2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, a detail that many automakers strive to eliminate. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, but its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features. The base CE trim was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The LE trim added family-friendly features like sliding dual power side doors and heated front seats. The SE trim included a power liftgate, while the XLE added luxury touches like leather-trimmed seating and a power moonroof. The XLE Limited offered premium leather seats and a JBL audio system. For those wanting a stylish minivan, the Nightshade Edition added dark accents and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport trim featured a traditionally styled grille with darkened accents and rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights contributed to its premium appearance. The XT6 was available in eight paint colours, with most requiring a surcharge. Inside, the XT6's interior was similar to the XT5, with four colour options. The seats, especially with the Platinum Package, were luxurious, featuring semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the dashboard area was less premium, with some cheaper-looking elements. Despite this, the steering wheel and console surfaces felt good to the touch.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response, and a manual mode for towing up to 1,587 kilograms. The Sienna's powertrain sent power to the front wheels as standard, with AWD available on most trims. The AWD versions were limited to a 7-passenger configuration, a trade-off many buyers accepted for the added traction. The Sienna's FWD version offered the best fuel efficiency, with 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low centre of gravity and broad base, providing a smooth ride. However, its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT6 Premium Luxury trim also featured this engine, while the base XT6 Luxury model had a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The XT6's V6 engine provided ample power, and the nine-speed transmission shifted smoothly. The XT6 came standard with AWD, but its driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear where the AWD mechanics were located. This affected its agility in parking spaces and on winding roads. The XT6's fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 engine consuming 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with the bench option. The third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding of the second-row seat cushion. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 provided comfortable seating, with heating available in the first two rows. Seating for seven was standard, with captain’s chairs as an option on higher trims. Adults could fit in the third row, but the XT6 offered less space than competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The interior storage was limited, particularly for front-row passengers. The wireless phone charger was a deep-pocket type, making it inconvenient to access the phone while charging. The XT6's rear cargo space was generous, with power-folding third-row seats and an available hands-free power liftgate. However, the cargo load floor was high, and space behind the third row was limited.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base CE trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, a long-awaited addition. It also included Bluetooth connectivity and five USB ports. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL audio system. The XLE Limited trim had Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers, aiding communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6's technology was adequate, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, tri-zone climate control, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with 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, and its usability varied depending on the scenario.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, with its driver-assistance features rated as "Superior."

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Premium Luxury and Sport models added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6's lane-keep assist struggled to read lines accurately. Optional packages included adaptive cruise control and enhanced visibility features. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.