2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

When the current-generation Volvo XC90 debuted as a 2016 model, it marked a significant transformation for Volvo, shedding its conservative styling in favor of a more dynamic and characterful look. This design evolution managed to marry tradition with modernity, retaining the boxy profile and rectangular grille emblematic of Volvo, but incorporating softer lines, increased use of chrome, and signature LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The 2021 XC90 was available in three trims: the opulent Inscription, the sporty R-Design, and the base Momentum. The Inscription trim, with its 21-inch alloy wheels and extra chrome accents, represented the zenith of XC90's elegance. The R-Design, on the other hand, sported a new gloss-black grille surround for 2021 and came standard with 20-inch wheels. The Momentum trim included 19-inch wheels, redesigned for the 2021 model year. Designed on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC90 shared technical underpinnings with the brand’s other “90” series and smaller “60” series models. Its interior encapsulated the essence of “Swedish minimalism,” featuring matte-finish wood trim and an option for wool upholstery, in addition to available Nappa leather. An Orrefors crystal shifter added an unexpected flair to the otherwise restrained cabin. The 2021 Cadillac XT6 showcased a sophisticated look, in line with its smaller siblings, the XT4 and XT5. Available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims, the XT6 Sport as tested featured a traditional Cadillac grille with darkened accents from the lip between the grille and the hood to the lower bumper, as well as dark treatments for the window surrounds, roof rails, and rear bumper. Its 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with Android Satin finish added a definitive premium touch. Cadillac offered the XT6 in seven paint colors, with most options requiring an additional surcharge. The SUV's interior, derived from the XT5, was slightly larger and offered three color options: Jet Black, Cirrus, and Maple Sugar. The Platinum Package enhanced the cabin with semi-aniline leather upholstery, a microsuede headliner, and premium floor mats, yet some elements like stitching and cubbies had a cost-saving appearance. While the seats were comfortable and could be heated in the first two rows, the overall cabin feel wasn't as plush as competitors like the Acura MDX. The XT6’s rear seats were spacious enough for adults, a feature now common among modern midsize SUVs.

The 2021 XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 featured a turbocharged engine, delivering 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 combined both turbocharging and supercharging for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain, rebranded as Recharge, added electric motors to achieve a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came with standard FWD, with AWD optional, whereas the T6 and T8 came standard with AWD. While the T8 offered impressive power, its reliance on a small engine meant it wasn't as flexible as six- or eight-cylinder competitors. Acceleration from stops often required gasoline engine involvement, even in pure electric mode. Despite its powertrain constraints, the XC90 excelled in comfort. Ride quality was excellent, aided by an optional air-suspension system, and the interior remained supremely quiet. Its towing capacity was adequate for medium loads, with most models boasting a 5,000-pound maximum, while the FWD T5 could handle 4,000 pounds. The XT6 Sport model boasted a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The same engine was standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac equipped the XT6 with FWD as standard, with AWD available on Luxury and Premium Luxury trims and standard on the Sport trim. The V6 engine delivered smooth acceleration, but the vehicle's weight distribution imposed limitations on its driving dynamics. The Sport model, weighing 4,690 pounds, suffered from a heavy mid-rear due to its AWD mechanics, unlike its competitors which generally offered better handling and balance. Fuel economy mirrored its rivals, with the base turbo-four achieving up to 27 mpg on the highway in FWD models, while the V6 with FWD delivered up to 26 mpg. AWD models saw a slight reduction in efficiency.

The XC90 could be configured with either six or seven seats, depending on the choice between second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average, the third-row space felt cramped for adults, and the seats in the second and third rows were somewhat firm and unsupportive. A power moonroof covering the first two rows provided an airy feel, bolstered by the vehicle's upright profile. Front seats in the Inscription trim featured 10-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and backrest massage courtesy of the optional Lounge Package. However, limited storage options in the shallow center console were a drawback. Cargo space for the T8 Recharge model was on the smaller side, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 34.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 64.1 cubic feet with both rear rows down. A hands-free power tailgate was a helpful addition. The XT6 provided standard seating for seven, with an option to replace the second-row with captain’s chairs for an extra $800. While the third row could accommodate adults—an improvement over older midsize SUVs—the XT6 lagged behind competitors in overall interior room. Front-row storage space was inadequate for daily family use, despite the standard deep-pocket wireless charger that hid phones from reach during charging. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, outperforming many rivals. A power liftgate was standard, with hands-free operation available on higher trims. The power-folding third-row and optional remote-folding second-row seats facilitated easier cargo management. However, like others in its class, cargo space behind the third row was limited.

The XC90’s Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity and functionality. The standard 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot created a user-friendly interface. Both USB-A and USB-C ports were provided across the cabin, supporting a wide range of devices. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display (HUD). The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, allowing easy swipe navigation through menus. However, the text-heavy interface could be distracting while driving, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones. The XT6's tech offerings were solid but not groundbreaking, geared towards functionality rather than innovation. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Six USB ports, two for each row, ensured connectivity for all passengers. Buyers could upgrade to a more robust 14-speaker Bose audio system, advanced wireless charging, navigation, and heated/ventilated seats across the first and second rows. Despite its smaller size, the infotainment screen could display ample information but sometimes appeared cluttered.

Earning top marks, the 2021 XC90 was awarded the “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS (except for the hybrid model, which was untested). It secured “Good” scores in all crash tests and “Superior” for vehicle-to-vehicle front-crash prevention, though it scored “Advanced” in vehicle-to-pedestrian testing. The NHTSA also gave it a five-star overall rating. Safety features were comprehensive, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering. GM equipped the XT6 with an extensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, and a high-definition rearview camera, among others. The lane-keep assist system struggled with accuracy but other features like the following-distance indicator and IntelliBeam headlights added safety value. Optional packages improved safety with adaptive cruise control, enhanced emergency braking, a head-up display, and night vision technology. The NHTSA awarded the XT6 a five-star frontal crash test rating and a four-star rollover rating, while the IIHS named the nearly identical 2020 model a "Top Safety Pick+."