2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers gave the Sienna a more SUV-like appearance, featuring a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated seamlessly with the Toyota logo. The side profile boasted an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear design maintained a wide and low appearance, with Toyota's renowned fit and finish quality evident throughout. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite reaching the command seating of an SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls conveniently placed. The centre console featured a bridge design, providing ample storage space, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury. The second and third-row seats were comfortable for adults, with the second row offering sliding options for maximum utility.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication, sharing styling cues with its XT4 and XT5 siblings. The XT6 Sport trim featured a traditional grille with darkened accents, complemented by 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its premium appearance. Cadillac offered the XT6 in eight paint colours, with most requiring an additional surcharge. The interior mirrored the XT5's design, slightly larger due to the XT6's size. The cabin offered four colour options, with the Platinum Package elevating the seats to semi-aniline leather upholstery. While the seats were a highlight, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements. However, the steering wheel and console surfaces provided a good tactile experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims. The AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. The Sienna offered four drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling improvements were notable, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was a standout, with FWD models rated at 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway, while AWD models achieved 6.8 city and 6.6 highway.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT6 Premium Luxury trim shared this engine, while the base Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The V6 provided ample power, and the transmission shifted smoothly. The XT6 came standard with all-wheel drive in Canada. However, the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear due to the AWD mechanics, affecting its agility. Fuel economy for the V6 was 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway, while the turbo-four achieved 11.2 city and 9.0 highway.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, offering a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row slid up to 63.5 cm, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The cabin featured ample storage, with 16 cupholders and bottle holders in all four side doors. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added to its family-friendly features.

The Cadillac XT6 offered standard 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, a feature that had become more common in recent years. However, the XT6 had less headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room compared to competitors. Interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row passengers. The wireless phone charger was a deep-pocket type, restricting access while charging. The XT6 excelled in rear cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and an available hands-free power liftgate. However, cargo space behind the third row was limited, typical for the class.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect. Higher trims offered Qi-compatible charging and a 1500-watt inverter. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a multi-information display, digital rearview mirror, and Smart Key System on higher trims.

The Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features included a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and remote start. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, heated/ventilated seats, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. While the tech was suitable, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the wireless charger design was not ideal for accessibility.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. A tire pressure monitoring system was standard, with a spare tire available on the LE grade. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA.

The Cadillac XT6 was equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The lane-keep assist system struggled with accuracy. Optional packages included adaptive cruise control, enhanced emergency braking, and a rear-camera mirror. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS.