2022 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 current lineup through features like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a 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 profile for those not wanting to flaunt their electric choice. The interior was minimalist yet premium, featuring real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen seamlessly.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, in contrast, exuded a more conservative elegance with its polished 20-inch alloy wheels and Stellar Black paint. Its design was attractive yet unremarkable, with towering front running lights and taillights reminiscent of GMC's style. The XT6's proportions and details conveyed a tailored image consistent with Cadillac's lineup. Inside, the XT6 offered a Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior, but despite the rich materials, the layout and controls felt similar to those in less expensive GM models. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen were less sophisticated compared to competitors, and while the tech was intuitive, it lacked the visual appeal found in other luxury SUVs.

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 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted dual electric motors for AWD, generating 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 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. Volvo's focus on luxury was evident in the XC40's quiet and comfortable ride, with the Recharge offering one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, meanwhile, shared its engines with the GMC Acadia. The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was available. The V6 provided sufficient power, and the XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to its athletic handling. However, the driving experience leaned more towards serenity than excitement, with smooth steering and responsive brakes. The XT6's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with our test vehicle achieving 19.5 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, despite its compact size, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited space. The interior featured a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and large door bins thanks to the relocation of the Harman Kardon system's speakers. However, the XC40 Recharge had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, and its cargo area was smaller. The frunk was also limited in size due to powertrain components.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, expected to be spacious due to its three-row configuration, felt narrower inside. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, but the third-row seat was cramped for adults. The second-row captain’s chairs offered good legroom when slid back, but accessing the third row required agility. Storage space was decent but unremarkable, with a small dashboard cubby and center armrest bin. The XT6 provided 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 43.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. The gasoline models retained the previous system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Recharge lacked a start button, allowing drivers to simply shift out of park to start driving.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered advanced features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but lagged in instrumentation and infotainment. The analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen were less sophisticated than competitors, though the software was excellent, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The intuitive voice recognition was a highlight, but some usability issues persisted, such as touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights. The available Bose Performance Series audio system and digital rear camera were impressive, but the head-up display was less so.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a comprehensive list of standard safety features including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The XC40 Recharge was expected to perform well in crash tests due to its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure. The Recharge also featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, equipped with the Platinum Package, offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, allowing hands-free highway driving on approved roads. However, it had limitations, such as inconsistent braking and difficulty detecting vehicles in certain situations. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.