2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Cadillac XT6

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 exterior was marked by restraint and taste, avoiding bright chrome and oversized elements, making it stylish without being ostentatious. However, the interior did not match the exterior's sophistication. 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 The interior felt outdated compared to competitors, lacking the first-class materials and eye-catching colors seen in other luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to change the perception of minivans with a more SUV-like appearance. It featured a wide grille, sleek LED headlamp arrays, and an assertive stance from the side. The sliding side doors were sculpted with a body line that bulged over the rear wheels, and alloy wheels in various sizes filled the arches. The rear had a big window but maintained a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, a higher seating position, and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, with a bridge design providing additional storage space. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

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 compared to newer turbocharged V6 engines. The 9-speed automatic transmission provided quick shifts and well-spaced ratios, and the XT6 felt balanced and controlled with all-wheel drive (AWD) and adaptive dampers. The steering was direct and nicely weighted, with a more secure feel in Sport mode. However, the XT6 lacked advanced suspension options like MagneRide dampers and height-adjustable air springs. Fuel economy was average, with AWD models achieving 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while front-wheel drive (FWD) models managed 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the mechanical setup. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. Handling was improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, providing a comfortable and stable ride. The Sienna Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a livable third-row seat with decent knee room, USB ports, cupholders, and air vents. The third row power-folded down and up, while the second-row captain’s chairs or bench seat mechanically dropped down. 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 cubic feet with the third row down, and 78.7 cubic feet 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 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid excelled in convenience and functionality. The third row was a 60/40-split bench that stored away easily, and the second row slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin had ample storage cubbies and cupholders, with a total of 16 cupholders. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside, with cargo measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, adding to the family-friendly features.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an improved infotainment system with a fast and intuitive interface, cloud-based voice commands, and a built-in app store. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a suite of driver assists including forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras, night vision, and LED matrix headlights. However, the XT6 lacked advanced tech features like Super Cruise, massaging seats, and a reconfigurable digital instrument panel. The Bose stereo and infotainment screen were also relatively small for the segment.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with a nine-inch touchscreen standard on all grades, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, Dynamic Navigation, and surround sound. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available, along with a digital rearview mirror and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display on Platinum models. The Sienna also featured remote keyless entry with push-button start, upgraded to Smart Key System on higher trims.

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, 360-degree cameras, forward emergency braking, reverse emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and seat-belt tightening.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna had 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received good ratings from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.