2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented itself with a polished exterior, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels and a sleek Stellar Black paint job. Inside, the Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior exuded a sense of luxury, though it felt more akin to a well-dressed chauffeur's vehicle than a standout luxury SUV. The XT6's design was conservative, with towering front running lights and taillights reminiscent of GMC's style, which contributed to its tall and narrow appearance. Despite its premium materials and sophisticated driving assistance technology, the interior lacked the distinctiveness expected in a luxury SUV, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid embraced its minivan identity, offering practicality and efficiency. While not a head-turner, the Pacifica Hybrid's design was functional, with sliding side doors that made loading passengers and cargo a breeze. The interior was comfortable, with quality leather upholstery and a spacious layout that accommodated up to seven passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid's rounded styling might have seemed dated, but it didn't shy away from its minivan roots, focusing on utility and efficiency rather than trying to disguise itself as something else.

The Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower, which felt underwhelming compared to rivals like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower, providing sufficient power but lacking the turbocharged punch of its competitors. The XT6's driving dynamics leaned towards comfort, with a smooth ride and quiet cabin, but it wasn't particularly engaging to drive. Fuel economy for the V6 with AWD was rated at 21 mpg combined, though real-world testing returned slightly lower figures.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid system allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the regenerative braking system helped maximize efficiency. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an impressive 37.1 mpg, showcasing its efficiency advantage over traditional minivans and SUVs. While the driving experience was more appliance-like, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in providing a smooth and efficient ride.

Inside the Cadillac XT6, the cabin felt narrower than expected, with comfortable front seats wrapped in premium leather. However, the third-row seating was cramped, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 78.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Storage options were decent but unremarkable, with small bins and limited access to certain compartments.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space and versatility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo capacity. The second-row captain's chairs were more comfortable than the standard Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. Storage solutions were abundant, with clever compartments and easy access to various bins and trays.

The Cadillac XT6 featured a mix of advanced technology and outdated elements. While it offered impressive features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, it lacked digital gauges and had an 8-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to rivals. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but some usability issues persisted, such as touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive indicator lights.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and customizable profiles. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa compatibility and connected services. The available FamCam system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers, while the rear-seat entertainment system offered Amazon Fire TV integration. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality.

The Cadillac XT6 came equipped with 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, which allowed for hands-free highway driving on approved roads. However, it had limitations, such as inconsistent lane-keeping and abrupt braking. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also offered a robust set of safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, it lacked a lane-centering assist function. The adaptive cruise control system needed refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and braked too abruptly in certain situations. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.