2021 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 showcased a sophisticated appearance that aligned well with Cadillac's lineup. Its styling cues were shared with the XT4 and XT5 crossovers, which positioned it competitively within the market. Buyers had the choice of three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport.

The XT6 Sport trim, as tested, displayed a traditionally-styled front grille accentuated with darkened pieces. These accent pieces were also featured around the lower bumper, window surrounds, roof rails, and rear bumper. Notably, the Sport model rode on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with an Android Satin finish, enhancing its premium feel. Complemented by sharp lines and slim all-LED headlights, the Sport conveyed a definitively premium aura that was unmistakably Cadillac. Other XT6 models offered brighter surrounds and wheels for a different aesthetic.

Cadillac offered the XT6 in seven paint colors, with an additional surcharge for all but the Satin Steel Metallic (gray). A sunroof was standard across all models.

Inside, the XT6’s interior mimicked that of the smaller XT5 but with more room due to the larger vehicle size. The cabin color options included Jet Black, Cirrus (light grey), and Maple Sugar. The seats epitomized luxury SUV design, particularly with the available Platinum Package ($3,700), which upgraded to semi-aniline leather upholstery and added a microsuede headliner, premium floor mats, and enhanced leather detailing on doors and the center console.

While the seats were undeniably plush, the dashboard was less so. Some buttons, stitching, and design elements appeared less premium, although the steering wheel and other surfaces were tactilely pleasing.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, hearkened back to the era of big, impressive Buicks, reigniting that legacy by addressing modern SUV trends. Post-2009 GM bankruptcy, Buick reinvented itself with globally sourced vehicles but maintained a connection to its past with the Enclave.

The Enclave was the largest of Buick’s four SUVs, standing out with its impressive dimensions and premium design, especially in the Avenir trim. The Avenir trim added exclusive grille patterns, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. The upscale theme extended inside, showcasing organic forms, minimalist instrumentation, and polished accents. The leather seats were perforated, piped, and embroidered, contributing to a sense of luxury, though the wood accents were not real.

The Enclave Avenir's cabin focused on simplicity, marred slightly by the complex electronic transmission shifter. However, the learning curve was short, ensuring that drivers felt at ease quickly.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sport came with a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was also standard in the XT6 Premium Luxury trim. The base XT6 Luxury model featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine generating 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The V6 engine offered ample power and smooth acceleration, complemented by the efficient nine-speed automatic that handled gear shifts seamlessly. The XT6 was available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), with the Sport trim exclusively AWD.

However, the XT6 Sport’s 4,690-pound weight presented driving dynamics challenges. The car's rear-midsection weight distribution, due to the AWD mechanics, impacted its agility compared to lighter competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, which exhibited better weight distribution and handling.

Fuel economy for the XT6 was competitive, with the turbo-four engine yielding an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined for AWD models. The V6-equipped FWD models achieved 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the AWD models came in slightly lower at 18/25 mpg city/highway respectively. The optional Smart Towing package added practicality for those requiring towing capabilities.

The 2021 Buick Enclave simplified its powertrain options, standardizing a 3.6-liter V6 engine across all trims, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and offering a choice between FWD and AWD. The V6 produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at an impressively low 2,800 rpm, contributing to strong acceleration and performance. Its maximum tow rating was a commendable 5,000 pounds.

The Enclave’s V6 engine provided vigorous performance, and the nine-speed automatic ensured seamless shifting. The FWD variant showcased a momentary wheel spin before traction control kicked in, maintaining a smooth driving experience.

The Avenir Technology Package option enhanced the suspension with continuously variable damping and added safety features like high-speed automatic emergency braking. This premium-tuned suspension adapted well to various driving conditions, offering comfort and control over pockmarked streets, residential speed humps, and canyon roads alike.

Fuel economy for the Enclave stood at an estimated 21 mpg combined. The Enclave’s 21.7-gallon fuel tank allowed for impressive travel distances, with a potential 460 miles on a full tank.

The Cadillac XT6 offered a practical interior for its target audience but fell short in comparing comfort and spaciousness with competitors like the Acura MDX. While comfortable, heated seats for the first two rows were a highlight, the overall seating experience wasn’t as plush.

Standard seating for seven could be adjusted to accommodate six with optional second-row captain’s chairs for $800. Adults could sit comfortably in the third row—a notable improvement over older midsize SUVs, although the XT6 still offered less headroom and legroom compared to models like the Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent.

Interior storage posed challenges, particularly in the front row where small storage solutions for everyday items were limited. The deep-pocket wireless phone charger also proved impractical.

The Cadillac XT6 excelled in cargo space with ample room behind the third-row seats. Power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats simplified usage, and the optional remote-folding second row further enhanced practicality despite a high cargo load floor.

In contrast, the Buick Enclave excelled in spaciousness and comfort. As one of the largest SUVs in the segment, it provided roominess and tranquility, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass for a serene cabin. The Avenir trim boasted 12-way and 10-way power-adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, wrapped in soft leather. A stylish, well-thought-out center console offered convenient storage options.

Seven-passenger seating was standard, with second-row captain’s chairs and a functional third-row bench seat. Although a second-row bench and side-window sunshades weren’t offered, the rear accommodations were user-friendly and comfortable.

The Buick Enclave’s ample cargo space included 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded and a hefty 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down. This made the Enclave a practical choice for larger cargo needs.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 provided adequate technology for its class but didn’t venture into cutting-edge territory. Standard features included an 8.0-inch touchscreen, tri-zone automatic climate control, and ample connectivity options like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and multiple USB ports. Audio enthusiasts could appreciate the eight-speaker Bose system, upgradeable to 14 speakers, paired with navigation.

However, the smaller infotainment screen felt cramped at times, detracting from the user experience. Optional upgrades like an air ionizer and enhanced wireless charging added convenience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s infotainment system met basic expectations, but it lagged behind competitors in screen size, smart home integration, and premium audio components. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot. While the interface was user-friendly and responsive, the 8-inch screen size and lack of advanced integrations were limiting factors.

Additional features like a premium sound system, navigation, and a surround-view camera system could be added, but a rear camera mirror provided innovative viewing options.

The Cadillac XT6 came well-equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and a high-definition rearview camera. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assist Package offered enhanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and reverse automatic braking.

However, the lane-keep assist system had limitations, especially in low visibility conditions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the XT6 a five-star frontal crash test rating and a four-star rollover crash test rating. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) designated the 2020 XT6 as a "Top Safety Pick+."

Conversely, the Buick Enclave’s availability of safety features varied by trim. While the Driver Confidence Plus Package offered comprehensive safety features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and parking sensors, these weren’t standard on lower trims. The most advanced safety features required higher trims and additional packages.

The NHTSA awarded the Enclave a five-star overall rating, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS gave it high marks, although marginal headlight performance impacted its rating.