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| Yes | Bose Stereo System | No |
| Yes | Teen Driver Technology | No |
| 7 | Seating | 7 |
How do you define luxury in an SUV? For many drivers, luxury is a welcoming cabin with leather seating, premium materials, and exquisite details. These characteristics work together to complement a long list of conveniences and innovative technologies meant to offer a transformative experience in the driver's seat. Automakers like Ford and Cadillac are undoubtedly capable of delivering, but comparing the 2024 Cadillac XT6 vs 2024 Ford Explorer proves that not every approach is the same or equally luxurious.
The 2024 XT6 and 2024 Explorer share the same class as three-row SUVs. They have similar dimensions and curb weights and offer two-engine lineups with comparable outputs and efficiencies. Yet, Ford and Cadillac approach luxury in two vastly different ways. The 2024 Explorer is far more practical, with Ford requiring drivers to spend nearly $55,000 on a top-tier trim like the Platinum. Even then, the Explorer errs on the side of functionality rather than delivering a three-row SUV fit for royalty.
Fortunately, where Ford falls short with the 2024 Explorer, Cadillac steals the spotlight with the 2024 XT6. Cadillac has spent over a century building its reputation as the leading luxury automaker in America. The 2024 XT6 showcases that legacy, with the three-row SUV starting at $48,795 and boasting the premium features, impeccable design details, and advanced conveniences and technologies expected of a luxury SUV.[a] It's everything you imagine and hope for, but more.
But what else can you expect from the 2024 XT6 that you won't find in the 2024 Explorer? Why are we confident that your search for a luxurious three-row SUV will end with you behind the wheel of a Cadillac? It's time to find out as we take a closer look at three key areas that showcase how the XT6 outshines the Explorer.
The 2024 Explorer lineup includes the base model and subsequent trims like the XLT, performance-oriented ST-Line and ST, rugged Timberline, and the more luxurious King Ranch and Platinum. The Platinum is as close to opulent as you'll get, at least in terms of Cadillac-level luxury. The Explorer's top-tier trim is priced slightly under $55,000 for 2024 and offers far fewer luxuries than its Cadillac rival.
Luxury in the 2024 Explorer Platinum includes leather seating and the SYNC 3 infotainment system. However, Ford's view of luxury is noticeably lacking. The Explorer Platinum has standard conveniences like remote start, parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging, a heated steering wheel, and power front windows. However, enjoying more features requires spending beyond the $55,000 price tag to enjoy perks like a premium 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a twin-panel moonroof, multi-contour seats with Active Motion, and an expansive driver and center display.
Cadillac doesn't ask drivers to compromise or spend more, outfitting the 2024 XT6 with more luxuries and conveniences than its rivals. For example, the 2024 XT6 features Semi-Aniline leather seating with Chevron-Perforated inserts across all three rows, a French-stitched leather-wrapped horn pad, and leather-wrapped details that stretch from the door trim and console to the instrument panel. These remarkable details complement a host of other components working behind the scenes, like the XT6's Air Ionizer and Cabin Humidity Sensor that automatically optimizes the XT6's climate settings and purifies the air in the cabin.
The 2024 XT6 also makes life easier, boasting second-row seats that fold automatically with the touch of a button. Depending on the package, you'll also find driver presets with multiple profiles that remember your preference for the seats, exterior mirrors, and steering wheel. Other notable luxuries include the XT6's driver-adjustable performance suspension with chassis damping control that lets you control the ride quality and performance for the most luxurious ride in the segment.
When shopping for a luxury SUV, expect the automaker to meet and exceed your expectations in several key areas. One of those areas is technology, with modern marvels like the 2024 XT6 and 2024 Explorer heavily reliant on innovative technologies to operate behind the scenes and actively keep us connected and informed. Of course, Cadillac and Ford take two distinct approaches to technology, with the 2024 Explorer falling behind its rival to give the 2024 XT6 another obvious advantage.
The Explorer Platinum is the only Explorer comparable to the XT6 in terms of luxury, but even that falls short. As a top-tier trim, the Explorer Platinum is expected to offer the most technologies and features in the Explorer's 2024 lineup, especially with a price tag just shy of $55,000. However, that isn't the case because Ford requires you to spend more to truly enjoy the premium technologies and features you deserve in a luxury SUV. How so?
