2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Volvo XC40

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 vehicle's sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its definitive Cadillac look. The interior, reminiscent of the XT5, offered a slightly larger space with four colour options. The seats, especially with the available Platinum Package, were a highlight, offering semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the dashboard area, while not unattractive, had some elements that appeared less premium.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a familiar design, closely resembling its gasoline counterpart. The most noticeable difference was its solid grille panel, a nod to its electric nature. The XC40's exterior was marked by its Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion, showcasing Volvo's attention to detail. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design, offering an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact size. The harmonious dash elements and premium feel positioned the XC40 Recharge as a genuine luxury SUV.

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 XT6 Premium Luxury trim, while the base XT6 Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The XT6's V6 engine provided sufficient power, but its driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear due to the AWD mechanics. Fuel economy for the V6 was 13.1 L/100 km in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.5 combined.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, was equipped with a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors, producing 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal drive option, enhancing its driving experience. Its lower centre of gravity improved handling, and it offered a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge. The gasoline XC40 models had different performance figures, with the T4 and T5 models offering 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain’s chairs in the second row on certain trims. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less room compared to some competitors. The interior storage was not ideal for families, and the wireless phone charger was not user-friendly. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge provided clever storage solutions, including a front trunk for additional space. The cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks, with comfortable front seats and adequate rear seating for outboard passengers. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a range of standard features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system and other premium features. However, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors and could appear crowded.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced tech, including Pilot Assist and a heat pump for climate control. Its infotainment system featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. The system supported OTA updates and offered built-in Google services. However, the range reporting system, which displayed a percentage of charge rather than remaining kilometres, could induce range anxiety.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. 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 Volvo XC40 Recharge also boasted an extensive list of safety features, such as collision warning, blind-spot information, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, and its gasoline counterpart received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.