2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, borrowing styling cues from 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 definitively premium and Cadillac look. The interior, nearly identical to the XT5 but slightly 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 steering wheel and console surfaces felt good to the touch.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a looker even with the S Appearance Package, offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid minivan. Starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L and going up to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version, the Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap. The interior featured black Nappa premium leather, but the rounded, flowing styling made it appear soft and dated. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a practical and efficient way to transport up to seven people, with a focus on utility and comfort over style.

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 came with a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine yielding 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine provided ample power, and the nine-speed transmission shifted smoothly. However, the XT6 Sport's weight of 4,690 pounds made it feel less dynamic, especially in tight turns and under harsh acceleration. Fuel economy for the V6 engine with front-wheel drive was 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined, with slight variations for all-wheel drive models.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. On a Los Angeles driving loop, it achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. However, the driving experience was dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and an unnatural ride quality due to the low-mounted weight.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain’s chairs in the second row for $800. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less head-, leg-, shoulder-, and hip room compared to competitors like the Telluride, Ascent, and Palisade. Interior storage was not ideal, especially for front-row riders, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. 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 typical for the class, and there was limited space behind the third row.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. Equipped with triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats, the Pacifica Hybrid kept its cool during a mid-summer heat wave. Storage options were impressive, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go chairs, but they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a decent list of standard features, including tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors and could appear crowded. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging capability.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services. The available FamCam overhead camera system was a great feature for parents. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but might be unnecessary if passengers have their own devices.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added lane change alert with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assist Package and Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package offered additional safety features. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating and a four-star rollover crash test rating from the NHTSA, and the 2020 model was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a complete package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was not available. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.