2022 Cadillac XT6 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended into the crowded compact crossover market. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The color options were limited, with most being shades of gray, black, or white, and the more vibrant colors were hard to find on dealer lots. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of black, gray, or ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially at mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented a conservatively tailored image that fit well with the rest of Cadillac's lineup. The exterior featured polished 20-inch alloy wheels and Stellar Black paint, giving it a sleek, professional look. Inside, the XT6's Jet Black semi-aniline premium leather interior added a touch of luxury. However, the interior design, with its analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen, felt less sophisticated compared to its rivals. Despite the rich materials and advanced driving assistance technologies, the XT6's interior didn't feel as special or different from other GM crossovers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-performance driving but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, offered two engine options. The base model came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the Premium Luxury and Sport trims featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The V6 provided sufficient power and a pleasant engine sound, but it lacked the turbocharged zing of some competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping performance suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to its athletic handling, though it leaned more towards a serene driving experience rather than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 with all-wheel drive was rated at 21 mpg combined, with our test vehicle achieving 19.5 mpg.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded. The cargo area could be accessed via a manual tailgate on lower trims, a power tailgate on the EX-L, and a hands-free version on the Touring trim. Roof rails were only standard on the top-tier Touring trim. Overall, the CR-V provided ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, despite its three-row configuration, felt narrower inside compared to some of its competitors. The front seats were comfortable and wrapped in premium leather, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. The XT6 offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.7 cubic feet. Storage space within the cabin was decent but unremarkable, with some areas difficult to access. The XT6's interior space and storage capabilities were not as generous as those of the Buick Enclave.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity on the base LX trim, while higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system ranged from a 180-watt system with six speakers on lower trims to a 300-watt system with a subwoofer on the Touring trim. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and a wireless phone charger on the Touring trim.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 featured advanced technologies like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision system, and Super Cruise hands-free driving-assistance system. However, it lacked digital gauges, instead offering analog gauges with a driver information display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was smaller than those of competitors but featured excellent software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and natural voice recognition. The XT6's dashboard controls included touch-sensing buttons, which were not as user-friendly as physical knobs. The available Bose Performance Series premium audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award. Honda's approach to safety was commendable, offering the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features as standard on all trims. This included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim onwards.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 also offered a comprehensive list of safety features, especially with the optional Platinum Package. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The highlight was the Super Cruise system, which allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. However, Super Cruise had its limitations and required the driver to remain attentive. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all crash-test evaluations from the NHTSA.