2020 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 presented a clean and crisp exterior, embodying modern Cadillac design. Its long, boxy shape was cleverly disguised under smooth body panels and limited creases, avoiding the use of bright chrome and oversized embellishments. The XT6 featured satin-painted silver accents around the windows and a medium-sized silver mesh grille, with the Sport models opting for a black grille. The thin LED headlights and vertical running lamps added a touch of flair, while the overall design maintained a sense of restraint and taste. Inside, however, the XT6 fell short compared to its competitors. Despite having soft leather and gold-tinted carbon fiber trim, the interior lacked the luxurious feel expected from a brand-new luxury car. The seats were thin and plain, and the use of cheap vinyl in certain areas detracted from the overall experience. The interior design seemed outdated, with small screens and ordinary color combinations, failing to match the first-class interiors of its rivals.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, on the other hand, showcased a refined and elegant design, benefiting from Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared a common look with other Volvo crossovers, featuring a tailored two-box design with short overhangs and crisp details. The upright grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, and the Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a distinct Swedish touch. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the large alloy wheels enhanced the vehicle's fashionable appearance. Inside, the XC60 exuded Scandinavian style with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was user-friendly, and the attention to detail in the cabin, such as the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status. The harmonious textures and colors made it a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While it was sufficient to move the large vehicle and 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, contributing to a peppy driving experience. The XT6 offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive and adaptive dampers available for improved balance and control. The steering was direct and nicely weighted, although it felt loose in the default Tour mode. The Sport mode provided a more secure feel. The XT6 achieved an EPA combined rating of 20 mpg, with AWD models rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. A plug-in hybrid version was planned to improve fuel efficiency and low-end torque.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the T5 model featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-horsepower electric motor, delivering a total of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further boosted power to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided excellent handling, making it easy to drive quickly. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension smoothed out bumps, making it a great road-trip car. The XC60's fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV, with 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 offered a spacious interior, with the third row providing decent knee room and features like USB ports, cupholders, and air vents. The third row power-folded, and the second-row seats could be mechanically dropped down. Headroom was good in all seating positions, and the standard panoramic moonroof extended into the second row. The XT6 had a total cargo volume of 12.6 cubic feet with all seats raised, 43.1 cubic feet with the third row down, and 78.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. Visibility was good, aided by a digital mirror with a widescreen camera. The infotainment system was improved, with an intuitive interface and an alternative rotary controller for easy operation.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system capable of handling sub-freezing temperatures. The XC60's cabin featured smart storage solutions, with intuitive controls for passengers. The cargo space measured 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The XC60 was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 featured an infotainment system that was a significant improvement over its predecessor, with cloud-based voice commands and a built-in app store. It offered driver profiles that could be transferred to other GM vehicles, although the built-in e-commerce app was of limited use. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assists. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and night vision. However, the XT6 lacked semi-automated driving features and a reconfigurable digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system used a tablet-style touchpad interface, with a learning curve for new users. It offered smartphone integration, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo On Call app for remote functionality. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality.

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top scores. It offered safety features like rear pedestrian detection, forward emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control as part of optional packages.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and received five-star ratings from NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and a semi-autonomous driving system called Pilot Assist. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in the XC60's design and features.