2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, mirroring the styling cues of the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6 Sport featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and slim all-LED headlights, giving it a premium and distinctly Cadillac appearance. The interior, similar to the XT5 but larger, offered three color options and could be upgraded with the Platinum Package for semi-aniline leather upholstery and other premium touches. However, some dashboard elements appeared less premium, though the overall feel remained attractive.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V looked similar to many other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. It was available in eight colors, though most were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant options limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with higher trims featuring wood panels and more chrome for an upscale look. The CR-V's design was modern but not particularly distinctive compared to competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The base XT6 Luxury model had a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine provided smooth acceleration, but the XT6 Sport's weight of 4,690 pounds made it feel less dynamic, especially in turns and under harsh acceleration. Fuel economy for the V6 was 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined with FWD, slightly lower with AWD. The XT6 also offered a Smart Towing package on midgrade and higher trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, regardless of trim, featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It accelerated to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V's drivetrain, while not particularly engaging, provided smooth and steady acceleration. It came standard with FWD, with AWD as an extra-cost option. The CR-V's suspension setup and handling were typical for the class, offering decent ride quality without surprises.

The Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with an option to upgrade to captain’s chairs in the second row. Adults could fit in the third row, but the XT6 had less head-, leg-, shoulder-, and hip room compared to competitors. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger design was not ideal. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and an available hands-free power liftgate. The cargo load floor was high, but this was typical for the class.

The Honda CR-V aimed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear, boasting 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The tailgate options varied by trim, with higher trims offering power and hands-free operation. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's design prioritized functionality, making it a practical choice for families.

The Cadillac XT6 came with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. While the tech was suitable, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors and could appear crowded.

The base Honda CR-V LX had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 300-watt audio system with a subwoofer and satellite navigation. Charging ports were plentiful, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger. The CR-V's tech offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The Cadillac XT6 came with a robust suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS.

The Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall crash test rating from NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. All trims came with the Honda Sensing system, which included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.