The Explorer Platinum has four USB ports, a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. However, the infotainment system is behind the game, relying on the SYNC 3 system rather than the newer SYNC 4 operating system. Upgrading to the SYNC 4 system isn't an option, but you have to spend more if you want a better touchscreen center display and a 14-speaker sound system. These upgrades obviously add to the Explorer Platinum's price tag, making the 2024 XT6 an even more appealing option.
Cadillac defies expectations by outfitting the 2024 XT6 with every feature imaginable. You'll find heated exterior mirrors heighten your visibility, with an automatically tilting rear view mirror that gives you a better view of the curb when you switch into reverse. Likewise, the XT6's interior technology is legions ahead of the game, with six USB ports, a 14-speaker Bose sound system that delivers an immersive listening experience, expansive digital displays that complement a head-up display, and Super Cruise. While Ford Blue Cruise is comparable to Super Cruise, it's not available on the 2024 Explorer, nor is a head-up display.
Driver safety is a top priority for every automaker, with industry-wide regulations and federal organizations dedicated to heightening our safety in the driver's seat. Cadillac and Ford go to great lengths to design the 2024 XT6 and 2024 Explorer with high-strength builds that mitigate the risk of injury in a collision. Moreover, the automakers also equip the SUVs with advanced safety and driver-assist technologies that heighten your visibility and optimize your situational awareness. So, which SUV offers more features and a better overall experience?
The 2024 Ford Explorer is equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, with top-tier trims like the Platinum adding Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+. The packages are impressive and meet industry-wide regulations. For example, every Explorer features Pre-Collision Assist, a standard Rear View Camera, automatic high-beam headlamps, a Lane-Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package adds features like Active Park Assist 2.0, Post-Collision Braking, and Rear Parking Sensors.
Unfortunately for Ford fans, the 2024 Cadillac XT6 leaves the Explorer in the dust. Cadillac goes above and beyond to outfit the luxury SUV with every feature imaginable to prioritize your safety and awareness. We see this in the standard Cadillac Smart System, the Driver Assist Package, and many other advanced technologies. For example, the Cadillac Smart System equips the SUV with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, a Following Distance Indicator, Safety Alert Seat, Front and Rear Park Assist, an HD Rear Vision Camera, IntelliBeam automatic high beams, Teen Driver, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a Rear Seat Reminder, Safety Alert Seat, and Lane-Keeping and Lane-Changing tools with Lane Departure Warning and a Side Blind Zone Alert. The list is extensive and far outshines the competition.
Cadillac ups the ante by giving drivers a suite of advanced features that build on the standard technologies. For example, you'll find cutting-edge tools like Automatic Seat Belt Tightening, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking and Reverse Automatic Braking, Rear Pedestrian Alert, a Rear Camera Mirror with a washer, Automatic Parking Assist with Braking, and an HD Surround Vision camera. Cadillac also offers an industry-leading Surround Vision Recorder and Night Vision capability, which you won't find in the 2024 Explorer's safety lineup.
Did you initially launch your search thinking the 2024 Explorer was the perfect fit? After comparing the Explorer to the 2024 XT6, we guarantee you've discovered why Cadillac is an industry leader and the go-to luxury brand in America. As your Cadillac authority and automotive home away from home, we can't wait to show you that luxury firsthand at Jim Ellis Cadillac.
As veterans in the automotive industry, we believe our customers deserve an extraordinary dealership experience that reflects the opulence expected from the Cadillac lineup. We're honored to deliver and celebrate your time and trust in us by offering a personalized experience catered to your needs. We're in the business of selling cars, but building lasting and meaningful relationships with our customers and the community is our passion.
We can't wait to share that passion with you and help bring your XT6 dreams to life. More importantly, we're ready to partner with you to help you maximize your investment every mile down the road. Our state-of-the-art dealership is home to an incredible selection and an even more impressive team that operates with integrity, transparency, and respect. Those values define everything we do, from helping you find the perfect SUV to overseeing all your maintenance, service, and repair needs.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
