2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. This change moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained some sophistication as the eye moved to the sides and rear, where a new all-LED taillamp spanned the width of the vehicle. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by offering a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted Nappa leather seats, suede centre row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, added to the upscale look, while sound deadening technology enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with styling cues similar to the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport trim featured a traditionally styled grille with darkened accents and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, giving it a premium and distinctly Cadillac appearance. The XT6 was available in eight paint colours, with most requiring an additional surcharge. Inside, the XT6's cabin mirrored the XT5's design but was slightly larger. The seats, especially with the Platinum Package, offered a luxurious feel with semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements. Despite this, the steering wheel and console surfaces provided a pleasant tactile experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel efficiency of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had a fuel consumption of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.4 on the highway. The AWD option, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency when not needed.

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. The base XT6 Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The XT6 came standard with AWD in Canada, but its driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear where the AWD mechanics were located. This affected its agility compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. The XT6's fuel economy was on par with its rivals, with the V6 engine consuming 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid for a sense of togetherness. It featured rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel. The under-console storage for second-row passengers added convenience, while the spacious cargo area rivalled its competitors.

The Cadillac XT6 provided seating for seven, with the option for captain’s chairs in the second row on Sport and Premium Luxury trims. Adults could fit in the third row, but the XT6 offered less headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room than many competitors. The interior storage was not ideal for families, with limited space for small items. The rear cargo space was a highlight, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate. However, the cargo load floor was high, and space behind the third row was limited.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern, customizable interface and quick responsiveness. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The second row's in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. The Pinnacle model offered FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view. The sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system in the Pinnacle Hybrid.

The Cadillac XT6's technology was suitable for its class, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system as standard. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, and Teen Driver monitoring. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. However, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the wireless phone charger design was not ideal for easy access.

The Chrysler Pacifica came with up to 116 standard or available safety features, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with active braking. The Pinnacle grade offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Premium Luxury and Sport models added lane change alert with blind-spot monitoring. The XT6's lane-keep assist struggled with accuracy, but the Driver Assist Package offered enhancements like adaptive cruise control. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.