2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, featured a traditionally styled grille with darkened accents, enhancing its premium appearance. The SUV rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its luxurious look. The interior, reminiscent of the XT5, offered four colour options and could be upgraded with the Platinum Package for semi-aniline leather upholstery and other premium touches. While the seats were a highlight, the dashboard area was less impressive, with some elements appearing cheaper.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique proposition with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The exterior, even with the S Appearance Package, wasn't particularly striking, but the interior was comfortable and practical. The black Nappa leather upholstery added a touch of quality, though the styling felt somewhat dated. The Pacifica Hybrid's focus was on functionality, with features like a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system and a spacious interior that could accommodate up to seven passengers. The minivan's design didn't shy away from its identity, prioritizing practicality over style.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was also standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The V6 provided ample power, but the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear where the AWD mechanics were located. This affected its agility, especially in tight turns and during acceleration. Fuel economy for the V6 was 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. The electric drive system offered immediate torque, and the van could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the regenerative braking system contributed to its efficiency. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain's chairs in the second row on higher trims. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less interior space compared to competitors. Small-item 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.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, though they couldn't be stowed in the floor. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. While the tech was suitable, the screen size was smaller than competitors, and the interface could feel crowded. Optional upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system and navigation.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system struggled to read lane lines accurately. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing lane departures and moderating speed. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.