the XT6’s acceleration isn’t as thrilling as the Aviator’s. I missed that instant surge of power when I needed to overtake or hit the gas from a stop.

My Experience With the Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator swept me off my feet from the moment I saw it. Its sleek, elegant design—with a grille that echoes Land Rover’s sophistication—made it a head-turner in my neighborhood. Under the hood, the standard 3.0L twin-turbo V6 delivered a whopping 400 horsepower, turning every drive into an adventure.

Whether I was weaving through traffic or towing a trailer (up to 5,000 pounds with the rear-wheel-drive model), the Aviator felt like a powerhouse. The available all-wheel drive gave me extra grip on wet roads, and the rear-wheel-drive platform added a sporty feel.

The interior was where the Aviator really shone. Stepping inside felt like entering a first-class lounge, with buttery-soft leather, knurled metal accents, and 30-way adjustable massaging seats that melted away my stress after a long day.

The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was a revelation—every note of my favorite songs felt like a live performance. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was sharp and responsive, though its low placement on the dash meant I had to glance down more than I liked.

With 144.7 cubic feet of passenger volume, it was slightly less spacious than the XT6, but the 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row was a game-changer for family outings.

On the downside, the Aviator’s $57,095 starting price made me wince, and its fuel economy—18 city and 26 highway MPG—wasn’t as wallet-friendly as the XT6. I also heard about reliability issues with earlier models, though the 2025 version seemed solid during my test drives. Still, the Aviator’s blend of power, luxury, and tech made it hard to resist, especially for someone who craves a premium driving experience.

Pros Of the Lincoln Aviator

Thrilling Performance: The 3.0L twin-turbo V6’s 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque made every drive exhilarating. I felt the power kick in during quick accelerations, making highway merges and passing a breeze.
Opulent Interior: The cabin is pure luxury, with premium leather, polished metal accents, and massaging seats that felt like a spa on wheels. I could spend hours in there without getting restless.
Robust Towing Capacity: With a 5,000-pound towing limit, the Aviator handled my small boat with ease. It never broke a sweat, even on steep inclines, which gave me confidence for bigger hauls.
Concert-Quality Audio: The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D system is a music lover’s dream. From classical to hip-hop, every track sounded rich and immersive, turning my commute into a private concert.
Generous Cargo Space: The 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row was a lifesaver for family trips. I could fit strollers, sports gear, and groceries without folding seats, unlike the XT6.
High-Tech Features: The Lincoln Embrace welcome sequence, with its glowing logo mat, and Phone As A Key tech added a futuristic vibe. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was a sleek command center for all my needs.
Smooth Ride Quality: The adaptive suspension soaked up bumps like a dream, making even rough roads feel smooth. I appreciated the quiet cabin, which kept road noise to a minimum.

Cons Of the Lincoln Aviator

Premium Price Point: At $57,095, the Aviator costs significantly more than the XT6, and top trims like Black Label push it even higher. It’s a big ask for budget-conscious buyers like me.
Thirsty Fuel Economy: With 18 city and 26 highway MPG, the Aviator drinks more gas than the XT6. I noticed the difference in my weekly fuel budget, especially with city driving.
Slightly Tight Cabin: The 144.7 cubic feet of passenger volume is a bit less than the XT6, and my taller passengers felt the pinch in the second row. It’s not cramped, but it’s noticeable.
Awkward Touchscreen Placement: The 10.1-inch touchscreen sits low on the dash, forcing me to look down more than I’d prefer. It was a minor distraction but enough to annoy me.
Reliability Questions: Earlier Aviator models had issues with transmissions and electronics. While the 2025 model felt solid, I’d keep an eye on long-term dependability based on past reports.
Less Nimble Handling: The Aviator’s 119.1-inch wheelbase makes it feel heavier in tight spaces. I found it trickier to navigate crowded parking lots compared to the XT6’s agility.
Higher Maintenance Costs: With its premium components and complex tech, the Aviator’s maintenance and repair costs are likely higher than the XT6’s, which gave me pause for long-term ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is better, Lincoln Aviator or Cadillac XT6?

It hinges on what you value. The Lincoln Aviator shines with its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and extra cargo space, making it perfect if you want a high-end experience and can afford the price. The Cadillac XT6 offers better value, fuel efficiency, and a roomier cabin, ideal for families on a budget. I’d pick the Aviator for its wow factor, but the XT6 is a smarter buy for practicality.

What Lincoln is comparable to a Cadillac XT6?

The Lincoln Aviator is the closest match to the Cadillac XT6. Both are midsize, three-row luxury SUVs with similar seating options and tech, but the Aviator leans toward performance and luxury, while the XT6 prioritizes affordability and efficiency.

Which is better, Lincoln or Cadillac?

It’s not a clear win for either—Lincoln’s Aviator feels more upscale and powerful, while Cadillac’s XT6 delivers value and fuel economy. I loved Lincoln’s refined interior, but Cadillac’s safety tech, like Super Cruise, is a standout. Test both to see what clicks for you.

What is the Cadillac equivalent of the Lincoln Aviator?

The Cadillac XT6 is the direct counterpart to the Lincoln Aviator. Both are three-row, midsize luxury SUVs with family-friendly features, premium audio, and advanced safety tech, though they differ in price and performance.

Conclusion: For Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator

You’re at a fork in the road, choosing between two American SUVs that promise luxury and practicality. The Cadillac XT6 won me over with its lower price, great fuel economy, and spacious interior, making it a solid pick for families who want style without splurging. Its Super Cruise tech and nimble handling were highlights, though the base engine and interior felt a bit underwhelming. The Lincoln Aviator, meanwhile, dazzled me with its powerful V6, plush cabin, and jaw-dropping audio system. It’s pricier and less efficient, but it delivers a first-class experience. If value and efficiency are your priorities, the XT6 is your ride. If you crave luxury and performance, the Aviator will sweep you away. Take both for a spin—you’ll feel which one’s right for you.