2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, in its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated. The vehicle occasionally offered an upscale feel, but the hollow "thud" of the front doors and the outdated instrument panel, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts bin, detracted from its modernity. However, the simplicity of the controls made them easy to use. The Sienna was available in several trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each offering various features like alloy wheels, climate control, and infotainment options. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included a power rear liftgate, which was a critical feature for families. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with styling cues similar to the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport trim featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents and rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The vehicle's sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its premium appearance. The XT6 was available in seven paint colors, with most requiring a surcharge. Inside, the XT6's cabin mirrored the XT5's design, offering three color options and the possibility of upgrading to semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements. However, the steering wheel and console surfaces felt good to the touch.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration, with a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, which was rarely used, but could assist with its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna came standard with front-wheel drive, but all trims except the base L offered an all-wheel-drive option, albeit with a 7-passenger configuration. The FWD Sienna achieved 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned slightly lower figures. The Sienna's low center of gravity and broad base contributed to decent handling dynamics, although its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT6 Sport was only available with AWD, while the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims offered both FWD and AWD options. The XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear where the AWD mechanics were located. This affected its performance in parking spaces, winding roads, and highway acceleration. The XT6's fuel economy was on par with competitors, with the V6 engine achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined in FWD models. The Smart Towing package was available on midgrade and higher trims, enhancing its towing capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with the bench configuration. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding of the second-row seat cushion. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 provided comfortable seating, with heating available in the first two rows. However, compared to competitors like the Acura MDX, the XT6's seats were less plush. The XT6 offered seating for seven, with an option to upgrade to captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less space than rivals in all three rows. The interior storage was not ideal for families, with limited space for small items. The rear cargo space was a highlight, with power-folding third-row seats and an available hands-free power liftgate. However, the cargo load floor was high, and space behind the third row was limited.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay support. Standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers, a useful feature for families.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a decent list of standard features, including tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, and Teen Driver monitoring. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the wireless phone charger was a deep-pocket type, limiting access while charging.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and a top rating of Superior from the IIHS for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6's lane-keep assist struggled to read lines accurately. The Driver Assist Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.