2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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, reminiscent of a high-end chauffeur service. Despite its sophisticated appearance, the XT6's design was somewhat conservative, with towering front running lights and taillights that echoed GMC's style. The vehicle's overall aesthetic was in line with Cadillac's brand image, offering a blend of elegance and subtlety.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. The Sienna's design featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample storage and seating flexibility. The Sienna's cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating options and a focus on family-friendly features, making it a versatile choice for those needing a reliable family vehicle.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered two engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. For those seeking more power, the Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. While the V6 provided sufficient power, it lacked the turbocharged boost found in some competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to its athletic handling, though it prioritized comfort over excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle achieving 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture platform. Fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, while AWD models managed 6.7 L/100 km.

Inside the 2022 Cadillac XT6, the cabin was comfortable but not as spacious as expected for a three-row SUV. The power-adjustable front seats offered heating and ventilation, though they lacked the range of adjustments found in some rivals. The second-row captain's chairs provided decent legroom, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,200 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,229 litres.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility. It could accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, and its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading. The Sienna offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away, and the Sienna boasted a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate added convenience for busy families.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured a mix of advanced and outdated technology. While it offered a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance, it lacked digital gauges and had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot, but some controls were counterintuitive. The available Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality, though the head-up display was less impressive.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a range of telematics services and Bluetooth streaming. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and a Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The standout feature was the Super Cruise system, which allowed for hands-free highway driving on approved roads. However, it had limitations in certain situations. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also boasted an impressive array of safety features, with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite offering adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna included 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.