2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 presented a clean and crisp exterior, embodying modern Cadillac design with its smooth body panels and limited creases. It managed to hide its long, boxy shape under a tailored suit, featuring satin-painted silver accents and a medium-sized silver mesh grille. The XT6's thin LED headlights and vertical running lamps added a touch of flair, while the overall design maintained a sense of restraint and taste. However, the interior did not match the exterior's elegance. Despite having soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats were thin and lacked support, and the use of cheap vinyl detracted from the luxury feel. The interior design seemed outdated compared to competitors, with small screens and ordinary color combinations.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the model, maintaining some of the original design's sophistication. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, with quilted leather seats, suede pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard housed a large 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the use of Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents added to the upscale look. The Pacifica's interior was designed with practicality and comfort in mind, making it a solid choice for families.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While it was capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds, the engine was coarse-sounding and less responsive compared to newer turbocharged V6 engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts, and the AWD and adaptive dampers offered a balanced and controlled ride. The XT6's steering was direct and nicely weighted, though it felt loose in the default Tour mode. The vehicle achieved an EPA combined rating of 20 mpg, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid powertrain with a V6 engine, dual-motor electrically variable transmission, and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery. The hybrid delivered 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors, with an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles. The Pacifica's AWD system was a new addition, automatically activating when needed and deactivating for improved fuel efficiency. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, while the hybrid delivered 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third-row seat with decent knee room and amenities like USB ports and cupholders. The second-row captain's chairs or bench seat could be mechanically dropped down, and the third row power-folded for added convenience. The XT6 provided good headroom in all seating positions, and the standard panoramic moonroof extended into the second row. Cargo volume measured 12.6 cubic feet with all seats raised, 43.1 with the third row down, and 78.7 with both rows down. The digital mirror and improved touchscreen infotainment system enhanced visibility and ease of use.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage options. The power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating system added to its practicality. The Pacifica's second- and third-row seats provided plenty of legroom, and the Stow 'n Go seats allowed for easy loading. The cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters. The under-console storage for second-row passengers and the sliding bin added convenience for families on the go.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an infotainment system that was a significant improvement over the previous CUE system. It offered cloud-based voice commands, a built-in app store, and driver profiles that could migrate to other GM vehicles. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assists. Optional features like night vision and LED matrix headlights enhanced safety, but the XT6 lacked semi-automated driving features and a reconfigurable digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and quick responsiveness. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option. The Pacifica offered a range of sound system upgrades, with the 20-speaker Harman Kardon system providing a high-quality listening experience. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

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

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.