2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic. New standard LED headlights flanked a hexagonal grille, creating a streamlined front end. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents, enhancing its bold look. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, added to its upscale feel.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with styling cues similar to the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport trim featured darkened accents and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, giving it a premium look. The interior, nearly identical to the XT5 but larger, came in three color options and offered semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area was less premium but still attractive. The XT6's design was definitively Cadillac, with sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new for 2021, activated on-demand based on driving conditions. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slightly lower numbers for AWD models.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base XT6 Luxury model had a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The XT6 offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, and standard on the Sport trim. The XT6 Sport, at 4,690 pounds, felt heavy and less dynamic compared to competitors. Fuel economy for the V6 engine was 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined with FWD, slightly lower with AWD. The turbo-four engine achieved 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined with AWD.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats were standard, enhancing convenience. The second-row under-console storage and Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat added to its practicality. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making family travel a breeze.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 provided comfortable 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 competitors. 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 a standard power liftgate. However, the cargo load floor was high, and there was limited space behind the third row.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional in-seat entertainment system for the second row. The Pinnacle model added FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hot spot, and six USB ports. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and heated/ventilated front seats. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the wireless phone charger was not user-friendly.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 included 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 offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. 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.