2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, offering a sense of understated elegance. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The sleek, low-slung design with chiseled details and a fast roofline gave it a modern appearance. Inside, the MDX boasted a simple yet contemporary interior, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that contributed to its solid and well-built feel.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and slim all-LED headlights, giving it a premium and distinctly Cadillac look. The interior, while similar to the XT5, offered three color options and the option for semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. However, some interior elements, like the dashboard, appeared less premium compared to the seats. Despite this, the XT6 maintained a sense of luxury with its overall design.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid model with a 3.0-liter V6 and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced its nimbleness, especially in corners, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX provided a comfortable ride with its four-wheel independent suspension, making it a reliable choice for long drives.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT6 offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the Sport model exclusively available with AWD. However, the XT6 struggled with driving dynamics due to its weight, particularly in the mid-rear, affecting its agility. Despite this, the XT6 delivered competitive fuel economy figures, with the V6 engine achieving 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided practical features for families, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 90.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The interior boasted ample storage options, including a flexible center console and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to minivans.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 accommodated seven passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 offered less space compared to competitors. Interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row passengers. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate. Despite a high cargo load floor, the XT6 provided ample storage for larger items.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured a range of technology options through its trim packages. The base model included standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package offered additional tech features like a surround-view camera and heated seats. The Entertainment Package provided a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a decent array of standard tech features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. While the infotainment screen was smaller than some competitors, the XT6 provided a satisfactory tech experience for most users.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera. The MDX received high safety ratings, with the IIHS rating it as "good" in crash tests and the NHTSA awarding it a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured a comprehensive 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's lane-keep assist system had some limitations, but buyers could opt for additional safety packages. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.