2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6 Sport model stood out with its darkened accent pieces and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights added to its premium appeal. Inside, the XT6 mirrored the XT5's interior but offered more space, with three color options and the possibility of upgrading to semi-aniline leather upholstery through the Platinum Package. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area was less premium, though still attractive.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The Durango SRT Hellcat model featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps, enhancing its aggressive look. With six different wheel varieties and 11 exterior colors, the Durango offered ample customization. Inside, the Durango boasted a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 system. The cabin's materials improved with higher trims, offering options like leather and suede upholstery, and the dashboard updates aligned it with Dodge's muscle cars.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base XT6 Luxury model featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The XT6 Sport, with its AWD-only configuration, felt heavy at 4,690 pounds, affecting its driving dynamics. Despite this, the XT6 delivered smooth gear shifts and competitive fuel economy, with the V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in FWD models. The Smart Towing package added practicality for towing needs.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, from the 3.6-liter V6 with up to 295 horsepower to the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat, producing 710 horsepower. The Durango's eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the SUV handled well, though its chassis showed its age. The Durango excelled in towing, with the R/T model's Tow N Go Package allowing for a capacity of 8,700 pounds. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages for track enthusiasts, offering configurable drive modes and performance data.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less space compared to competitors like the Telluride and Ascent. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate, making it practical for hauling.

The 2021 Dodge Durango provided seating for up to seven, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more accommodating than many rivals, and access was easy. With 21 seat options, the Durango offered plenty of customization. Cargo space was average for its class, but the Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly, making it a reliable family hauler.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, a WiFi hotspot, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose system and navigation. While the tech was suitable, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the interface could feel crowded.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's Uconnect 5 system, available on higher trims, was a standout feature. The 10.1-inch touchscreen offered fast performance, user profiles, and connected services. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the family entertainment system added Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. The TomTom navigation system was user-friendly, though a head-up display would have enhanced usability.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system struggled with accuracy. The Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera and federally mandated equipment. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a five-star side crash-test rating from NHTSA, but front crash test ratings were pending.