2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 embodied a refined aesthetic that marked an apogee in Volvo's design language. Known for its classic and crisp lines, the XC90 managed to blend the elegance of a sedan with the bold structure of an SUV. The test model, an R-Design trim, sported blacked-out, honeycomb grille details, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all accented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and the substantial, curving LED taillights added a distinct Nordic flair, all set against a captivating Thunder Grey Metallic paint that contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior. Inside, the XC90 showcased luxury with matte wood trims, wool fabric seats, rich leather upholstery, and fine details like Swedish flag tags and a glass gear shifter. The overall feel was one of simplicity, craftsmanship, and premium quality.

Conversely, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 was all about sophistication paired with a traditional American flashiness. The XT6 Sport trim came with a stylish grille accented by darkened details, new 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and slim all-LED headlights that underscored its premium status. Cadillac offered the XT6 in seven paint options, most with a surcharge, and accompanied by a standard sunroof. Inside, the XT6 borrowed heavily from XT5, with slightly larger dimensions. It provided three color options and could be uplifted with the Platinum Package, which introduced semi-aniline leather upholstery, a microsuede headliner, and premium floor mats. While the cabin wasn’t as high-end as some competitors, the seats—particularly in the Platinum trim—were plush. The dashboard, while stylish, fell short of premium expectations, with certain features appearing less upscale.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was available with three powertrains, each relying on a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The entry-level T5 produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which many found underwhelming for such a sizeable vehicle. The T6 variant added a supercharger to the mix, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The R-Design model tested had the Polestar tune, lifting those figures to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these numbers, the XC90 was criticized for not delivering a linear acceleration and for the noise produced by the engine, which wasn't befitting of a vehicle in this price range. Fuel economy for the T6 AWD was rated at 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, and real-world driving averaged around 20 mpg. The T8 plug-in hybrid promised up to 18 miles of electric-only range and 400 hp combined with 472 lb-ft, although its utility was hampered by the added weight and limited electric range.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport, on the other hand, featured a more straightforward powertrain approach with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, managed by a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine, also standard in the Premium Luxury trim, provided adequate power for the XT6 and performed efficiently in both FWD and AWD configurations. In terms of weight distribution and driving dynamics, the XT6 sport felt heavy and less agile, particularly when maneuvering through tighter spots or under hard acceleration. Front-wheel drive models with the turbo-four engine attained 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, whereas the AWD format saw a slight decrease in efficiency. Additionally, the V6 combined with FWD reached 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined, with a slight reduction for AWD variants.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 presented a comprehensive update in its Sensus infotainment system, which initiated faster and responded more promptly than prior iterations. However, the touchscreen-based climate control and other functions were a hindrance for some, as the layout offered minimal physical buttons. Seven seats came standard, and families benefited from the integrated booster cushion in the second-row bench, a thoughtful feature exclusive to Volvo. The option for six seats was available only on specific trims, not on the R-Design. The interior provided ample legroom and comfort, though the third row was better suited for children. Cargo space was plentiful, offering up to 85.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

On the 2021 Cadillac XT6, seating for seven was standard, with an option to replace the second-row bench with captain's chairs for an additional cost. Notably, adults could comfortably fit in the third row, which was a step up from older midsize SUVs. However, the XT6’s dimensions ranked slightly lower in terms of head-, leg-, shoulder-, and hip room compared to many competitors. Cargo capacity was a strong suit for the XT6, with a higher overall cargo space when both the second- and third-row seats were folded down, though the load floor was a bit high. The XT6's power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats eased usage, despite limited space behind the third row.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 included the state-of-the-art Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, providing one of the best automated driving experiences available. Four-zone climate control and a phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins stereo system were also standard, the latter being one of the best in any vehicle with its 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The infotainment system, though high-res and user-friendly, showed slower onboard app loading times and limited customization options in the instrument panel.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a suitable but not exceptional suite of tech features. Standard equipment included tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Various upgrades were available, like a 14-speaker Bose system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. However, the infotainment screen appeared cramped with information or occasionally inadequate, depending on the scenario.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted impeccable safety ratings, securing top scores from both the NHTSA and the IIHS, though the latter's headlight test dropped it to a Top Safety Pick instead of Top Safety Pick+. Standard features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's long history of safety innovations, dating back to the use of boron steel and curtain airbags, reinforced the XC90's robust safety credentials.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with an extensive roster of standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the XT6's lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning systems were somewhat unreliable in maintaining lane discipline. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS honored the 2020 model, which was structurally similar, with a "Top Safety Pick+" rating.