2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its styling. The new model year introduced a redesigned grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. These changes, along with new wheel designs for the top trims, aimed to modernize the Odyssey by minimizing brightwork. The interior of the Odyssey Elite trim was notably upscale, featuring perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new ambient lighting, and improved seating materials. The 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces added to its refined look, making the Odyssey Elite a strong contender in the minivan segment.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport trim featured a traditionally-styled grille with darkened accents, complemented by 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its premium appearance. Inside, the XT6's cabin was reminiscent of the XT5, offering three color options and the potential for semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were a highlight, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements. Despite this, the XT6 maintained a luxurious feel, especially with the available upgrades.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow. The Odyssey's fuel-saving technology, variable cylinder management, contributed to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) was a disadvantage compared to competitors offering this feature. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel, although the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT6 offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD options, with the Sport model exclusively available with AWD. Despite its power, the XT6 struggled with driving dynamics due to its weight distribution, particularly in the AWD Sport model. The XT6's fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 engine achieving 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with FWD. The Smart Towing package added convenience for towing needs.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and functional interior, with logical controls and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats in the Elite trim enhanced comfort. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 provided seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to second-row captain's chairs. While the seats were comfortable, the XT6 offered less space in all three rows compared to some competitors. Interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row occupants. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a standard power liftgate. However, the cargo load floor was relatively high, and space behind the third row was limited.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connectivity options starting with the EX trim. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, and a rear-seat entertainment system. HondaLink subscription services offered additional features, though the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Standard features included tri-zone climate control and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Upgrades were available for a 14-speaker Bose system, navigation, and wireless charging. While the tech was adequate, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the wireless phone charger design was not ideal for accessibility.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing across all trims, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top NHTSA ratings except for a four-star rollover resistance score. The ADAS system worked accurately, though not always smoothly.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6's lane-keep assist struggled with accuracy, but the Driver Assist Package and enhanced Visibility and Technology Package provided additional safety features. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.