2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured a clean, crisp exterior design that hid its long, boxy shape under a tailored suit. Smooth body panels and limited creases gave it a slimming effect, while satin-painted silver accents and a medium-sized silver mesh grille added a touch of elegance. Thin LED headlights and vertical running lamps were the XT6's flashiest elements, showcasing restraint and taste without being boring. Inside, however, the XT6 fell short compared to its competitors. Despite having soft leather, microsuede, and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats were thin and lacked support. The lower part of the center stack and the entire center console were wrapped in cheap vinyl, and the screens were small. The interior looked dated, lacking the first-class materials and eye-catching colors found in other luxury brands.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, felt dated despite a 2018 update that incorporated newer infotainment tech. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna's trims ranged from the base L to the Limited Premium, with each trim adding more features. The base L came well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, three-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. Higher trims added features like dual power sliding doors, leather upholstery, a power rear liftgate, and a DVD entertainment system. The Limited trim added leather front seats, a JBL premium audio system, and navigation. The Nightshade Edition offered dark accents and wheels for those who prioritized a cool look.

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 not as responsive as 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 and adaptive dampers made the XT6 feel balanced and controlled. The steering was direct and nicely weighted, with a more secure feel in Sport mode. The XT6 achieved an EPA combined rating of 20 mpg, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 highway. Cadillac planned a plug-in hybrid version to improve these figures.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration and a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It had a 3,500-pound towing capacity and offered all-wheel drive on all trims except the base L. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled surprisingly well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base providing decent handling dynamics. However, its twitchy steering response required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered livable third-row seating with decent knee room, USB ports, cupholders, and air vents. The third row power-folded down and up, while the second-row seats mechanically dropped down from an electric latch. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the second row was very spacious. Total cargo volume measured 12.6 cubic feet with all seats raised, 43.1 with the third row down, and 78.7 with both the second and third rows down. Visibility was good, and the digital mirror using a widescreen camera helped shrink blind spots. The XT6's instrument cluster and improved touchscreen infotainment system made it simple to operate at speed.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet. However, accessing this total figure required removing the second-row seats. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. The Sienna also offered mobility access features from the dealership, such as the Auto Access Seat, a built-in rotating lift seat. This made the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an infotainment system that was a significant improvement over its predecessor. It included 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 semi-automated driving features and a reconfigurable digital instrument panel. The Bose stereo and infotainment screen were also underwhelming for a luxury vehicle.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims added features like navigation, a JBL premium audio system, and Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system for the driver to communicate with rear passengers. However, the Sienna did not offer a larger screen on upgraded trims.

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

The 2020 Toyota Sienna earned five stars from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS in several areas. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was available on lower trims and standard on higher trims.