2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning well with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these subtle differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred understated electric vehicles. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and premium interior experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication, sharing styling cues with its XT4 and XT5 siblings. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6 Sport featured a traditional grille with darkened accents and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, enhancing its premium appeal. The XT6 offered seven paint colors, with most requiring an additional charge. Inside, the XT6 mirrored the XT5's design but on a larger scale, offering three color options and the potential for semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard and some interior elements appeared less premium. Despite this, the XT6 provided a comfortable and spacious cabin, particularly in the third row, which accommodated adults more comfortably than some competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted dual electric motors for AWD, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 achieved the same in 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 112 mph. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort over performance, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The XT6 offered standard FWD and optional AWD, with the Sport model exclusively available with AWD. Despite its power, the XT6 Sport felt heavy, particularly in the mid-rear, affecting its driving dynamics. The XT6's weight distribution was less balanced compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride. Fuel economy was competitive, with the turbo-four engine achieving 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with AWD, while the V6 engine offered similar figures. The Smart Towing package was available on higher trims, enhancing the XT6's towing capabilities.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was not particularly spacious compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y. The XC40 Recharge had less legroom and headroom, and a smaller cargo area. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, freeing up door space. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The Cadillac XT6 provided seating for seven, with the option to upgrade to captain’s chairs in the second row. While the seats were comfortable, they were less plush compared to competitors like the Acura MDX. The XT6 offered more cargo space than many rivals, with a standard power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats. However, interior small-item storage was limited, particularly for front-row occupants. The wireless phone charger was a deep-pocket type, making it less accessible. Despite these drawbacks, the XT6 excelled in rear cargo space, though the load floor was relatively high.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The standard setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge offered OTA update capability, enhancing vehicle functions without dealership visits. It lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for activation. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was not confirmed for the XC40.

The Cadillac XT6's technology was adequate, 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 hotspot, and six USB ports. Upgrades included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. The infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, potentially appearing crowded or lacking information.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received top safety ratings, including a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. The Recharge model included Volvo's latest sensor suite, allowing for future driver aid enhancements.

The Cadillac XT6 was equipped with numerous standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. However, the lane-keep assist system struggled with accuracy. The Driver Assist Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS for the 2020 model, which was structurally similar.