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The 2023 Cadillac XT6 is a common choice for people who want a nice midsize SUV. Though a solid option, some more affordable SUVs surpass the new Cadillac XT6 in critical ways. In particular, the 2023 Toyota Highlander is one of the best competitors to the Cadillac SUV. The midsize Toyota SUV is the non-luxury version of the beloved SUV in many ways.

The Toyota Highlander offers similar performance as the 2023 Cadillac XT6

2023 Cadillac XT6 in red
2023 Cadillac XT6 | Cadillac

Performance is one of the most significant ways the 2023 Toyota Highlander surpasses the latest Cadillac XT6. According to Edmunds, this midsize Toyota SUV has a standard 2.4-liter inline-four with a maximum output of 265 horsepower. That’s a bit more powerful than the 235 hp 2.0-liter inline-four in the 2023 Cadillac XT6. Both SUVs are front-wheel drive on the base trim. The Toyota SUV uses an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Cadillac has a nine-speed. 

Regarding acceleration times, the midsize Toyota SUV is fairly similar to the latest Cadillac XT6. The 2023 Toyota Highlander accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a reported 7.5 seconds. The Cadillac takes about 7.6 seconds. Potential buyers should note that the Cadillac XT6 also comes in a sport trim, which has a more potent engine. Additionally, the latest midsize Toyota SUV can tow much more than the Cadillac SUV. It tows up to 5,000 pounds. 

The Cadillac XT6 has a similar interior to the Highlander

2023 Toyota Highlander interior
2023 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

Though subjective, there is a strong belief that the 2023 Toyota Highlander has a better looking interior. For sure, it seats more as it can comfortably accommodate eight people. The 2023 Cadillac XT6 seats seven comfortably. The problem with the inside of the Cadillac SUV is that it doesn’t measure up to its price. It’s simply not comparable to other midsize luxury SUVs with what it has to offer. However, the midsize Toyota SUV excels in the area and is actually one of the automaker’s best.

The use of technology is where the Highlander also comes out on top regarding the cabin. The midsize Toyota SUV has a standard eight-inch screen, but upper trims have a 12.3-inch display along with a secondary screen of the same size. The second screen functions as the gauge cluster. The Cadillac has an eight-inch display. Additionally, the Cadillac has a bit of a weird design that doesn’t feel very luxurious.

The 2023 Highlander offers slightly better fuel economy

Toyota Midsize SUV in white
2023 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

The 2023 Toyota Highlander offers slightly better fuel economy than the latest Cadillac XT6. It gets an average of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The latest XT6 gets an average of 21 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. This isn’t a significant difference, but it’s enough to add even more value to the more affordable midsize Toyota SUV.

These are two reasonably reliable midsize SUVs. However, the 2023 Cadillac XT6 starts at $48,595, while the Toyota SUV costs $36,620. The Cadillac is a fantastic choice, but the Toyota Highlander could be a better value as it beats it in several important ways.

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