2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with updates to its grille and front bumper, and standard LED headlights across all trims. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert at the rear and a new 19-inch wheel design for the Touring trim modernized its look. The interior was enhanced with perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, giving it a more upscale feel. The Odyssey's design tweaks aimed to reduce brightwork, making it a more sophisticated choice for families seeking a minivan with a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT6 exuded sophistication with styling cues shared with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers. The XT6 Sport trim featured a distinct grille with darkened accents and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, enhancing its premium appeal. The interior, while similar to the XT5, offered four colour options and the option for semi-aniline leather upholstery with the Platinum Package. Despite its premium looks, the XT6's dashboard design was less impressive, with some elements appearing less luxurious than expected for a Cadillac.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided smooth and effortless power delivery, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey averaged 10.8 L/100 km in testing, slightly above the estimated 10.6 L/100 km. However, the lack of all-wheel drive was a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, though improved, struggled under heavy use, indicating a need for further enhancement.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The XT6's all-wheel drive was standard in Canada, providing better traction in adverse conditions. However, the XT6's driving dynamics were hindered by its weight, particularly in the mid-rear, affecting its agility. Despite this, the XT6's fuel economy was competitive, with the V6 engine consuming 11.5 L/100 km combined. The XT6's performance was adequate but fell short of the more balanced handling of its competitors.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and practical interior, with logical controls and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, though the lack of a tuning knob for the stereo was a drawback. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum volume of 3,984 litres, though removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The Cadillac XT6 provided seating for seven, with the option for second-row captain's chairs. While adults could fit in the third row, the XT6 offered less space than some competitors. Interior storage was limited, and the wireless phone charger was inconveniently deep-pocketed. The XT6 excelled in cargo space, with power-folding third-row seats and a power liftgate, though the load floor was high. Overall, the XT6's interior was functional but lacked the spaciousness and practicality of the Odyssey.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a premium audio system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, while functional, was not touchscreen, disappointing younger passengers.

The Cadillac XT6's technology was adequate, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard features included a WiFi hotspot and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Upgrades were available for a 14-speaker system, navigation, and enhanced wireless charging. While the tech was suitable, the infotainment screen was smaller than competitors, and the interface could be crowded or sparse, depending on usage.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the adaptive cruise control's braking was sometimes uneven, and the lane-departure warning system could be improved.

The Cadillac XT6 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The XT6's lane-keep assist struggled with line detection, but the optional Driver Assist and Visibility and Technology Packages enhanced safety with features like adaptive cruise control and a rear-camera mirror. The XT6 received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.