2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Cadillac XT6

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic, traditionally not known for its style. With SUV-like styling, the Sienna featured a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, giving it a modern look. The side profile was assertive, with redesigned sliding doors that added a sculpted appearance. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches enhanced its stance, while the rear maintained a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was practical, with ample storage and smart design touches like a tray for a handbag. The second and third-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, accommodating adults with ease.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented a more conservative design, with polished 20-inch alloy wheels and a sleek black exterior. The front running lights and taillights, however, gave it a tall and narrow appearance. Inside, the XT6 offered a premium feel with semi-aniline leather seats and a triple-zone climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs provided good legroom, but the third row was cramped for adults. Storage space was limited compared to competitors, with small cubbies and bins. The XT6's interior, while luxurious, lacked the spaciousness expected from a three-row SUV, making it less practical for larger families.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery, though it lacked the punch of a traditional automatic transmission. With improved handling and minimal body roll, the Sienna excelled in comfort and efficiency, boasting impressive fuel economy figures of 6.6 L/100 km for FWD and 6.7 L/100 km for AWD models.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower, while the Premium Luxury and Sport trims came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower. The V6 provided sufficient power, though it lacked the turbocharged excitement of its competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to a comfortable ride, but the driving experience leaned towards serenity rather than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.5 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing slightly higher consumption.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row seat that easily folded into the floor. The second row offered 63.5 cm of sliding range, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. With 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies, the Sienna catered to families' needs. It could carry a full sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering cargo volumes of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, while luxurious, fell short in interior space. The front seats were comfortable, but the third row was cramped for adults. Storage space was limited, with small bins and a hard-to-access tray under the console. Cargo capacity was 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,200 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,229 litres. The XT6's interior, though premium, lacked the spaciousness and practicality expected from a three-row SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a wealth of technology features, including a standard nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims added features like a JBL audio system, rear-seat entertainment, and a digital rearview mirror. The Sienna also included a suite of connectivity options, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, and a 1500-watt inverter for powering devices.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured advanced technologies like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise. However, it lacked digital gauges, relying on analog instruments. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while intuitive, was smaller than competitors'. The XT6 offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and a Bose audio system. Despite its technological prowess, the XT6's interface had usability issues, such as touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive controls.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It also included the Star Safety System and blind spot monitoring. The Sienna received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a Five-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving-assist system. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, though Super Cruise had limitations in certain conditions.