2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

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 and tasteful, avoiding bright chrome and oversized elements, making it stylish without being boring. However, the interior did not match the exterior's elegance. Despite having soft leather, microsuede, and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats were thin and lacked support. The lower center stack and console were wrapped in cheap vinyl, and the screens were small with nonadjustable ambient lighting. The overall interior felt outdated compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2020 Volvo XC90 represented the pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a big SUV could be as beautiful as a sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatment, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, complemented by 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The interior was equally impressive, with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and rich leather on the dash and doors. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The cabin was filled with padded materials for quality and safety, and finer details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob showcased craftsmanship. The XC90's interior was simple yet high-quality, setting a high standard in its class.

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 off the line compared to newer turbocharged V6 engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts and well-spaced ratios. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive and adaptive dampers available. The XT6 felt balanced and controlled, with direct and nicely weighted steering. The Sport trim added features like a mechanical torque-vectoring rear differential and sport-tuned dampers. Over 400 miles, the XT6 matched the EPA's 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 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid used an 11.6-kWh battery for up to 18 gas-free miles, with a total output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. However, the hybrid's added weight negated the speed benefits. The XC90's fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 hybrid achieved 27 mpg combined once the battery depleted. The XC90's handling was comfortable and quiet, but it lacked sporty dynamics.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third-row seat with decent knee room, USB ports, cupholders, and air vents. The second-row captain’s chairs or bench seat mechanically dropped down, and the third row power-folded. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the second row was spacious with optional heated cushions and backrests. Total cargo volume was 12.6 cubic feet with all seats raised, 43.1 with the third row down, and 78.7 with both rows down. Visibility was good, and the digital mirror with a widescreen camera helped reduce blind spots. The infotainment system was improved, with an intuitive interface and cloud-based voice commands.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which responded quickly and was well-organized. The system included climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for defrosters, volume, and seek controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded. Sightlines from the driver's seat were good.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6's infotainment system was a significant improvement over the old CUE system, with a fast and intuitive interface. 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 Super Cruise. The Bose stereo and infotainment screen were also underwhelming.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design model featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, with high-resolution maps and clear displays. Onboard apps offered location sharing, voice memos, and media apps. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options. Volvo needed to improve the digital screen and show individual tire pressures in the TPMS sensors.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores. Safety features included rear pedestrian detection, a digital rear-view mirror, 360-degree cameras, forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and seat-belt tightening.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's history of safety innovations, such as the boron steel roof and curtain airbags, highlighted its commitment to safety.