2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's ability to evolve its design language while maintaining its core identity. Known for its conservative styling, Volvo managed to infuse the XC90 with more character without losing its recognizable features. The SUV retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, increased chrome accents, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism, offering high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The interior featured matte-finish wood trim and unique upholstery options, such as wool and Nappa leather, with an Orrefors crystal shifter adding a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5. The XT6 Sport trim featured a traditional grille with darkened accents, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and slim all-LED headlights, creating 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 was reminiscent of the XT5, offering four colour options and comfortable seats, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which upgraded the upholstery to semi-aniline leather. However, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements. Despite this, the steering wheel and console surfaces felt high-quality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. All models in Canada came with standard all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms, which was respectable but less than some rivals.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This engine was also standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 hp and 258 lb-ft. The XT6's V6 engine provided smooth power delivery, but the SUV's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the AWD Sport model, which weighed 2,127 kilograms. This weight distribution issue affected handling, making the XT6 less dynamic than competitors. The XT6's fuel economy was on par with rivals, with the V6 engine consuming 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with the option of second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious due to an optional power sunroof and the XC90’s upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 317 litres behind the third row, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with both rows down. A hands-free power tailgate was standard.

The Cadillac XT6 offered standard seating for seven, with the option of second-row captain’s chairs on Sport and Premium Luxury trims. Adults could fit in the third row, a feature that was becoming more common in midsize SUVs. However, the XT6 had less room in all three rows compared to some competitors. Interior storage was not ideal, with limited space for small items in the front row. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with a power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats. Remote-folding second-row seats were available, but the cargo load floor was high, and space behind the third row was limited.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It came with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. The system included two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The touchscreen was user-friendly, but the text and typeface could be difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The Cadillac XT6's technology was adequate for its class, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hot spot. The XT6 had six USB ports, two for each row. Optional upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests. It also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The Cadillac XT6 came with a robust set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6 struggled with lane-keep assist accuracy, but buyers could upgrade to the Driver Assist Package for additional features. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.