2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and horizontally arranged LED headlamp arrays gave it a sleek look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel sizes added to its assertive stance. The rear design managed to look wide and low, maintaining Toyota's high standards of fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was practical, featuring multiple cupholders and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding for maximum utility and comfort.

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

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option, using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery but lacked throttle response. The Sienna featured four selectable drive modes and improved handling with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. Its fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, highway, and combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The base XT6 Luxury model had a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The XT6 offered front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option, with the Sport model exclusively AWD. However, the XT6 Sport felt heavy, affecting its driving dynamics. Fuel economy for the V6 engine 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 for added utility.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily and a second row that slid up to 25 inches. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage space. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood and offered flexible cargo configurations. Nominal cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendly functionality.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered comfortable seating for seven, with optional captain’s chairs in the second row. Adults could fit in the third row, though the XT6 had less room than some competitors. Interior storage was limited, especially for front-row riders. The wireless phone charger was deep-pocketed, making it less accessible. The XT6 shined in rear cargo space, with power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats. Remote-folding second-row seats were available, though the cargo load floor was high. The XT6 had limited cargo space behind the third row, typical for the class.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology, featuring a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered various connectivity options, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker Premium Audio + JBL package. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and optional 10-inch Head-Up Display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 had a decent list of standard features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, and Teen Driver monitoring. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, sometimes appearing crowded or lacking information. The XT6's technology was suitable but not cutting-edge.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. It also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, though 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6 struggled with lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning systems. Optional safety packages included adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and Night Vision technology. The XT6 received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.