XT6 vs Aviator
Rivals in the midsize luxury suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the XT6 and the Aviator are no exception. Trade-offs cut both ways here: pick the XT6 and you gain on fuel economy & range; pick the Aviator and you gain on engine & performance. Price is part of the story too: the XT6 launched at $10,100 less than the Aviator.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Aviator wins
- Fuel Economy & Range XT6 wins
- Space & Practicality XT6 wins
- Off-road & Towing Aviator wins
- Price XT6 wins
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range8.6
- Off-road & Towing4.0
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Off-road & Towing7.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Aviator has 165 hp more power
On this line of the spec sheet, the Aviator is in a different league: 400 hp, next to 235 hp for the XT6. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Aviator has 2,700 lb more towing capacity
For max towing, the Aviator leads by a wide margin: 6,700 lb versus 4,000 lb. If you tow regularly, the Aviator’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The Aviator has 157 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 415 lb-ft to the XT6’s 258 lb-ft, the Aviator has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The XT6 has better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the XT6 edges out the Aviator, 23 mpg to 21 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The XT6 has room for 7 seats
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 7 seats against 6 seats is a small but genuine lead for the XT6. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | XT6 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.7 in | 119.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Aviator leads
The XT6 has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Aviator pulls well ahead. The Aviator adds 165 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Net result: the Aviator leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
XT6: 235 hp Aviator: 400 hp The Aviator’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
XT6: 258 lb-ft Aviator: 415 lb-ft The Aviator’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
XT6 leads
The XT6 is the clear pick if fuel economy & range is what you care about most. The XT6 scores with better fuel economy. The XT6 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. That makes the XT6 the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
XT6: 23 mpg Aviator: 21 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
XT6: 21 mpg Aviator: 18 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the XT6 has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
XT6 leads
The XT6 has the slight upper hand on space & practicality. The XT6 makes its case with room for 7 seats. The XT6 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the XT6.
Seats
XT6: 7 seats Aviator: 6 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Aviator leads
Here the Aviator opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Aviator takes this one with 2,700 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the Aviator.
Max towing
XT6: 4,000 lb Aviator: 6,700 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | XT6 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 235 hp | 400 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | XT6 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg (winner) | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | XT6 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 6 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 12.6 cu ft Smallest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 78.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | XT6 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 4,000 lb | 6,700 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | XT6 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Lincoln Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | XT6 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.7 in | 119.1 in |
Price
| Spec | XT6 | Aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,195 (winner) | $59,295 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Going by launch prices, choosing the XT6 keeps $10,100 in your pocket: 21% of difference. Neither leads outright, so ask yourself whether the Aviator’s strengths are worth $10,100 more to you.
Launch prices in the US as of launch; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the XT6 if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (23 mpg vs 21 mpg)
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 6 seats)
- you mostly drive in town (21 mpg vs 18 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (27 mpg vs 25 mpg)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($10,100 less)
Choose the Aviator if…
- you want more power (400 hp vs 235 hp)
- you want the higher towing capacity (6,700 lb vs 4,000 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (415 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the XT6 or the Aviator?
For most buyers, the XT6 makes more sense: it launched $10,100 below the Aviator.
Which costs less, the XT6 or the Aviator?
At launch, the XT6 undercut the Aviator by $10,100. These figures are as of launch, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
The XT6 from Cadillac and the Aviator from Lincoln go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. The XT6 wins me over with better fuel economy. Add room for 7 seats to the list, and the XT6 looks even better. The Aviator’s strongest argument is 165 hp more power.
The XT6 makes sense for anyone who values fuel economy & range; the Aviator for anyone who values engine & performance.
My pick: the XT6. I’d rather keep $10,100 than pay for extras I might not use.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.