2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 showcased a clean, crisp exterior design that hid 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 look oversized. However, the interior didn't match the exterior's sophistication. Despite soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the seats were thin and lacked support, and the lower center console was wrapped in cheap vinyl. The screens were small, and the overall interior design felt outdated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with a styling theme dating back a decade, received minor updates for the new model year, including a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels. These updates brought the Odyssey closer to serving as the Acura of minivans.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. While the engine was sufficient for moving the vehicle and towing up to 4,000 pounds, it was coarse-sounding and less responsive than newer turbocharged V6 engines. The XT6 offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive and adaptive dampers available. The steering was direct and nicely weighted, with a switch to Sport mode providing a more secure feel. The XT6 achieved an EPA combined rating of 20 mpg, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 highway.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The engine's variable cylinder management technology helped conserve fuel, with the EPA rating the Odyssey at 22 mpg in combined driving. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were pleasurable, with well-weighted steering and expertly managed body motions. The brakes, however, struggled under heavy use during a heatwave.

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 from an electric latch, 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 measured 12.6 cubic feet with all seats raised, 43.1 with the third row down, and 78.7 with both rows down. The XT6 featured good visibility and a digital mirror that helped shrink blind spots. The infotainment system was improved, with an intuitive touchscreen and rotary controller.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey provided legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was comfortable, with Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered various seating modes, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with all seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome. The Odyssey's interior was practical and spacious, with plenty of support for passengers.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an infotainment system that was a significant improvement over the old CUE system. 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, Super Cruise, massaging seats, and a reconfigurable digital instrument panel. The Bose stereo and infotainment screen were also underwhelming.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and HondaLink connectivity. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk. Elite trim featured an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered various services, including collision notification, remote operation, and concierge assistance. The Odyssey also included a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but top scores were expected. Safety features included rear pedestrian detection, a digital rear-view mirror, 360-degree cameras, forward emergency braking, emergency braking in reverse, adaptive cruise control, and seat-belt tightening.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, expanding its capabilities with a new radar unit. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS. Honda Sensing included low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new menu button for ADAS settings. The Odyssey received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance.