2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with updates like a new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights across all trims. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing its modern look. The interior boasted perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, along with new dashboard ambient lighting, elevating its luxury feel. The Odyssey's design tweaks aimed to reduce brightwork, giving it a more sophisticated appearance, akin to an Acura minivan. The Lunar Silver Metallic test vehicle, with its U.S.-exclusive Elite trim, mirrored the Canadian Touring trim, showcasing these upscale enhancements.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6, with its polished 20-inch alloy wheels and Stellar Black paint, exuded a sense of understated elegance. The Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior added to its premium feel, though the exterior design was described as blandly inoffensive. The XT6's proportions and details conveyed a conservatively tailored image, aligning with Cadillac's lineup. Despite its attractive appearance, the XT6's interior didn't quite match the luxury expected at its price point, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen display that felt dated compared to its competitors. The interior space was narrower than anticipated, reflecting its GMC Acadia roots.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 10.8 L/100 km during testing, slightly above the official rating of 10.6 L/100 km. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) was a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with firm yet comfortable suspension and well-managed body motions. The brakes, though improved, showed signs of fade under heavy use, indicating a need for further enhancement.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 with 310 horsepower for the Premium Luxury and Sport trims. The V6, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided sufficient power, though it lacked the turbocharged punch of some competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to its athletic handling, while the Brembo brakes available on Sport models enhanced stopping power. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.5 L/100 km, with the test vehicle achieving 12.0 L/100 km. Despite its capabilities, the XT6's driving experience leaned towards serenity rather than excitement, with some issues like a creaking sunroof detracting from the overall enjoyment.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and practical interior, with logical controls and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, though the lack of a tuning knob for the stereo was a minor inconvenience. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,984 litres with seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior was less roomy than expected, with comfortable front seats but limited third-row space. The sliding second-row captain's chairs offered decent legroom, but accessing the third row required agility. Storage space was adequate, though not exceptional, with small cubbies and bins. Cargo capacity was 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,229 litres with seats folded. The XT6's interior, while comfortable, lacked the spaciousness and storage versatility of the Odyssey.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim included an 11-speaker audio system and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and limited voice-recognition capabilities were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, with a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, was not touchscreen, disappointing younger passengers.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered advanced technology like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance. However, it lacked digital gauges, and the 8-inch touchscreen felt small compared to rivals. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with intuitive voice recognition. Usability issues included touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights. The Bose audio system and digital rear camera were highlights, but the head-up display was less impressive than expected.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with standard Honda Sensing, offering advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the adaptive cruise control's braking could be smoother. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving-assist system. While impressive, it had limitations, such as inconsistent braking and lane-keeping. The XT6 earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, providing excellent crash protection.