2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90’s appearance marked a significant shift in Volvo's design language, one that successfully reshaped its image while retaining its heritage. The XC90 stood out with its blend of traditional Volvo elements like the boxy profile and rectangular grille, combined with softer lines, increased use of chrome, and the uniquely designed LED headlights featuring “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. These elements gave the XC90 a distinctive yet undeniably Volvo character. The Inscription trim, the most luxurious of the XC90 family, featured extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, making it the flashiest among its peers. The sporty R-Design with its new gloss-black grille surround and standard 20-inch wheels, and the Momentum base model with 19-inch wheels, showcased Volvo’s ability to cater to varied tastes without compromising on its classic design ethos.

In stark contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6’s design felt more conservative, adhering to a straightforward, inoffensive aesthetic. The front’s cascading running lights and the tall, narrow appearance gave the XT6 a somewhat unconventional facade. Around the rear, the taillight design appeared overwhelmingly similar to GMC's, lacking the unique flair expected from a luxury brand. Despite this, the XT6’s proportions and details fit well within Cadillac’s lineup, conveying a tailored look that appealed to fans of understated luxury. The Premium Luxury trim featured polished 20-inch alloy wheels and a black paint job that, paired with the Jet Black semi-aniline leather interior, evoked the image of a chauffeur-ready luxury vehicle, albeit one that could easily be mistaken for a more pedestrian model from a distance.

The performance capabilities of the 2021 Volvo XC90 and the 2022 Cadillac XT6 showcased key differences shaped by their powertrains and handling characteristics. The XC90 offered three powertrain choices, all centering on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 variant, with its turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, provided adequate power. The T6 variant improved on this with a turbo- and supercharged setup delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle was the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, which achieved a potent 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque by adding electric motors for enhanced performance. Despite these impressive figures, the reliance on a relatively small engine meant that the XC90 wasn't as flexible as competitors with larger engines. The plug-in hybrid struggled to maintain all-electric power under acceleration, making the gasoline engine essential even at lower speeds. However, the XC90 remained a strong performer in luxury, with excellent ride quality from its optional air suspension and subdued cabin noise, delivering a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds across most models.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 utilized engines shared with the GMC Acadia, beginning with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that offered 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This fell short compared to the Volvo’s base engine. Higher trims of the XT6 were powered by a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, offering smooth but not exhilarating performance. The V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive contributed to a comfortable driving experience but lacked the energetic response of turbocharged rivals. The XT6’s adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch wheels in the Premium Luxury trim provided a refined ride, and the Brembo brakes available in the Sport variant highlighted Cadillac’s effort to infuse some performance credentials. Fuel economy for the V6 AWD model hovered around 21 mpg combined, slightly underperforming in practical fuel efficiency. The XT6 also had a towing capacity that didn't stand out, especially compared to Volvo’s capacity.

The interior design and functionality of the 2021 Volvo XC90 highlighted Swedish minimalism, with thoughtful material use and a clean layout. It offered six- or seven-seat configurations, though space in the second and third rows was tight and uncomfortable for adults over long journeys. The headroom and legroom were average, and the seats, while stylish, lacked plush support. Storage was somewhat limited with a shallow center console and minimal console storage options. However, the panoramic moonroof added a sense of space and the hands-free power tailgate was a practical touch for loading cargo. The XC90’s cargo capacity was on the lower end for this segment, offering 11.2 cubic feet with all seats up, 34.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 appeared larger from the outside than it felt inside. With power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, the XT6 prioritized comfort similar to the Volvo, but lacked the range of adjustments and massage features found in rivals. The second-row captain’s chairs in our test vehicle could slide to offer better legroom, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access for adults. The storage solutions inside the XT6 were subpar, with small bins and hard-to-reach compartments. Despite these limitations, the XT6’s cargo capacities were slightly better than the XC90’s, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet. This made it more practical for carrying larger loads, though it still fell short of class leaders.

Technologically, the 2021 Volvo XC90 shone with its user-friendly Sensus infotainment system. The 9-inch touchscreen, resembling a tablet, simplified interaction with its swipe-based interface. Standard features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi hotspot, and a series of USB ports. The optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display added to the XC90’s premium feel. However, the Sensus system suffered from small text and a typeface that could be hard to read while driving, and the newly added wireless charger was incompatible with larger phones, with only second-row USB-C ports hindering front-seat phone charging options.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6’s technology package was a mixed bag. The lack of digital gauges was a significant drawback compared to its rivals, featuring instead analog gauges with a driver information display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system performed well and supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as featuring natural voice recognition and connected services. Yet, the touch-sensitive controls and some ergonomics choices felt dated. Cadillac’s use of black, touch-sensing buttons harked back to its problematic older infotainment systems. Even so, the Bose Performance Series audio system and digital rearview mirror were highlights, offering clear and immersive audio along with improved rear visibility.

Both the 2021 Volvo XC90 and the 2022 Cadillac XT6 scored high in safety ratings, affirming their status as family-friendly SUVs. The XC90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, signaling top-tier crash protection and robust safety technologies. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

In comparison, the Cadillac XT6 also stood out with the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ accolade and a five-star overall rating by the NHTSA. The XT6 included standard safety systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The addition of the Super Cruise system in the Platinum Package offered impressive semi-autonomous driving capabilities, although not without flaws. Super Cruise struggled with certain road and traffic conditions, highlighting the nascent stage of fully autonomous driving technologies.