2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with low-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were upgrades of a commodity car rather than true premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its sharp lines and premium styling cues. The XT6 Sport model featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and slim all-LED headlights, giving it a definitively premium look. The interior, while similar to the XT5, offered three color options and could be upgraded with a Platinum Package for semi-aniline leather upholstery and other luxury touches. Despite its premium appearance, some elements of the dashboard and controls felt less upscale, though the steering wheel and console surfaces were pleasant to the touch.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V's lightweight design contributed to its nimble handling and excellent road manners, making it feel more like a small sedan than an SUV. The introduction of a hybrid version in 2020 further expanded its appeal to fuel-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 provided ample power, the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the AWD Sport model, which weighed 4,690 pounds. This affected its agility, especially in tight spaces and on winding roads. The XT6's fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 FWD model achieving 21 mpg combined, while the AWD version managed 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality, offering a roomy cabin with excellent head- and legroom. Its clever packaging included a deep center console and a two-position load floor in the rear, providing up to 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The CR-V's design made it easy to live with, accommodating various storage needs with ease.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less room compared to some competitors. The interior storage was not ideal for families, with limited space for small items. However, the XT6 shone in cargo space, featuring a power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats, making it easy to utilize the available space.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen in the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto felt tacked on. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports in the EX trim and above, with a wireless phone charger available in the Touring trim.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a decent list of standard features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Buyers could upgrade to a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. While the infotainment screen was smaller than some competitors, the XT6's tech offerings were suitable for its class.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim offering better headlights for improved nighttime visibility.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system struggled to read lines accurately. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with additional safety packages available for enhanced features.