2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with its design, sharing styling cues with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport model, in particular, featured a traditionally styled grille with darkened accents, enhancing its premium appearance. The SUV rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, which complemented its sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights. The interior mirrored the XT5's design but was slightly larger, offering four colour options and the possibility of upgrading to semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. While the seats were luxurious, the dashboard area was less premium, though still attractive.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a modern and upscale design, moving away from the boxy shapes of the past. Its sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches emphasized athleticism, while the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights paid homage to its Swedish heritage. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern," featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's cabin was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and offered a sanctuary from harsh weather conditions, thanks to its effective climate control system.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was also standard in the Premium Luxury trim, while the base Luxury model had a 2.0L turbo-four engine with 237 horsepower. The XT6's AWD system was standard in Canada, but its driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear, affecting its agility. Fuel economy for the V6 engine was 13.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.5 on the highway.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid. The T5 delivered 250 horsepower, the T6 316 horsepower, and the Recharge a combined 455 horsepower. AWD was standard, and all models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge model boasted an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 29-kilometre EV range. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 offered seating for seven, with the option for captain's chairs in the second row. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 had less interior space compared to competitors. Small-item storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was not easily accessible. However, the XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a power liftgate, although the cargo load floor was high.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it cramped. The XC90 offered ample cargo space, with up to 1,855 litres available with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The interior was well-utilized, with plenty of storage options and a comfortable, spacious cabin.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. While the tech was suitable, the screen size was smaller than competitors, and the interface could appear crowded. Standard features included tri-zone climate control and an eight-speaker Bose audio system, with options for upgrades like a 14-speaker system and navigation.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with intuitive smartphone-like gestures. However, it was occasionally glitchy and slow. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided easy customization. The Advanced package included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 also featured keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. However, the lane-keep assist system struggled to read lines accurately. The XT6 received a five-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a wide range of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.