2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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 around the windows and a medium-sized silver mesh grille. The XT6's thin LED headlights and vertical lightsaber-style running lamps and turn signals were its flashiest elements, showcasing a restrained yet tasteful style. 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 center console was wrapped in cheap vinyl. The interior felt outdated compared to competitors, lacking contrast piping, stitching, and interesting patterns.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more utilitarian, blending in with other compact crossovers. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille opening and chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V offered eight color options, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant colors limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seats and sharp details, though it lacked the distinctive styling of some competitors. The interior was functional, with black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather options depending on the trim level.

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 offered quick shifts, and the XT6 felt balanced and controlled with AWD and adaptive dampers. The steering was direct, though a bit loose in Tour mode, but improved in Sport mode. The XT6 achieved an EPA combined rating of 20 mpg, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 highway.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided smooth acceleration but lacked engagement. The CR-V offered FWD as standard, with AWD as an option. Its suspension consisted of a MacPherson strut setup in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, providing decent handling and ride quality. The CR-V's performance was on par with its competitors, though some offered more engaging driving experiences.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a spacious interior, with a third row that could accommodate adults for short trips. The second row was very spacious, with optional heated cushions and backrests. The XT6 provided 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, 43.1 cubic feet with the third row down, and 78.7 cubic feet with both rows down. Visibility was good, aided by a digital mirror and improved touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized function, fitting five people comfortably with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume. It offered 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was practical, with ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an improved infotainment system with cloud-based voice commands and a built-in app store. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assists. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and night vision. However, it lacked semi-automated driving features and had a mediocre Bose stereo.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch screen, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were available throughout the cabin, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered safety features like rear pedestrian detection, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control. The Driver Assist Package included forward emergency braking and seat-belt tightening.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and more. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring.