2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 showcased a clean and crisp exterior design, hiding its long, boxy shape under smooth body panels and limited creases. It featured satin-painted silver surrounding the windows and a medium-sized silver mesh grille, with thin LED headlights and vertical running lamps adding a touch of flair. The XT6's design was restrained yet stylish, with standard 20-inch wheels that didn't appear oversized. However, the interior didn't match the exterior's sophistication. Despite soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats lacked support and looked plain. The lower center stack and console were wrapped in cheap vinyl, and the screens were small with nonadjustable ambient lighting. The interior felt outdated compared to competitors.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, in its fifth generation, had a familiar and fun design with curvy, car-like lines. It resembled Honda's sedan lineup and leaned more towards a station wagon look. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures and materials. While pricier models had wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these clashed with low-quality plastics, reminding drivers of its commodity car roots. The base CR-V started at an MSRP of $26,270, with four trim levels available. The CR-V featured standard 17-inch alloy wheels, with larger options on higher trims. Fabric seating was standard on lower trims, with leather available on top trims. A retractable moonroof was included on all but the base trim, and roof rails were only on the top model.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While it could tow up to 4,000 pounds, the engine was coarse-sounding and less responsive than newer turbocharged V6 engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts and well-spaced ratios. Front-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive with adaptive dampers offered a balanced and controlled ride. The steering was direct and nicely weighted, with a more secure feel in Sport mode. The XT6's suspension and brakes were well-tuned, but it lacked advanced features like height-adjustable air springs. Fuel economy was average, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 highway.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The turbo engine replaced the previous 2.4-liter engine, offering better performance and fuel economy. The CVT provided a smooth driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD model contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency. FWD models achieved 30 mpg combined, while AWD models managed 29 mpg. A hybrid version was also introduced for 2020, offering even better fuel economy.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a spacious interior with a livable third row. The cushion height and knee room were decent, and the third row featured USB ports, cupholders, and air vents. The second-row captain's chairs or bench seat could be mechanically dropped down, and the third row power-folded. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the standard panoramic moonroof extended into the second row. The XT6 had a total cargo volume of 12.6 cubic feet with all seats up, 43.1 with the third row down, and 78.7 with both rows down. Visibility was good, and the digital mirror helped reduce blind spots. The infotainment system was improved, with an intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and clever storage solutions. It offered good head- and legroom in both the front and rear seats, with an excellent seating position for visibility. The cargo compartment was roomy, with a two-position load floor for maximizing space or creating a flat floor with the rear seats folded. The CR-V had a total cargo space of 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The center console featured a deep well with a sliding cover, inspired by the Odyssey minivan. The door pockets were also spacious, extending behind the lower door panel for extra room. The CR-V's interior was practical and easy to live with.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an improved infotainment system, a reskin of Chevrolet Infotainment 3. It offered cloud-based voice commands, a built-in app store, and driver profiles that could migrate to other GM vehicles. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a suite of driver assists. Optional features included 360-degree cameras, night vision, and LED matrix headlights. However, the XT6 lacked advanced tech like Super Cruise, massaging seats, and a reconfigurable digital instrument panel. The Bose stereo and infotainment screen were also underwhelming for a luxury vehicle.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a 5-inch screen standard on the base trim and a 7-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available only with the larger screen, and the navigation system was limited to the Touring trim. The CR-V did offer plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two in the backseat. A wireless phone charger was added to the Touring trim for 2020. Overall, the CR-V's infotainment system was outdated and less user-friendly compared to competitors.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores. It offered advanced safety features like rear pedestrian detection, a digital rear-view mirror, and 360-degree cameras. The Driver Assist Package included forward emergency braking, reverse emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and seat-belt tightening.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. Automatic high beams were also standard, with blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring on higher trims. The CR-V earned five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, with the Touring trim's LED headlights improving nighttime visibility.